Winter Auction 2017 Ending January 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2017
Graded 50 VG/EX 4 by SGC. Hall of Famer, in his debut Topps gum card appearance. Presented is a Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card that boasts striking visual appeal for its grade. The exceptionally deep coloration of this card, especially its familiar aqua-hued background, retains a large measure of its brightness. The slugger's bat is an almost luminescent yellow, and the white interlocking "NY" on the front of Mickey's cap contrasts sharply against dark navy blue. The central image enjoys nicely balanced centering within an attractively white framework. All four corners are more solidly defined than the grading evaluation leads the observer to expect, and the reverse is clearly printed. Strictly speaking, the card's formal assessment, apparently based almost entirely on evidence of respectful handling at the edges and in the borders, is accurately ascribed. Upon viewing this card, however, most collectors would agree that it possesses an appearance that is superior to what one imagines upon hearing the term "VG/EX." This is the Mick's most famous card, presented in alluring and thoroughly worthy Very Good to Excellent condition. **As a point of reference on value, the most recent 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle SGC 50 VG/EX 4 example sold by Goldin Auctions realized nearly $54,000 in the company's Winter 2016 Auction (Lot #9).**