This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2023
Truth be told, if you strip away the value and historical significance of each piece and just offer one to the general public that has no knowledge of the hobby, the large majority of recipients would opt for the 1953 Topps issue of Mickey Mantle over the iconic specimen in the 1952 Topps series. While the aqua blue and golden bat on shoulder that is the hallmark of the '52 Topps card is etched into the memory of every advanced collector, the red, white, and blue pigments that assist a wonderfully intimate portrait of "The Mick" on the '53 Topps card contribute to one of the greatest artist's rendering ever to appear on a sports card. Mantle's early career woes are well-documented, with his demotion and subsequent call-up during his rookie season, but by 1953, it was clear that Mantle was deserving of the hype that preceded him. In time, he would play in 11 total World Series affairs, winning 7 rings and setting records for most World Series HRs (18), RBI (40), runs (42), walks (43), extra-base hits (26), and total bases (123). Mantle also had a flair for the dramatic, setting the career record for walk-off home runs with 13. The featured card is the second issue by Topps of the great Mickey Mantle. Near perfectly framed, the card enjoys a spotless central image that flaunts those bold, patriotic colors with no concern while the sharp registration allows the observer to admire the variations in Mantle's facial flesh tones, delivering "The Commerce Comet" in sharp and accurate detail. A slight rough cut on the edges add to the freshness of the specimen, which enjoys literally no chipping along the red-tinged bottom edge. The reverse is clean, well-framed, and further spotlights the pleasing rough cut on the vertical edges. This is the finest example that we've ever come across that has earned a PSA 8 designation.