(LOT 54)
Remarkable 1952 Topps #311 SIGNED Mickey Mantle w/an Amazing PSA Mint 9 Autograph Grade - "1 of Only 11" Total PSA Certified Examples!
The appearance of any 1952 Topps Mantle immediately arouses the interest of the sophisticated collector. While this iconic cardboard keepsake has always been the post-WWII "Holy Grail" of the baseball card hobby, it was some 3 years ago that its value soared to stratospheric heights! Indeed, PSA 8 examples have realized values up to $525,000; an amazing figure considering there are currently 32 "PSA 8" examples listed on the illustrious PSA "Pop" chart, and the fact that PSA 8 specimens were selling in the $70K-$80K range in 2013. Interestingly enough, since the '52 Topps Mantle embarked on this this seemingly infinite-like pricing surge card, not a single AUTOGRAPHED example has surfaced for the taking.

The absence of a signed 1952 Topps Mantle should not come as a complete surprise to advanced enthusiasts considering PSA's population report only lists 11 meager examples carrying Mickey Mantle's legendary script or roughly one- third of the total PSA 8 scripted examples! With that in mind, Memory Lane is proud to present an extraordinary signed 1952 Topps Mantle sporting a breathtaking PSA "Mint 9" autograph grade! The extremely bold blue sharpie script situated neatly below Mantle's chin is arguably the boldest we have ever seen on ANY Mantle card, and coupled with the stellar aesthetics of the card itself, unquestionably places this scarce offering as a world-class collectible. The manner in which the Mantle 1952 Topps subject achieved its current mystique may never achieve full resolution, but it is surely "here to stay", with only the T206 Honus Wagner "Holy Grail" arguably surpassing the stature of "The Mick's" inaugural '52 Topps subject.

This cardboard marvel's sudden rise to stardom in the late 80's and early 90's ably assisted the overall market stature, with its incredible pricing points redefining one's perspective for utilizing cardboard heirlooms as viable investment options. Typical with any market commodity, the investment values of valuable baseball cards likewise run in cycles, and the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, dubbed the post-WWII "Holy Grail", is now experiencing an amazing pricing surge for all grade levels that have re-written its overall value. PSA 8 examples are fetching over $500K, a staggering number considering the PSA "pop" chart lists 32 graded examples. One would have to ponder what the "true" value of a superb eye pleasing "Mint 9" autographed signed specimen is worth that is one of only 11 encapsulated total copies! The fine aesthetics of this rare offering is synonymous with Mantle's magnificent legacy, starting with the classic bat over shoulder pose portraying a bold aqua-marine blue background.

Excellent centering includes approximately 40/60 "top to bottom" and virtually 50/50 "side to side" positioning. Accounting for the grade are a few stray wrinkles in the upper right and lower left quadrants, as well as some faint soiling along the central left border, barely visible to the naked eye. The aforementioned bold blue sharpie "9" signature is scripted between Mantle's chin and classic batting grip, with the final exclamation point a relatively clean verso. No doubt, the recent tsunami-like pricing up-ticks coupled with any 1952 Topps Mantle justify this signed example's elite stature. The "Commerce Comet" redefined the confines of every ballpark, with his mammoth blasts besting even the furthest fences, and it is no surprise that his most heralded baseball card issue is currently experiencing a seemingly unbounded pricing surge with no apparent end in sight.

Had it not been for "truckloads" of 1952 Topps high-number vending cases being dumped into New York's murky waters, 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 a PSA 8.5 unsigned example recently fetching a staggering $1.135 Million, we can only imagine the positive impact it will have on all '52 Topps Mantles, let alone an extremely obscure signed specimen that stands as one of only 11 PSA encapsulated copies. Indeed, only 11 PSA encapsulated copies or a mere fraction of the 32 PSA 8 graded specimens that are worth approximately $500K+. While it has come to our attention that a signed example sold privately in excess of $200,000 earlier this year, we will let you, the sophisticated collector, ultimately decide what this seemingly priceless treasure is truly worth!

Please keep in mind, if the winner of this card wants to get the card graded, Memory Lane guarantees a grade for the cards condition from any mainstream third party grading company.
MIN BID $15,000

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