Auction Name: 2025 December 19 - 21 Winter Sports Catalog Auction

Lot Number: 80597

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/50081*80597

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 PSA NM-MT 8. If we had a dime for every Baby Boomer who reminisced about once owning a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie, we'd likely have enough to purchase this example and more. Widely regarded as the most iconic and coveted post-war baseball card, the Mantle rookie has become so deeply rooted in American culture that many could visualize it from memory-Mantle captured mid-pose in a right-handed stance, his gaze drifting upward toward the stands. Despite the stories and memories, surviving examples in such exceptional condition as this one are incredibly rare.

The 1952 Topps set, notable for its unprecedented 407-card checklist and larger card dimensions, represented a major leap for the hobby. But the release of the high-number series (#311-407), which included Mantle's card, came too late in the season to see wide distribution. With excess inventory piling up, Topps reportedly resolved the issue by disposing of unsold stock-containing untold numbers of Mantles-several miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.

This particular card, remarkably preserved, ranks among the finest known, with only fourteen examples surpassing it in PSA's population report of over 2,000. It must be seen to be fully appreciated-its vibrant colors, clean gloss, and overall presentation leave the card virtually unchanged from its date of issue. A truly glorious representation of an iconic hobby mainstay. Graded PSA NM-MT 8.

Include Thumbnail(s)