Graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by PSA, the only example at its superior level. No specimen of this item has ever received a higher, unqualified PSA grade. Hall of Famer. Berk Ross's multi-sport "Hit Parade of Champions" release gave the hobby this visually engaging – and very seldom-seen – 1952 Mickey Mantle collectible.

The incredibly well-centered portrayal adorning this fabulous, high-grade example carries all the glamour and excitement inherent in other of the slugger's early mementos, and adds a dash of mystery and uniqueness, too. The result is an aesthetic that always delights enthusiasts. On the cardfront of the offered piece, an expected and desirable measure of light toning nicely accentuates Mantle's image, which, in turn, benefits from an unbelievably fine quality of registration. On this "blazer" from an originally perforated issue – a card which, by rights, should be regarded as the industry's only borderline "9" copy – the points of one-time attachment at the edges and lower-left corner still bear delicate fiber arrangements indicative of gentle separation; these are never-touched in character, even under magnification, and are absolutely not a consequence of wear. Here's the industry's third '52 Mantle card – without which no serious New York Yankees collection realizes true fulfillment – in exquisitely fresh Near Mint to Mint-plus condition.

Auction Notepad