This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/6/2016
While the hobby has recently witnessed staggering escalation in the sale price of NM/MT examples of Mickey Mantle's 1952 Topps card, the phenomenon is by no means restricted to that particular pasteboard. Becoming increasingly popular and highly coveted amongst collectors is another card from the heralded '52 Topps issue: that of the fabulous Mr. Willie Mays. In many ways, the parallel in demand for these two cards is not unrelated: each has an earlier appearance in the 1951 Bowman release, each is a world-class Hall of Famer, and each has a magnificently powerful and visually appealing representation in the '52 Topps set. However, many collectors are coming to terms with the fact that Mays was quite simply a better all-around player, and demand for his first Topps card is reflected in that realization. The tendered example has been graded NM/MT 8 by the professional evaluators at PSA, but in many ways offers visual appeal in excess of the technical assessment. First and foremost, the royal purple backdrop remains thunderous in appearance, deeply saturated and showing no signs of fading over the passing decades. The image of the immortal Hall of Famer is presented with stunning contrast and clarity, and corners easily meet the standards for the opined grade. Importantly, three of the most often-encountered condition obstacles in the issue seem to be non-issues on this example: the image is offered without the customary tilt on the cardboard canvas, centering is not perfect but certainly appealing and more than adequate for the grade, and the borders are clean and almost entirely devoid of errant print marks. An ample layer of original factory gloss enhances the features of the obverse, while the reverse is blemish-free and boldly struck in captivating red pigment. To date, just 10 examples have graded higher from over 1,620 submissions, clearly establishing this tremendous artifact among the premier copies in existence. Given the trend of explosive sales prices across the hobby spectrum, it would be highly advisable to add this spectacular cardboard keepsake to your world-class collection today!