Tag Archives: mickey

VALUE OF MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Playing his entire 18-year career for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, Mantle was a 20-time All-Star, 7-time World Series champion, and 3-time American League MVP. His illustrious career and Yankee legacy have cemented his status as one of the most collectible and valuable players in the history of the baseball card hobby. His rookie card from 1952 Topps is one of the iconic cards in the industry and frequently ranks among the most valuable sports cards in existence due to its limited printing and Mantle’s tremendous success and fame.

The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is widely regarded as the crown jewel in virtually any card or memorabilia collection. Only a tiny printing of approximately 50,000 were distributed in 1952. With over half a century of wear and tear, along with countless cards lost or damaged, true high-grade specimens of Mantle’s iconic first card have become extremely rare. A PSA Gem Mint 10 grade 1952 Topps Mantle rookie in pristine condition not only represents the pinnacle achievement for any collector, but also one of the highest valued individual collectibles in the hobby today. Recent PSA 10 sales have exceeded $2 million, with lower grade copies still selling for six-figures depending on condition. The current record sale is a 2012 private transaction for $2.8 million.

While the 1952 Topps rookie understandably dominates Mantle collectibles in terms of value, there are several other notable issues that can fetch strong pricing depending on condition. The 1954 Topps Mickey Mantle is also extremely significant and is often considered the truest indicator of Mantle’s meteoric rise and popularity in just his third MLB season. His 1952 Bowman card is another scarce and important early Mantle issue, with high grades commanding prices over $100,000. When it comes to 1950s Topps flagship sets, Mantle cards can represent substantial investment potential across nearly all of his series that decade through to his 1966 design. Even more common/available mid-grade Mantle cards still carry premiums in the thousands for consumer grade copies. The true blue-chip valuations come in pristine, early Mantle Topps rookie cards, with scarce low population PSA GEM MT grades bringing millions.

While 1950s Mantle cardboard is king in value terms, there are still finds to be had in his 1960s output before his eventual retirement. The 1960 Topps card is a highly significant piece that denotes his ascension as the unofficial “Greatest Living Ballplayer.” The 1964/1965 Topps designs are generally available but can easily sell for hundreds in top condition. 1968 Topps was Mantle’s true swan song and final card appearance, making pristine copies quite valuable. Even post-career cards such as 1970 Topps Traded hold appeal as they marked Mantle’s transition into retirement and Cooperstown. As a result, 1950s and 1960s Topps Mantle cards from across his entire Yankees tenure remain hot commodities for collectors and consistently set record prices.

Beyond the standard Topps flagship issues, Mantle cards from niche sets also command strong premiums. Examples include the 1951 Bowman, 1953 Topps, 1955 Topps Wide Pen, 1961 Post Cereal, 1964 Topps Promotional, 1967 Coronet, and 1968 NY Yankees team sets. Cards such as the 1951/1952 Red Man inserts are extremely rare, with exquisite copies potentially grading as true untouchable “once in a lifetime” finds going for millions of dollars each. Inserts from 1950s/1960s candy wrappers or other premiums also add diversity to advanced Mantle collectors. In fact, any Mantle issued prior to 1969 Topps opens the door to substantial valuations, especially at the sharp end of grades.

Condition is absolutely paramount when assessing Mickey Mantle card values, as with any highly valuable vintage issue. While Mantle cards are desirable across all grades due to his iconic status, nuanced condition differences can separate copies by hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars each. As aforementioned, a PSA/Beckett/SGC Gem Mint 10 1952 Topps Mantle rookie may gain several million compared to a lightly worn PSA 8 copy. Even between high grades, subtle distinctions in sharpness, centering, and corner/edge quality make enormous impacts. Therefore, knowledgeable buyers carefully consider detailed photos and professional grading when valuing Mantle’s 1950s and 1960s era cards. With the best specimens still scare due to the continuous ravages of time, condition is king for realizing true blue chip Mantle potential.

