2019 Winter Auction Closing March 2
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/2/2019
Graded VG-EX 4 by PSA. Hall of Famer. This is one of five examples at its tier (with just one graded higher) among a total of thirty-one copies recorded in PSA's census reporting. In a classic demonstration of giving one's customers a taste of the action to come when introducing a new product, Topps placed these reigning superstars together, on a single card, early in the 1962 issue's first series. Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle were at the height of their individual fame, and legions of young collectors appreciated the great athletes' unique joint appearance in this enduringly treasured portrayal. This particular "Managers' Dream" example was distributed in Venezuela, and – although quite similar to a "standard" '62 Topps #18 collectible – the coarse cardstock and Spanish-language text defines this relic's true origin. In South America, however, large quantities of vintage gum cards were destroyed by album-mounting and glue. Simply, very few of these cherished varieties have endured to find their way into modern collections. Largely unobtrusive amounts of natural wear, along with a fresh looking Mantle-Mays depiction, afford this example a rightful place in the finest advanced or specialized baseball card assembly. Very Good to Excellent condition.