Summer Premium Live and Catalog Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2017
In 1952, the Topps Company, plotting a frontal assault on Bowman – the card-establishment monolith – conceived a set of baseball cards that would capture the market, once and for all. The cards would be bigger, brighter and far more glorious in every way, unlike anything young pack buyers had ever seen. They would feature statistics on their backs, bold “autographs” on their fronts, dancing, starry borders and eye-catching team logos. Every piece in this classic production breathes with character and seems to pulse with the life of the sport. Visually, the series is an optically choreographed gallery of color and nostalgia. And now, just as in 1952, the Topps set shares the stage with others, but takes a back seat to none of them.
Graded EX-MT+ 6.5 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his debut Topps gum card appearance. Presented is an icon of the collecting hobby, in the form of the universally desired '52 Topps depiction of Mickey Mantle. This example reveals splendid coloration in every aspect of the all-important player image. The superstar illustration's background field is pure and deeply inked, and the piece's surface gloss remains wholly impressive. The card's graphic elements – team logo and caption block – are unblemished, and its presentation reveals virtually no hint of scuffing. The back is unimpaired, and the corners and edges show light evidence of respectful circulation. The card's reverse is fundamentally pristine. This is an extremely tempting and attractive piece that's ideal for the middle-grade 1952 Topps set that so many enthusiasts aspire to complete. A centerpiece collectible, in Excellent to Mint-plus condition.