The overall Mantle card market also remains an appreciating environment over the long run, subject to occasional fluctuations based on broader economic trends. Despite sharp short term downturns, iconic Mantle cards have vastly outperformed generic investment assets like typical stocks over the last 30+ years. As such, discerning collectors often view significant grade Mantle cardboard, especially from his pioneering early career, as an enduring alternative blue chip investment compared to more traditional avenues. The irreplaceable, intrinsic historical significance of cards depicting the legendary “Mickey Mantle”, combined with finite supplies and enthusiast demand, essentially guarantees perpetual collectibility and value growth long term for properly certified vintage examples.

With his generational talent and Yankee mystique, Mickey Mantle stands tall as one of the most prized and valuable commodities for serious collectors. His pioneering 1950s and 1960s Topps cards, especially the iconic 1952 rookie, command stratospheric price levels for pristine specimens. Even secondary Mantle issues from Bowman, Red Man, and others boast tremendous value potential. Condition holds utmost importance, as subtle grading distinctions separate Mantle cards by vast monetary amounts. With restricted surviving quantities and unfaltering fandom, Mantle’s cardboard legacy ensures ongoing investment potential and appreciation irrespective of macro trends. His hallowed place within baseball history guarantees Mickey Mantle will remain a surefire blue-chip collector asset for ages to come.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS 1956

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The decade of the 1950s was Mantle’s prime and one of the most exciting eras in baseball history. With that historical context in mind, Mickey Mantle’s rookie and early career baseball cards from 1956 hold a special significance for collectors and fans.

The 1956 Topps baseball card set featured six different Mantle cards that showed his rapid rise to stardom for the New York Yankees. Mantle’s rookie card from 1952 is one of the most valuable cards in the hobby, but his early career cards from 1956 document a pivotal time when he started to emerge as a true superstar.

Mantle’s rookie season in 1951 saw him batted .267 with 13 home runs in just 397 at-bats as he split time between the outfield and first base. While impressive numbers for a rookie, it was still just a preview of what was to come for the switch-hitting slugger from Oklahoma. By 1956, Mantle was entering his athletic prime and cementing his place as the heir to Yankee greats like Joe DiMaggio and Joe McCarthy.

The 1956 Topps set captured Mantle’s continued improvement and emergence as a true five-tool superstar. Card #67 shows Mantle batting left-handed with an action shot. The back touts his stats from 1955 when he batted .305 with 27 home runs and 95 RBIs. Those numbers established Mantle as one of the game’s premier power hitters at just 24 years old.

Card #99 shifts to a right-handed batting pose of Mantle with his distinctive batting stance. It highlights his MVP performance from 1954 when he led the American League with a .353 batting average while smashing 42 homers and driving in 130 runs. Winning the MVP at just 22 made Mantle the youngest player ever to take home the hardware at that point.

Card #164 moves to an in-action shot of Mantle in centerfield making a running catch. It notes his continued excellence from 1955, and also mentions his Gold Glove award won that season for his stellar defense. Those abilities showed Mantle becoming a true five-tool player capable of dominating all aspects of the game.

Card #310 breaks from action shots to show Mantle posing for a close-up headshot. His intense facial expression and dramatic lighting made for a compelling sports portrait. The back provides career stats through 1955 that highlighted his fearsome power with 68 career home runs at just 25 years old.

Card #332 continues the headshot trend with another portrait of Mantle, this time with a less intense expression. The stats on the back dive deeper into his offensive production, noting career totals of 163 runs scored, a .308 batting average, and 302 hits through the 1955 season.

The final Mantle card is #352, which goes back to an action shot as he tracks a deep fly ball. It celebrates his excellent defense that was a key part of the Yankees success. The stats recap another stellar season in 1956 where he batted .353 with 52 home runs and a league-leading 130 RBIs to claim his second MVP award.

