Lot # 34: 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle Rookie PSA Authentic Altered

Category: 1950-1959

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 29 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall Rarities Auction 2021",
which ran from 9/25/2021 12:00 PM to
10/9/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 34)
1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle Rookie PSA Authentic Altered

There are times when the technical "Authentic" assessment should be clearly overlooked, and this magnificent 1952 Topps PSA Authentic Mickey Mantle marvel certainly suffices as one of those instances! It is no secret that the 1952 Topps Mantle card resides as one of the hottest cards in the hobby with daily price tags surging to record numbers, whether the card is high- or low-grade, with the "eye appeal" appearing to be the consistent driver of "off the chart" hammer prices. Substantiating that notion is an August 2020 $51K public sale for a PSA "Authentic" '52 Topps Mantle, with another eye pleasing "Authentic" example fetching over $30K in March of this year. With that in mind, we strongly point to the breathtaking aesthetics of this rather astonishing specimen that, at first glance, appears to warrant a strong mid-grade. Yet, via close scrutiny, we can only assume that it was the opinion of the PSA grader(s) this grand offering was subjected to some slight edge trimming (particularly along the upper edge), accounting for the "Authentic/Altered" assessment.
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Most significantly, however, are the breathtaking aesthetics that are far more prevalent than the strict grade, starting with a near-perfectly centered image of "The Mick". Atypical to say the least, finding an extremely well centered 1952 Topps Mantle is one of the most excruciating chores in the hobby, with most of these subjects revealing skewed images. The amazing eye appeal of this museum worthy masterpiece is synonymous with Mantle's magnificent legacy, starting with the classic bat over shoulder pose portraying a sparkling aquamarine blue background that exhibits only a few areas of spotted "snow". You can literally feel Mickey's curious nature as he gazes into the future with a youthful innocence that would eventually lead to his immortal Yankee standing. Simply stated, the crystal clear clarity, sparkling facial hues, gleaming front surface, relatively clean white borders, no glaring surface creases, right-angled corners reflecting EX-MT to Near Mint strength and a clean verso all contribute to the "awe-inspiring" visual appeal.

Had it not been for "truckloads" of 1952 Topps high-number vending cases being dumped into the Atlantic's murky waters off the coast of New Jersey, the incredible mystique of the '52 Topps Mantle might have never been born. Yet, the reality of this card standing tall as our hobby's post-war "Holy Grail" shines forth today similar to an unparalleled beacon, with its uncontested popularity the driver of its redefined value. With the sales of any aesthetically pleasing examples continuing to soar like an American eagle, we will let you, the sophisticated enthusiast, ultimately decide the true value of this magnificent example that stands as an archetypal candidate for the card's unlimited growth potential!

MIN BID $5,000
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