May 2012 Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
5/25/2012
Precise centering and a noticeably vibrant and pixel-perfect print registration are the primary highlights to this presentable 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle high-number, offered in the pleasing and comparatively accomplished grade of EX 5 from PSA. Stalwart NM to even NM/MT edges show a resilient and predominantly chip-free circumference between the corners, which themselves show uniform EX to EX/MT qualities at top and more thoroughly formed EX/MT points at bottom. Some periphery toning and a few grade appropriate surface imperfections appear to be the primary catalyst for the accurate assessment, which teeters on EX+ given the card's uncommonly accurate centering. Indeed, the overwhelming majority of examples in the mid-grade range from EX 5 to NM 7 typically show severe centering biases, top to bottom and/or left to right, and so this example should certainly command a premium for its unquestionably accurate alignment, which borders even closer to perfection on back than it does on front. Likewise, the richly saturated red and black colors on back accurately mirror the prominent and powerfully impressed colors on front, which show exceptional skin tones throughout The Mick's sharp facial features as well as a deep and uninterrupted sea of glossy blue-green teal in the backdrop. It is important to note that the miniscule white fleck along the upper left edge is not a print defect, as it can be found on all 1952 Topps Mantles of the Type 2 variety, which also shows an incomplete black box around the yellow box providing the background to the Yankees logo, while the small white fleck evident in Mantle's powerful neck is one of the aforementioned surface imperfections preventing even higher consideration. Without question one of the finest and most presentable '52 Mantles you will ever encounter in the offered grade of Excellent 5 from PSA.
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