This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/10/2017
While it's always been one of the standard-bearers of the baseball card market, the past few years have seen the 1952 Topps Mantle reach a level of unprecedented value and popularity that few could have predicted, specifically in the higher grades but realistically in every grade down to AUTHENTIC. Listed as the #1 most important post-war issue and second only to the legendary T206 Honus Wagner, the '52 Topps Mantle is plentiful enough for any ambitious collector to acquire one but also exclusive enough that most collectors who are so determined are relegated to having to settle for a low grade example. Those fortunate enough to move up to the mid-grades and are ready to join the bidding for a clean, well-presented SGC 60 EX 5 example should take a long, serious look at the featured card. Though centered toward the left side with a mild clockwise turn, not uncommon for any member of the challenged '52 Topps high-number series, what is particularly notable, and generally most desired in a specimen of this stature, is a stunning central image that rivals any in its grade and many assessed significantly higher. The vivid and robust image of Mantle against that familiar, deeply-saturated aqua-blue backdrop shows no sign of blemishes or other unwanted surface marks. The corners show light wear and enamel loss technically commensurate with a mid-grade example though projecting slightly better than EX with an overall sharpness more in line with EX+ or even EX/MT. The reverse is largely problem-free save for the aforementioned framing with no other obvious liabilities. This icon offers an unusually bright and well-presented central image for the grade, and after all, isn't that the most desired characteristic of such a quintessential issue?