This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/20/2015
While normally at the end of the description, we felt so completely confident in its accuracy that it should be stated right up front; you will not find a more appealing specimen at this grade than the featured example. Of course any card graded PSA 5, whether its a hobby icon like the '52 Topps Mantle or a modern day common, is not going to be anywhere near perfect and will exhibit drawbacks as they pertain to centering, perimeter strength, image quality, surface quality or any combination of the four. With the acquisition of such a high-profile specimen such as this, personal preferences come into play as to which imperfections are "more tolerable" than others. Ultimately, the "best case scenario" for collectors is a situation where the card is visually superior to the grade but possesses some technical flaw that, while barely detectable to the naked eye, must be factored in the overall assessment. In simple terms, a card that is uncommonly beautiful for the grade. And with such a legendary issue as the 1952 Topps Mantle, a card that can vary greatly in price at any given grade level based on appearance, this absolute stunner should be on the radar of any advanced collector in the market for a 1952 Topps Mantle in a PSA 5 grade. While centered just a shade toward the northwest but well within parameters for a NM or even NM/MT specimen, the real headliner is the central image, an untarnished work of art that offers a canvas of deep, rich color and outstanding registration. The image of Mantle, golden bat resting on his shoulder, is simply spot-on while the vivid blue field in the backdrop allows for no deficiencies save for a stray speck or two. The perimeter impresses as well with each corner rating EX to EX/MT, primarily from typical enamel loss at the tips that have only a minor affect on their visual crispness. Honestly, we've seen examples graded as high as PSA 7 that don't have the visual appeal that this card offers. What prevents a higher PSA assessment is a barely detectable line that runs northward from the center of the bottom edge into the nameplate. It really wouldn't be fair to call it a crease, or even a wrinkle for that matter, but more like a minor crack in the surface. It's mildly noticeable once you know it's there and even our high-quality scans at magnification can't make it obvious. As far as defects go that would limit an otherwise superior specimen, this has to be one of the most benign overall. In conclusion, though it's just a matter of stating the obvious once again, it is our belief that you will not find a more appealing specimen at this grade than the featured example.