Sometimes it’s just easier to punt.
One collector’s frustration with a grading company shutdown stifled his enthusiasm for completing a high-grade 1957 Topps set and he’s now consigned the star-studded start to The Collector Connection, which is offering the cards individually in its latest Post-War Sports Card Auction.
Among the highlights: PSA 7 examples of virtually every major card in the set including Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Clemente, Williams, Koufax, Banks, Berra, Snider, Mathews, Spahn, Campanella, Snider, Kaline and the rookie cards of Frank and Brooks Robinson, Drysdale, Mazeroski, Bunning and Kubek.
The 1957 Topps grouping is just the tip of a 668-lot iceberg that includes modestly valued and some higher end vintage and modern cards, along with autographs and memorabilia.
The auction leads off with a PSA 2.5 example of Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman rookie card and features numerous other cards from Mantle’s playing days as well, both graded and ungraded.
An old school vintage estate collection, now freshly graded, makes its way to the market with cards like the iconic 1954 Bowman Ted Williams (PSA 7)–one that had to be pulled from production over Williams’ contract with Topps. The Splendid Splinter was replaced with Jimmy Piersall.
Also among the highlights: a 1967 Topps Tom Seaver rookie card (PSA 8), Pete Rose rookies (PSA 7 and 6),a 1948-49 Leaf Babe Ruth and other key rookie and star cards from the post-War era.
Collectors who like to hunt for resale value or lots that can jump start their set collections can chase large “monster box” lots spread out over various years and sports.
Modern era collectors will find numerous Michael Jordan cards including some early Fleer issues and some complete and near complete sets.
There are 140 lots featuring autographed items in the online catalog including a 500 Home Run Club autographed baseball, while memorabilia collectors will see 1940s era Yankees and Phillies programs, various yearbooks and other publications.
Bidding is underway now through June 6 at The Collector Connection.
Related Stories:
Rare Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb 1914 Texas Tommy Cards from “Yahtzee Box Find” Top SCP’s Summer Auction
Recapturing Memories: The Hunt for 1957 Topps
Vintage Pack Facts: 1954 Bowman Baseball
Mile High Giving Away Mantle Rookie at NSCC
Notes: Prices Still Soaring; Lelands’ Ali Auction; Collection Video
Ted Williams and Desperation May Have Stacked Deck in Topps’ Favor 60 Years Ago
