Ladies and gentlemen, sports lovers of all ages, loosen those purse strings and flex your fingers! The ultimate sports memorabilia binge is about to go live online, courtesy of Miller & Miller Auctions. Mark your calendars for June 22nd because that's when the virtual gavel will drop on an astonishing 235 lots of pre-1980 sports treasures. Baseball, hockey, and die-hard nostalgia enthusiasts take note: this digital event promises more drama than a seventh-inning stretch with bottom-of-the-ninth stakes.
Leading the charge in this brigade of sporting history is none other than the magnetic Mickey Mantle. His 1952 Topps #311 rookie card, often revered as the crown jewel of baseball cards, is expected to take center stage. Even in its aged PSA 2 Good condition—with corners reminiscent of a child's much-loved teddy bear—this piece promises to spark a bidding frenzy amongst collectors, with a hefty price tag estimated to land between $40,000 and $50,000 CAD. The card might have traveled rough roads, but like Mantle himself, its allure is timeless, inviting bids and dreams alike.
And while Mantle may be stealing the headlines, he's not flying solo in this lineup. Enter the Topps 1952 Sixth Series cards, encapsulating an era when baseball cards were pocket companions rather than safe-bound investments. These elusive “High Numbers,” ranging from #311 Mantle to #407, exude a vintage charm enhanced by signs of loyal wear and history, offering bidders a chance to own a slice of the past for an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
Swinging the focus puck-side, we won't let the baseball legends have all the fun. The 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card, a gem in the crown of Canadian hockey memorabilia, is anticipated to fetch $8,000 to $10,000 CAD. Despite receiving a PSA 3 Very Good grade—a diplomatic nod to its seasoned appeal—this card is the unquestioned sovereign of the 1951-52 Parkhurst collection.
Not to be overshadowed, Bobby Orr's legend sweeps into view. His 1966 Topps #35 rookie card, assessed at an impressive KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint, will likely attract a flurry of attention from hockey aficionados and serious investors alike. With an estimate of $8,000 to $9,000 CAD, it represents not just a card, but an investment in timeless sports greatness.
As the digital hammer swings, you'll find more than just cardboard to covet. Take, for instance, a game-used, team-signed Bill Barilko hockey stick from the 1951 Toronto Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup triumph. Adorned with Barilko’s number 5 and signatures from his fellow champions, this stick is more than kindling for the fire; it's an irreplaceable link to glory, as estimated at $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
For fans of display-worthy artifacts, a 24-inch by 72-inch shadow box waits to be claimed. This piece, showcasing Parkhurst rookie cards for Maurice and Henri Richard and a Louisville Pro Flex stick signed by the brothers, serves as a shrine to the Canadiens’ legacy. The estimated price of $4,000 to $6,000 CAD makes it a tempting target for any Montreal devotee.
Collectors will also have the chance to snare a complete set of 110 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards, a testament to an era when cards were as distinct in size as they were in significance. With legendary figures like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton gracing these elongated relics, their estimated tally of $4,000 to $6,000 CAD seems an absolute bargain for a full house of hockey history.
As the cherry atop this summit of memorabilia, a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet, flaunting a pristine #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card, is poised to captivate. Though this sheet may exhibit minor edge wear, its survival in such intact condition echoes the athletic greatness it embodies. Expected to garner between $3,500 to $4,500 CAD, this is one for the ages and for those with the foresight to invest in sporting eternity.
Ben Pernfuss, Consignment Director at Miller & Miller, captures the essence of this event perfectly, proclaiming it as a monumental gathering of the sports hierarchy from the 1950s Parkhurst hockey and 1952 Topps baseball sets. "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,” he says with confidence, knowing the hearts and wallets of collectors will be as engaged as ever.
Collectors eyeing this trove can explore further details at the Miller & Miller website or throw their hat into the ring via LiveAuctioneers, proving once more that the passions of yore can thrive in modern forms of exchange. In a digital realm rife with possibilities, the thrill of the chase, the allure of legacy, and the promise of nostalgia serve as the lifeblood coursing through the veins of this auction. Go forth, sports history enthusiasts, and place your bets where your heart truly resides.
Mickey Mantle Rookie At Auction
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