Dust off those bidding paddles and brace yourselves for an epic showdown that promises more action than a nail-biting game seven. Sports enthusiasts and card collectors have every reason to put June 22nd on their calendars as they eagerly anticipate the unforgettable online auction hosted by Miller & Miller Auctions. While there won't be any velvet ropes or paddle-wielding collectors physically in attendance, the riveting world wide web will witness a digital showcase of 235 lots of much-coveted pre-1980 sports cards and memorabilia.
Leading the pack is the legendary Mickey Mantle, who once roamed the baseball diamond with exceptional grace and undeniable talent. His 1952 Topps #311 rookie card—often dubbed the holy grail among baseball cards—is the centerpiece of this auction. While its condition is lovingly described as 'PSA 2 Good', seasoned collectors know that a few worn corners are simply the storytelling angles of a card capable of fetching north of $40,000 to $50,000 CAD. It's the kind of card that ignites a frenzy among bidders who yearn to own a piece of baseball's golden past.
Moving on from the world of home runs to slap shots, hockey aficionados will salivate at what's on the auction block. The 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card, an item synonymous with hockey lore, is ready to make its presence felt. With a PSA 3 Very Good rating, this piece might not be ready for the pristine climate of a museum, yet it still promises enough allure to make puck lovers pucker up and shell out anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000 CAD. This card holds not just eye appeal, but also the story of Howe's emergence onto the illustrious stage of professional hockey.
Swooping down like an eagle snatching a gleaming prize, the 1966 Topps #35 Bobby Orr rookie card joins the fray. Graded KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint, this cardboard ode to hockey genius is expected to cause both heartbeats and bids to spike, with estimates in the range of $8,000 to $9,000 CAD. Orr, with his on-ice artistry, found his way into the record books and the hearts of fans across the globe; now his rookie card offers a tangible connection to his extraordinary narrative.
Not content with merely covering the legends of the field and rink, this auction presents a range of memorabilia that speaks to the emotionally charged history of sports. Check out a game-used and team-signed Bill Barilko hockey stick from the Toronto Maple Leafs' iconic 1951 Stanley Cup-winning season—an artifact sporting not only Barilko’s number 5 but also the signatures of his teammates. This stick doesn't just capture a story; it’s the very embodiment of history's witness—a relic valued between $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
For those who enjoy a good display as much as a sterling investment opportunity, there is a remarkable shadow box housing Parkhurst rookie cards for the legendary Maurice and Henri Richard. Graded KSA 4 and 3, these cards are the opening act in a silver-screen-in-a-frame experience. The shadow box is a veritable exhibit featuring a Canadiens puck, a bronzed plaque, and a Louisville Pro Flex stick bearing the signatures of both brothers, and is valued at a stately $4,000 to $6,000 CAD, bringing together Canadiens loyalty and vintage flair.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, don't look past the complete set of 110 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards, featuring momentous names like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton—titans who not only shaped the game but defined it. These cards, with an elongated elegance, are estimated to round housekick their way to between $4,000 and $6,000 CAD.
Finally, let your eyes wander to the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet of 226 hockey cards with a pristine #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card making it a collector's pièce de résistance. Minor edge wear notwithstanding, this rare sheet is expected to net between $3,500 to $4,500 CAD, enticing even the most discerning of collectors to try their luck.
Ben Pernfuss, the Consignment Director for Miller & Miller, muses over this auction like an art curator gazing upon the finest works of Van Gogh and Monet. "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," Pernfuss narrates, capturing the depth and breadth of what's available.
Collectors, eager to claim a piece of this storied tapestry, can engage with the auction catalog on Miller & Miller's website or dive into live bidding through LiveAuctioneers. Whether it’s recollecting past glories or making new investments, this auction is ready to bring nostalgia and high stakes together in a seamless dance of classic sports glory. This is not just an auction; it's a time machine, taking us back to the epochs that shaped the games we love. So, let the bidding wars begin, as you reach for your wallets and your place in history.
Mickey Mantle Rookie At Auction
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