All told, the six Mantle cards from the 1956 Topps issue provide a fascinating snapshot of one of the game’s all-time great players entering his prime years. They document Mantle’s rise to superstardom for the mighty Yankees and capture how he established himself as the face of baseball in the 1950s. Beyond stats and visuals, the cards also resonate historically by commemorating one of the golden eras of America’s pastime. For collectors and fans invested in baseball history, Mickey Mantle’s 1956 Topps cards hold immense cultural and nostalgic significance. Nearly 70 years later, they remain some of the most iconic and desirable vintage cards in the entire hobby.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest players in baseball history and his baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. Whether you are looking to buy low-grade common Mantle cards to display in your collection or high-end gem mint specimens to hold as an investment, there is a wide variety of Mickey Mantle cards available for sale on the secondary market.

Some of the most commonly available and inexpensive Mantle cards include his 1953 Topps, 1954 Topps, and 1955 Topps rookie cards. These early Mantle cards were mass produced and distributed which led to many surviving in low grades over the decades. Complete sets of Mantle’s 1950s Topps cards in poor conditioned can often be found for under $100. Individual common cards from this period in Poor-Very Poor 1-4 condition typically sell in the $5-25 range.

For collectors looking for Mantle cards in higher grades to appreciate in value long term, they will pay a premium. Here are some estimated prices for Mantle’s classic rookie and early Topps cards in top grades:

1953 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): $3,000-5,000

1953 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9): $7,000-10,000

1953 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 10 Gem Mint): $25,000-35,000

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): $2,000-3,500

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9): $4,000-7,000

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 10): $15,000-25,000

1955 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): $1,500-2,500

1955 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9): $3,000-5,000

1955 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 10): $12,000-18,000

As you can see, obtaining a high grade Mantle rookie or early card can cost thousands if not tens of thousands depending on the exact card and condition grade. But for serious collectors and investors, the potential is there for these premium gems to appreciate substantially given Mantle’s legendary status.

In addition to his 1950s Topps rookie cards, some other notable and expensive Mantle cards available include:

1961 Post Cereal Mickey Mantle: This is one of Mantle’s key vintage cards outside of Topps issues. High grades can reach $15,000-$25,000 range.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle: As his first true “rookie” card released before his call up to the majors. Extremely rare in any grade. An NM-MT 8 has sold for over $100,000.

1968 Topps Mickey Mantle: His last card in a Yankee uniform. Also highly collectible. A PSA 9 just sold for $27,000.

Signed/Autographed Mantle Cards: Even basic signed examples from shows and personal appearances in the 1980s-90s can sell for thousands graded and authenticated.

Pre-Rookie Mickey Mantle: Shows him as a Yankee prospect but pre-major league. Includes 1951 Leaf, 1953 Bowman, etc. Extremely valuable in high grades.

For collectors seeking truly iconic and valuable Mantle items, game used bats, jerseys, gloves and other equipment also regularly sell at auction for tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Just this year a vintage 1950s Mickey Mantle glove was sold for a stunning $240,000 by Goldin Auctions.

The prices paid for Mickey Mantle cards truly run the gamut depending on the exact issue, year, condition, and extras like autographs. But for savvy collectors, even budget friendly well preserved commons from the 1950s continue to appreciate and can be enjoyed for decades as a fun way to commemorate one of sports’ all-time great players. The elite investment-grade Mantle gems will always be out of reach financially for most, but admiring their elite condition and significance from afar is part of the thrill of collecting.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. As a center fielder for the New York Yankees, Mantle won three American League MVP awards and played on seven World Series championship teams. His playing career from 1951 to 1968 cemented his status as a legend of the game. Unsurprisingly, Mantle’s baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors and have maintained significant value over the decades.

Some of Mantle’s most valuable baseball cards include his pioneering 1952 Topps rookie card and several of his early Topps and Bowman issues from the 1950s. Let’s explore what makes these Mickey Mantle cards so desireable and examine what top graded samples have sold for recently.

1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle Rookie Card

As the first mass-produced baseball card featuring the switch-hitting slugger, Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie is the holy grail for collectors. Only a small number of these delicate, 65-year old cardboard relics remain in pristine condition today. For a Mickey Mantle rookie in Near Mint to Mint condition, expect to pay at least $100,000 and upwards of $500,000 for a true gem.

