Thousands were drowned in the Atlantic Ocean when they were just kids. A late 1950s decision to free up space at the company's headquarters sent the population of 1952 Topps high numbers that would be available to future generations plummeting. Those that survived were in the hands of youngsters who weren't generally concerned with their condition. There were … [Read more...]
Marshall Fogel Talks About the PSA 10 Mantle
It's insured for more than ten times what Mickey Mantle made for playing baseball from 1951-1968. Such is the current market for what is probably the second most recognizable baseball card ever made. When the PSA 10 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is removed from the bank vault where it lives and heads to a three-day engagement in Denver next month, it'll arrive, … [Read more...]
Rosen Find Mantle Latest Barometer for Scorching 1952 Topps Card
Bidding for the latest high-end 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card to come to public auction sits at $120,000 ($146,000 with the buyer's premium) heading into the final days of bidding. Goldin Auctions is offering a PSA 7 (near mint) example as one of the featured attractions in its Holiday catalog. The card's history dates to "The Rosen Find" -- a trove of 1952 Topps high number … [Read more...]
1952 Topps High Numbers Test Even Advanced Collectors
Even the phrase itself strikes a little fear into collectors of vintage baseball cards: 1952 Topps high numbers. Firmly established as one of the rarest standard issue cards of the post-World War II Era, demand is high; supply maddeningly low, especially for higher grade copies. Population reports for the major grading companies show a combined total of fewer than a … [Read more...]
1952 Topps Eddie Mathews is One of Era’s Most Desirable
Eddie Mathews may bring up the rear in the 1952 Topps set but it's got a lofty place in Topps' debut series for several reasons. First, card #407 represents Mathews’ rookie card. Second, it’s in the ultra-tough last series. Third, as the last card in the set, it was often at the bottom of the pile. Many kids kept these cards in rubber bands which took its toll. High grade … [Read more...]
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson Among Set’s Gems
The 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson represents the first Topps card issued of the immortal Brooklyn second baseman. It is also #312, one of the rare 1952 Topps high numbers. This makes the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson one of the most desired cards, next to Mantle, in the 1952 Topps baseball series. Prices range from $500 for a lower grade example to $2,000 and up … [Read more...]
Mile High to Offer NM/MT Early Mantle Cards
A quartet of world-class cards goes on the auction block beginning Monday as Mile High Card Company opens its Fall Auction. Among the big money gems up for grabs is a PSA 8 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle, a 1951 Bowman #253 Mantle rookie card also graded PSA 8, a 1953-Stahl-Meyer Mantle PSA 7 (part of the #1 PSA Set Registry ranked 1953 Stahl-Meyer collection) and a 1953 … [Read more...]
1952 Topps Baseball Wax Packs Are Rare
It seems unfathomable, but not every pack of decades-old baseball cards has been opened. 1952 Topps baseball wax packs are out there--and among the most sought after nostalgia items in the baseball card market. Topps' first issue changed the world of baseball cards forever. Once confined to small square or rectangular sizes, Topps blew up their high quality cards into a size … [Read more...]
Stories Behind Legendary 1952 Baseball Card Finds
Some of the highest grade 1952 Topps cards have great stories behind them. Many of those involve major finds. In 1986, Alan Rosen, known as Mr. Mint in hobby circles, was invited to a man's home. No doubt expecting to see the usual nicks and dings older cards often displayed, Rosen was shocked to find the man bringing out a silver tray full of dozens of 1952 Topps cards … [Read more...]