This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/19/2016
There used to be a time where the difference in price of a half-grade increase, or even a full grade increase for that matter, of a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card wasn't so spacious that the advanced collector could consider "moving up" if a higher graded specimen was markedly more appealing. Those days are gone, with the price of a PSA 7 two years ago being less than what it takes just to upgrade from PSA 6 to PSA 7 today. We're proud to be able four different 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards in this auction, each at a different grade level, giving our incredible bidders an opportunity to land the specific card that fits their price point. The premier sports card of the post-war era, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is unique in that collectors will gladly take one in any condition. Even the most tattered specimen is a welcoming sight, adding instant credibility for any collector who can truthfully claim, "Yeah, I've got a '52 Topps Mantle!" With the recent exponential rise in prices, many 1952 Topps set builders feel like they've been left behind, unable to add a suitable example of "The Commerce Comet" that even comes close to matching the grade level of the rest of their set. Since there doesn't seem to be any letting up in the rising prices of Topps' flagship card, it would be wise for the savvy collector with the appropriate means to land this PSA 6 example while it's still possible. At this grade level, every interested party has to prioritize as to what characteristics are most important. The featured card is typical of most '52 Topps Mantles, and most cards in the high-number series for that matter, in that it has a centering bias toward the right side, which isn't overly intrusive given that the top to bottom centering is virtually dead-on. That said, the other characteristics of the card, from the clean, well-delivered central image to the unusually squared look of the corners, are above and beyond expectations for the grade. The reverse is of equal quality, predominantly clean with deep print and some light discoloration near the bottom edge. Sure, you'll find better centered examples out there, but they almost certainly won't offer corners and edges that stand up to scrutiny as this one does. Worthy of a mid-grade collection and a fantastic specimen that will likely continue to rise in demand for years to come!