In 2021, a PSA 9 copy of the 1952 Topps Mantle rookie sold for an eye-popping $1.32 million through Goldin Auctions, setting a new record price for any post-war baseball card. Even lesser grades still fetch five figures, with PSA 5 and 6 examples bringing in $25,000-$50,000 depending on eye appeal. Mantle’s popularity and status ensures his rookie will likely only increase in value as fewer remain available.

1952 Topps #253 Mickey Mantle

While not truly a rookie card, Mantle’s 1952 Topps #253 is another key 1950s issue that is highly valued when well-preserved. This is one of Mantle’s earliest appearance in the Topps set during his sophomore season. Graded PSA 8 copies have sold in the $30,000 range, with one in 2019 fetching $35,864. Expect to pay over $10,000 for even a PSA 6 of this scarce Mantle.

1953 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle

Serving as Mantle’s second Topps card, the 1953 #311 remains a popular and investment-grade piece for collectors. Several high-dollar auction records exist for pristine PSA 9 examples, including a recent $90,000 sale in 2019. Mid-grade PSA 7 copies still pull in $15,000-$20,000 depending on demand. This card remains obtainable for avid Mantle collectors, but premium condition with strong centering is key to unlock higher values.

1954 Topps #252 Mickey Mantle

Mantle’s star power continued to shine with his 1954 Topps issue, which captured him during a breakout season where he won his first American League MVP award. High-end PSA 9 copies consistently cross the auction block for $50,000+, while PSA 8 grades hold values of $20,000-$30,000. Even relatively worn PSA 6 samples can still attract four-figure bids. This is a classic and beautiful Mantle card that established lasting collector interest.

1955 Topps #257 Mickey Mantle

Among the most iconic and aesthetically pleasing of Mantle’s 1950s odyssey through the Topps set is the 1955 rendition. With Mantle posing aggressively against a pure white backdrop, this card leapt to prominence in the legendary “Mantle Craze” of the late 1950s. Unobtainable PSA 10 examples have sold for $375,000 to sophisticated Mantle enthusiasts. Graded PSA 9 samples realize $150,000+, with $70,000+ payments common for perfect centering PSA 8 examples. Even mid-grades in the PSA 6-7 range crack five figures when available. The 1955 Topps Mantle is truly a masterpiece and cornerstone issue for dedicated collectors of “The Mick.”

1956 Topps #296 Mickey Mantle

By 1956, Mantle’s offensive dominance was unquestioned and he captured his second AL MVP that season. In the twilight of the 1950s design era, this all-yellow 1956 Topps issue stands out as one of his sharpest looking cards from the decade. PSA 9 fresh mint specimens hit $90,000 at auction. PSA 8 copies from $30,000-50,000 remain a benchmark condition for many Mantle collections. Even a lowly PSA 6 variant can pull $5,000 with strong eye appeal factors.

1957 Topps #398 Mickey Mantle

As Mantle’s high point as a five-tool superstar entering his athletic prime years, the 1957 Topps design symbolized his mastery on the field. High-grade examples in PSA 9 reflect at least $75,000 market value. Pristine PSA 8 pieces often land within the $30,000-50,000 range for discerning buyers. This gorgeous full-color Mantle remains a blue-chip collectible worthy of any vintage baseball card portfolio, attaining over six figures in the absolute best grades conceivable.

The huge demand and collectability of Mantle’s early Bowman and Topps cards stems from several key factors that will likely maintain their value long term. First, Mantle is undeniably one of the top handful of players in MLB history and a sporting icon of the 20th century. His playing exploits captured the imagination of tens of millions of American fans during the post-WWII boom years.

These factors, plus the extreme scarcity of high-grade specimens surviving 60+ years, fuel extreme prices when prime vintage Mantle cards surface on the collecting market. Whether a PSA-slabbed rookie or a pristine 1956 issue, a choice Mickey Mantle baseball card provides a tangible connection to one of America’s greatest athletes in one of its most collectible card-producing eras.

