(LOT 884)
1958 Topps #418 M.Mantle/H.Aaron "World Series Batting Foes" PSA 9 MINT - Highest Graded PSA Example!
The 1957 Fall Classic would pit the mighty New York Yankees against the Milwaukee Braves, with an upstart Braves team upsetting the Bronx Bombers in a nail-biting seven-game series. Interestingly enough, two of our National Pastime's greatest all-time players, Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron, would match up against each other in this spectacular Fall Classic. With both players claiming MVP Awards for their respective leagues and posting two of their finest seasons ever, it would be a sheer battle of "the best." Hammerin' Hank would ultimately out-perform "The Mick", with Aaron belting three round-trippers, knocking in seven runs and posting a sensational .393 series average (versus Mantle's one homer and two R.B.I.s). The Topps Chewing Gum Company celebrated this historic event by issuing a #418 subject within their popular 1958 set titled "WORLD SERIES BATTING FOES – MICKEY MANTLE – HANK AARON."

One of the most coveted issues from the 1950s, presented here just happens to be the highest graded PSA 9 MINT example, with not a single PSA 10 listed on their illustrious population report. Rare for the grade, only 0.3% of the 5,050+ PSA encapsulated copies have managed to achieve "9 MINT" status. The highlight of this heart-skipping marvel are the two batting poses of Mantle and Aaron, with the iconic switch-hitter batting lefty and Aaron revealing his classic right-handed stance that led to 755 homers. Atypical virtually spot-on 50/50 centering and four snow white borders project the sparkling hued image to unprecedented heights, with the final superlatives being right-angled corners and breathtaking pack-fresh surfaces. Ironically, the following year would see the Yankees exact revenge on the Braves, turning the tables and besting Milwaukee in another enthralling seven-game contest. One of the most desirable and valuable cards from the 1958 Topps set, this highest graded gem portrays two of baseball greatest immortals, who captured the hearts of a captivated Nation their entire careers!

MIN BID $7,500
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