(LOT 15)
Amazing 1961 Topps #300 Mickey Mantle (SGC Gem Mint 98/10) - "1 of 1"; Highest Graded Example!
Seldom are we afforded the luxury of offering a "1 of 1; Highest Graded" Mickey Mantle cardboard masterpiece, yet courtesy of our revered consignor, presented here just happens to be one of the most miraculous Mickey Mantle cards in the hobby. This breathtaking SGC "Gem Mint 98/10" 1961 Topps #300 Mickey Mantle marvel just happens to be the SOLE example on SGC's illustrious census report copy and the finest of its kind! If that doesn't "wet your appetite" enough, consider that PSA has encapsulated approximately 6,100 specimens with only 2 meager copies existing at the pinnacle "10" plateau.

Just as significant as the grade are the pristine aesthetics that do not reveal a single blemish, whatsoever, and while two other PSA '10's" exist, we simply cannot imagine those cards matching the impeccable eye appeal of this flawless offering. What more can we say about the legendary Mickey Mantle that isn't already known throughout the memorabilia circuit. Due to the unequivocal prestige of his 1952 Topps Rookie card, his remaining high-grade Topps issues continue to soar in popularity with this captivating 1961 Topps gem ranking as the "best of the rest".

Who could possibly forget that magical 1961 season when Mantle and Maris exploded right out of the gate in April with a home run parade that would challenge arguably baseball's most prestigious single season record; the "Babe's" majestic 60 round-trippers. While it was Maris who eventually eclipsed the "Bambino's" mark, their classic battle will forever be embedded in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts. The sheer embodiment of courage, Mantle's awe-inspiring power and blazing speed are world-class qualities synonymous with this quintessential offering.

"Pack-Fresh" in every conceivable way, Mantle's extraordinary portrait image, bat over shoulder, depicts magnificent contrast and crystal-clear focus, with the image exhibiting virtually "dead-on" 50/50 centering between four blinding white borders. Sparkling hues ably project the world-class pose with Mickey's classic pinstripe uniform and iconic Yankee cap further elevating the brilliant illustration. The perfect right-angle corners end at blistering sharp corner tips, no surface imperfections are evident, and an immaculate verso complete this 56-year old keepsake that appears as if an avid young baseball fan just pulled it from a 1961 Topps wax pack.

Synonymous with "The Mick's" stratospheric home runs, this supreme offering would be a colossal addition to any sophisticated enthusiast's Mantle or 1961 Topps PSA Registered compilations, and via its seemingly infinite array of "perfect" technical attributes, arguably qualifies it as the finest preserved specimen extant!

MIN BID $7,500