This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/12/2021
Presented is the alluring rendition of what many consider to be Mickey Mantle’s Topps rookie card (although advanced hobbyists know that the 1951 Bowman card is his true rookie card). As with no other card in our entire hobby, much of the adoration and joy derived from the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card is done solely on the ownership of the card; more so it is almost as if the very possession of a #311 high number card of Mantle is a right of passage from a mere mortal card hoarder to an advanced pasteboard enthusiast. The featured collectible presents at a level that most collectors before the advent of professional grading would have assuredly agreed to grade EX+ to even EX/MT. The offered recently graded trophy keepsake was thought to have been graded EX 5 by PSA when we sent the card to the SoCal experts who identified a nearly indiscernible ever so slight wrinkle of about 1/2" on the reverse horizontally underneath the "E" in Mantle in the red portion of the card where the nameplate is. The featured card's characteristics are far superior to any VG 3 that I have ever encountered, with bright white boarders giving way to an immense azure blue background and flesh tones that give the card an amazing and punctuating appearance. The surface appears exceptionally impressive with no pitfalls and an abundance of spectacular gloss. Each of the four corners stand at attention and are far more in line with a grade of EX or even better than the assessed grade. The reverse is a splendid presentation of crimson and slate gray with only a very slight imperfection of a minor stain which also appears on the obverse of the card but in no way detracts from this card's superior appearance. A delightful card offered at the very top end of the offered grade with an appearance of a card far superior.