On Display: 1962 Topps Willie Mays, PSA 9 Mint
Issued: 1962 by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
Card Number: #300
Population: Over 3,700 graded; only 9 PSA 9, 1 PSA 10
Hall of Fame Induction: 1979
Career Highlights: 660 HR | .302 AVG | 12 Gold Gloves | 24x All-Star | 2x MVP
“Willie Mays is the greatest all-around player I ever saw. He could do it all – hit, run, field, throw – and make it look effortless.” — Stan Musial
With only nine known PSA 9 Mint examples out of more than 3,700 graded, this 1962 Topps #300 Willie Mays card ranks among the rarest and most revered treasures of the postwar hobby. A mere 0.2% have earned this elite grade, and only one has ever achieved the elusive PSA 10 Gem Mint—a testament to the extreme condition sensitivity of the 1962 Topps set, known for its delicate faux wood-grain borders that are notoriously prone to chipping and wear.
This card’s preservation over more than six decades is nothing short of miraculous. The borders remain pristine, the surfaces immaculate, and the colors vivid, evoking the look and feel of a freshly opened wax pack from a 1962 candy counter. The card’s centered batting image captures Willie Mays mid-swing—his signature smile and effortless power a snapshot of baseball perfection.
In 1962, Mays was at the height of his powers, leading the San Francisco Giants to the National League pennant with a staggering 49 home runs and 141 RBIs. Though the Giants would fall to the Yankees in a dramatic seven-game World Series, Mays further cemented his place in baseball history. At that time, he and Mickey Mantle stood as the sport’s undisputed titans—towering figures who defined an era of excellence.
Willie Mays’ legacy is reflected not just in statistics—660 home runs, 3,283 hits, a .302 lifetime average, and legendary defense—but in his status as arguably the greatest five-tool player the game has ever known. His influence reached far beyond the box score, as he inspired generations with his joy, grace, and all-around mastery of the sport.
It is a cornerstone of baseball history, pairing the peak of athletic performance with the highest standards of preservation.