This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/21/2023
The premier sports card of the post-war era, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card in any grade instantly vaults the status of any collection to the elite level. Any hobbyist looking to add one to their collection at the mid-grade level has to make a determination as to whether they want one that excels in some areas and lacks in others, or is evenly consistent in all facets. The featured card checks all the boxes for the latter. Centering is the most obvious liability with the 1952 Topps high-number series and the Mantle card in particular, but the featured PSA 5.5 example excels in that regard for the grade, relatively well-centered with a slight lean toward the right side and a very mild clockwise turn. The corners are commensurate with the grade, a combination of EX and EX/MT endpoints that encase that iconic image of "The Commerce Comet", showing mild imperfections on the surface but projecting that legendary image with pride. The reverse is wonderfully clean and impressive, offering an overall appearance above the stated assessment by PSA. This a very sharp-looking, consistent specimen with no glaring weaknesses that project significantly below the coveted EX/MT+ grade. Whether it's to anchor a mid-grade assemblage or serve as the key piece to an advanced collection, this beauty will satisfy!