This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2014
The current high bid for the complete set, $442,500.00, is greater than the aggregate total of the bids on the single cards that comprise this set, $356,330.00 (this lot is currently losing)
Like buying rare artwork, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card holds a distinction that defies the edict of a simple price guide or often the respected opinion of the industry's recognized experts. For virtually any other card produced by Topps that has been graded by PSA, the grade dictates the approximate value, the collector adds it to an assemblage of like condition and life goes on. But no, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, card #311, ... this card is special! And while collectors fortunate enough to be in the market for one respect the PSA grade and acknowledge that the card will have strengths and weaknesses, the purchase of such a preeminent masterpiece ultimately comes down to preference, whether that's outstanding centering, above-grade endpoints, superior image quality, or a consistent if unremarkable balance of all three. The featured pasteboard is the cornerstone of one of the greatest master sets ever assembled and has been graded PSA 7. As is often the case with the condition-troubled 1952 high number run, the presented example bears a right side centering bias that is extremely common to the issue. But this beauty has one of the most admirably delivered central images we've ever seen, and we've handled quite a few over the years! The iconic "bat on shoulder pose" that every knowledgeable collector has immediately come to recognize is displayed with exceptional clarity and supported by an exhilarating aqua-blue background that will capture your eye with its gratifying boldness and depth. The endpoints show minor chipping that can be seen under magnification but rate slightly above grade and appear even better to the naked eye. The reverse is printed in sharp red and black color, perfectly focused on the gray canvas with no stray print whatsoever. Few specimens, even ones that reside a half to full point higher, can claim to match the magnetism and overall allure of this iconic tour de force!