(LOT 126)
1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle PSA 2 GOOD
In 1951, another New York Yankee earned the coveted American League Rookie of the Year award, but that rookie was not Mickey Mantle. It was Gil McDougald. Only McDougald and Cleveland Indians & Chicago White Sox left fielder Minnie Minoso earned votes, though Mickey posted considerable numbers despite playing only 96 games. A near-career-ending midseason slump that earned him a trip back to the minors to "sort things out" got the Mick back in the game and on track to hit 13 homers and drive in 65 while batting .267 for the year. Mickey would get his, however, as he overcame the pressure of being the next Joe DiMaggio, swatting 536 home runs, earning 20 All-Star invitations, and capturing three American League MVPs and seven World Series titles in 18 seasons. In 1956, Muscles led the league in batting (.353), home runs (52) and RBIs to win the Triple Crown, the MVP and his fourth World Series. More than 50 years after his retirement, Mickey Mantle remains the career home run leader for World Series play with 18 total. Though many of his off-field exploits left much to be desired, The Mick was a genuine role model and, dare I say, superhero to millions of children across the US.

So it's no wonder that Mantle's 1952 Topps #311 rookie card would be one of the most sought-after cardboard keepsakes in the hobby. No matter the grade, the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle is the marquee issue of any baseball card collection or assembly, certain to hold the spotlight over virtually any and all contemporaries or examples in a treasured gathering. Hobby enthusiasts and experts all know the importance and value of the high-end Mickey Mantle issues from 1952, with an SGC 9.5 yielding an alarming $12.6 million in 2022, but numbers like this far surpass the reasonable budget that Mantle worshippers and collectors allot to own a 1952 Topps #311 example of their own. According to Vintage Card Prices, PSA 7.5 and down range under the million dollar price point, and low-grade issues have been snagged for under $100K in recent months. In 2024, The Mick's Rookie from '52 hammered at nearly $51,600 and $36,600 on back-to-back days in June, respectively. So, while the market remains somewhat volatile, ebbing and flowing with continued mind-boggling numbers, it still all comes down to two bidders wanting the same card.

The offered 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle in a PSA 2 GOOD holder is an example that is affordable and desirable for its genuine rarity. This 2 GOOD issue displays evenly touched corners and strong borders, but brilliant bold colors of the 20-year-old superstar with his bat on his shoulder. Creasing can be seen at the upper left corner and an approximate tear is visible along the left border and subsequent back revealing light paper loss. The back, however, is very clean aside from the upper edge defect. NOTHING, however, can take away from the beauty of this masterfully designed card featuring one of the greatest players in Yankees and Major League Baseball history.

MIN BID $10,000
_