As the digital era meets the golden age of sports nostalgia, collectors worldwide prepare themselves for a virtual treasure hunt orchestrated by Miller & Miller Auctions. This is not just any auction; it's a tantalizing assembly of pre-1980 sports memorabilia, promising a feast for the eyes and a test of the heart (and wallet) for sports aficionados. Scheduled for June 22nd, this entirely online event is poised to capture the hearts of many a seasoned collector and newbie alike, featuring 235 meticulously curated lots of sports cards and memorabilia.
Leading the charge is the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie card, often heralded as the crown jewel of baseball cards. Despite its PSA 2 Good grading, signaling minor cosmetic flaws like worn corners, the card remains a venerable piece of Americana, with expected bids soaring between $40,000 to $50,000 CAD. For the discerning collector, this well-preserved relic promises not just ownership of a rare artifact but a tangible connection to baseball history.
Moreover, Mickey wouldn't be the only baseball icon in the auction ring. The illustrious 1952 Topps Sixth Series, known for its elusive “High Numbers,” expands the baseball offerings. These 40 cards, extending from Mantle’s #311 through #407, are gale-force winds in the memorabilia world; even with the wear of time, they hold a collective allure worth an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 CAD. Those who chase these cards seek not mere items but slices of mid-century baseball reverie.
In the realm of hockey, the auction plays host to one of the sport’s foundational figures, Gordie Howe, with his 1951 Parkhurst #66 rookie card up for bidding. Despite its PSA 3 Very Good condition rating, this card shines as the pride of the 1951-52 Parkhurst set. Expected to sell for between $8,000 and $10,000 CAD, Howe’s card is a shining example of Canadian sporting heritage, tantalizing collectors with its subtle blend of nostalgia and prestige.
Bobby Orr, another titan of the ice, makes his presence felt with the 1966 Topps #35 rookie card also gracing the auction. With a grading of KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint, this card captivates an audience as broad as Orr's legendary slapshot, wooing hockey fans and discerning investors alike with estimates in the $8,000 to $9,000 CAD range.
But it isn't just cards that tell the tale of yesteryear's athletic spectacles. Among the unique offerings, a Bill Barilko game-used, team-signed hockey stick stands as a testament to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ triumphant 1951 Stanley Cup season. Adorned with Barilko’s iconic number 5 and immersed in signatures from his Maple Leafs teammates, this stick whispers the stories of the rink, awaiting new narration at an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
For those leaning towards display grandeur, the auction features a shadow box that captures Maurice and Henri Richard's legacy in Parkhurst rookie cards, graded KSA 4 and 3. The 24 by 72-inch box innovatively marries memorabilia, including a Louisville Pro Flex stick signed by both legends, a Canadiens puck, and a bronze plaque into an exquisite portrait of the Montreal Canadiens' storied past. This piece is anticipated to command $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
The era's charm extends with the complete 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey card set, standing taller and prouder than the rest due to its extra-long design. Beloved figures like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton grace the fronts of these cards, their presence ensuring the set’s substantial worth between $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
Rounding out the offering is a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet consisting of 226 pristine hockey cards, including the crown jewel—the Wayne Gretzky rookie card. While there’s minor edge wear, this sheet encapsulates an era’s brilliance, projected to inspire bids between $3,500 to $4,500 CAD.
The auction is not merely a collection of items; it's a parade of sporting greatness, a convergence of passion that summons both the sentimental and the speculative. Ben Pernfuss, Consignment Director at Miller & Miller, captures the spirit perfectly: “Collectors will find key cards from the groundbreaking 1951 Parkhurst hockey and 1952 Topps baseball sets featuring some of the most iconic names in sports.”
For those eager to dive into this rich offering, Miller & Miller's catalog awaits via their website, with the thrilling action unfolding live on LiveAuctioneers. Strongly rooted in trust and reputation, Miller & Miller Auctions stands ready to engage with connoisseurs, ensuring these treasures, dating back to the twilight of sports history, find homes reflective of their storied past.
Mickey Mantle Rookie At Auction
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