This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/16/2015
Unquestionably a Mount Rushmore card and the most important post-war baseball card in the entire hobby, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle has seen a tremendous surge in popularity in recent years, with examples in any condition in even greater demand than ever before. And why not? It is arguably the most powerful and visually appealing pasteboard ever produced, with a captivating image that would be compelling even if it was a common player. But as we all know, the Mick was certainly no common player. And with cases upon cases of high-number '52 Topps cards condemned to a watery grave to make room in the Topps warehouse for football cards, surviving examples of the Commerce Comet aren't likely to decrease in popularity any time soon. The offered example, graded by the stringent SGC appraisers at the 80 EX/NM 6 level, shows solid NM or better corners all the way around, with robust, profound color schematics and light factory rough cuts along the right and bottom edges. The mesmerizing aqua-blue backdrop supports a brilliantly registered and well-focused image of the immortal Hall of Famer, while the flesh tones of the face and neck contrast beautifully with the brilliant yellow hue of the bat. The entire surface projects a thoroughly regal presentation, with no errant print marks to be seen save for two microscopic dots in the upper right border that are imperceptible without magnification. The reverse is well-struck in bold black and red pigments, and is free of any noticeable blemishes or staining. If only the front image were a bit more accurately centered, this card would certainly be in a higher grade, yet even as it stands, the transfixing image and clean, white borders offer mouth-watering appeal. The baseball card of your dreams is right at your fingertips, so don't let it slip away!