Late Summer Auction SESSION 2 CLOSING SEPT 21 10PM EASTERN FOR INITIAL BIDS
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/21/2020
Encapsulated and assessed "Authentic - Altered" by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his debut Topps gum card appearance. Mickey Mantle's 1952 Topps card has become one of the symbols of our hobby and is instantly recognized, even by non-collectors. Every fan of the vintage game covets a Topps "rookie" card of Mickey Mantle, and no serious baseball card collection can be considered complete without one. The offered example lays claim to what must have been a fascinating history. The card wasn't touched only gingerly, then carefully put away. Instead, it experienced a journey, during which it was clearly handled by many, then stored under inauspicious circumstances. (Surprisingly, the term "weathered" doesn't appear in any third-party authentication company's list of grading standards.) Thorough examination of the card reveals numerous wrinkles, scrapes, surface disruptions and points of erosion among its technical "faults" and "alterations." Furthermore, its top border has been unceremoniously sheared, resulting in the loss of about an eighth of an inch. So, yes, the piece has been physically compromised. But every one of these features suggests a story in the mind of the thoughtful observer, and their aggregate effect speaks to what must have been a grand and winding, 68-year-long path toward the present day. Now, at this point in time, the emotionally captivating relic stands as a relatively affordable but nonetheless credible specimen. This unique and intriguing collectible presents a special opportunity for the budget-conscious enthusiast to own one of the industry's most desirable and treasured items.