A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded 8.5 by PSA stands poised to become the hobby’s next million dollar card. One of only a dozen graded at NM/MT+ or higher, the card soared to $800,000 in the first few days of bidding at Heritage Auctions. With the 19.5% buyer’s premium, the price currently sits at $956,000 and the auction still has over three weeks to run.
Two other 8.5s have sold in the past, but it’s been awhile. In 2010, one sold for $149,500 and in 2013, another realized $272,550. A PSA 9 sold ten years ago for $282,588 but no 9s or 10s have sold publicly since that time.
Prices for 1952 Mantles have skyrocketed over the last couple of years with the last two public sales of PSA 8 (NM/MT) examples stretching over $500,000. Prior to 2014, only one had reached six figures.
Heritage is also offering a T206 Honus Wagner graded PSA 2 with the current bid, including the buyer’s premium, at $501,900.