1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle PSA 8 NM/MT

A 1953 Topps Mickey Mantle short-print conservatively graded PSA 8 NM/MT. Near perfect centering and a strong NM/MT to NM/MT+ perimeter combine with other high-end forces to make a very convincing argument for higher consideration, so convincing, in fact, that we submitted this card to PSA for review, thoroughly convinced of its superiority over the vast majority of the many 1953 Topps PSA 8's we've encountered over the years. Much to our angst, the card was returned with no indication whatsoever of the features precluding NM/MT+ 8.5 consideration. Maybe you'll have better luck! But even if you don't, the offered specimen is nevertheless extremely high-end, with qualities that easily put it within the top few dozen extant. In addition to its near perfect centering, front and back, and its sharp NM/MT or better perimeter, the image of the Yankee's young and powerful, lightening-quick, switch-hitting centerfielder is top notch, with accurate registration and bold colors profoundly impressed and deeply saturated. A single red pin dot of print in the upper field, mentioned here merely for the sake of accuracy, is the only hindrance to an otherwise NM/MT+ to even MINT surface. The reverse shows some grade-appropriate characteristics in the susceptible red name plate but is otherwise perfectly resplendent and noticeably sharp along the side and bottom edges. A premium example of a significant hobby-defining card that has done nothing but go up, up, and up over the last five years, with PSA 8 sales ranging by more than $6,000 on several occasions yet still consistently pointing up. How high this one goes should be a good measure of the relative health of our hobby despite downturns elsewhere. A very rare opportunity to acquire a significant hobby masterpiece offered at the very pinnacle of the opined grade of NM/MT 8 from PSA. Very sincerely recommended.