(LOT 29)
1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle PSA Authentic
MICKEY MANTLE ROOKIE!!! Collectors and baseball enthusiasts across the globe are well-versed and aware of the significance of the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, which achieved record-setting sales prices and has a mystique unlike any other collectible. However, in the case of "The Wagner" reaching and surpassing record after record price, it seemed more mythical and unattainable for the everyday collector, whereas anybody could have a Mantle rookie. By the 1950s, the trading card, and specifically baseball card, industry was in full stride following the releases of the heralded 1933 Goudey set, the 1948 Leaf set, the late-'40s and early-'50s Bowman sets, and ultimately the 1952 Topps inaugural issue.

During this era, Mickey Mantle was THE card that fans, collectors and kids clamored to get their hands on, no matter the set or year. When Topps jumped into the game in the early 1950s, the '51 Red and Blue back sets failed to stun, but the 1952 Topps Baseball set truly astonished not only with the size, but also with the absolutely magnificently colorful lithographic imagery of each player's depiction. Released in six series, the sixth and final series is launched with #311 Mickey Mantle followed by #312 Jackie Robinson, #313 Bobby Thomson, #314 Roy Campanella and #315 Leo Durocher, as a veritable Who's Who of stars.

Demand for the Commerce Comet's rookie issue, and others, rabid Yankees fans and Baby Boomers helped drive the trading card market and The Mick was one of the most collectible subjects that the hobby has ever seen. But in recent years, Mantle has rivaled the famed Wagner Card and surpassed it as the most expensive card in the hobby as well as the most sought-after (in any grade). Offered here is a 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie card encased Authentic Altered. Presenting sensational eye-appeal, this still colorful and attractive Mantle Topps Rookie continues to boast a rich aquamarine with bright yellow and white accent hues surrounding the respectably centered subject. Visible creasing is evident horizontally across the center and at the upper left corner, scattered surface abrasions, and some moderate corner rounding here. Water marks on the reverse and minor soiling all serve to attest to the Authentic Altered assessment, but there is nothing that can detract from the central Mick image that stands strong in the PSA holder.

MIN BID $7,500
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