(LOT 58)
1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle (PSA 8)
The unparalleled mystique of the 1952 Topps Mantle is here to stay, and no one will argue that Mantle's 1952 Topps image will forever be embedded in hobby folklore. Unfortunately, a considerable number of advanced collectors simply cannot afford the current stratospheric price tags of a high grade 1952 Topps Mantle rookie card. While not the hallowed Topps rookie card, the Mick's 2nd year 1953 Topps subject has gained considerable prestige over the years via its incredible stoic lithographic Mantle portrait image as well as being the 1952 rookie card's successor. Presented here is a spectacular 1953 Topps 2nd- year Mantle in a PSA 8 holder; with only 2.9% of the 3,100+ encapsulated copies fortunate enough to achieve this stratospheric assessment and a meager 0.4% (14 examples) graded higher! No baseball player could possibly equal Mickey Mantle's post-WWII popularity.

Without question, his mystique remains unparalleled in the card market, yet considering that his lifetime batting statistics were not overwhelming, you sometimes ponder as to the root of Mantle's unequivocal fame. Characteristics such as his inconceivable power, long tape measure home runs and overall love for the game have, undoubtedly, elevated his godly stature. He was Goliath, Davey Crockett, John Wayne and Joe DiMaggio all rolled up into one super icon, the ultimate embodiment of a National hero. Worshiped by millions of young American boys, Mantle's legacy continues to steamroll ahead, and it is no secret that his early 1950's cards continue to realize record breaking prices with each and every sale.

This outstanding 2nd year Topps specimen portrays a truly flawless lithographic pose of the "Mick", bursting with vitality and a pristine array of colored hues that place it as "pack fresh" quality. Atypical for this issue, the image is well-centered, portraying only a slight favoritism towards the right edge. Blinding white borders, near-perfect surfaces, right-angled corner tips and a virtually flawless lower red border (that typically reveals obtrusive chipping near the edges), and a super clean verso all combine to substantiate the hallowed "8" grade. As previously stated, early 1950's Mantle cards appear to know no boundaries with regard to their ultimate value, and considering PSA 8 '52 Topps specimens are achieving $500K+ price tags, now is the time to capture this highly coveted second year high-grade Topps marvel!

MIN BID $12,500

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