Looking ahead, as fewer original-issue Mint Mantle cards remain, values will likely continue their upward trend. Advanced statistical analysis proves his sustained dominance and skill-set to be unparalleled in baseball annals. As such, collectors can be confident premium quality examples will retain and increase investment appeal for serious long-term portfolios. Mickey Mantle stands tall as the true icon of vintage baseball card collecting, ensuring the perpetual demand for his prized cardboard portfolio.

MICKEY MANTLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest switch hitters and center fielders in baseball history. He had a legendary career playing for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968 where he won three American League MVP awards, was named an All-Star for 20 consecutive seasons between 1953–1968, and helped lead the Yankees to seven World Series championships. Mantle’s impressive play on the field helped make him one of the most popular and financially lucrative players for Topps baseball cards during the 1950s-60s era. His Topps cards from this time period are some of the most coveted and valuable in the entire collecting world.

One of Mantle’s earliest and most famous Topps cards is his 1952 rookie card, which was issued as part of the 1952 Series 1 set during his breakout rookie season. That year he finished third in the AL MVP voting after batting .287 with 13 home runs in his debut season. The iconic black-and-white design of the 1952 Topps cards featured Mantle prominently, showcasing his strong and athletic build even as a rookie which excited fans. While production numbers for 1952 Topps cards were high overall, Mantle’s remains one of the most sought-after rookie cards in existence due to his eventual Hall of Fame career. High quality PSA/BGS graded copies of Mantle’s 1952 rookie in gem mint condition have sold at auction for over $100,000.

In the following years of 1953-56, Topps continued featuring Mantle prominently on their annual baseball card sets, recognizing his emerging status as one of the game’s brightest young stars. The 1953 and 1954 Topps sets showcased Mantle in glorious full color for the first time. In 1953 he batted .302 while leading the AL in home runs and RBIs, winning his first of three career MVP awards. Mantle’s power surge made him a household name and only increased collector demand for his cards. The ’53 remains his most iconographic card from that period.

Of all Mantle’s cards issued during the 1950s, his legendary 1956 Topps card is considered the true Holy Grail for collectors. That season he won his second MVP while breaking the AL home run record with 52 round trippers. Topps commemorated this epic season by portraying Mantle in a customized action pose not shown on any other player’s 1956 card. This innovative design choice spotlighting Mantle’s record-setting season is what makes the ’56 regarded as the most significant and valuable card of his entire career. After years of relentless searches, in 2007 a PSA/SGC registry copy of the ultra-rare ’56 Mantle in PRistine Mint+ condition sold for an unprecedented $100,000, setting records as the highest price ever paid for a single sports trading card at the time.

During Mantle’s later career prime seasons of 1957-1962, Topps continued giving him highly customized illustrated poses on his cards beyond the basic template used for other players. The ’57, ’58 and ’59 issues in particular stand out for exhibiting Mantle’s iconic lefty power swing to great effect. In this peak period he averaged over 40 home runs per season with MVP caliber stats each year. Naturally these cards became consistently hot sellers during the late 1950s boom of the post-war baby boom generation’s involvement in the card collecting hobby. Top-graded versions of Mantle’s high-profile cards from 1957-1962 in near-pristine condition now sell for $10,000-$30,000 based on the year and scarcity of the particular issue.

Mantle’s acclaimed career started winding down in 1963 due to nagging injuries, though in his final Topps card appearance in 1968 at age 36 he was still able to hit 23 home runs as a part-time DH in his valedictory season. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Mantle’s marketing power for Topps as their signature slugger was unmatched. Some estimations indicate over 30% of all 1948-69 Topps sales can be attributed directly to collectors wanting Mantle’s cards. His popularity as a pitchman for Topps also extended to non-baseball products like chewing gum and candy during the period. And of course, generations of fans since have fueled the stratospheric rise in value of Mantle’s classic cards as desirable pieces of Americana and sports collectibles. In summary, Mickey Mantle’s legendary playing career is immortalized through his iconic Topps baseball cards from that golden er

BASEBALL CARDS 1966 MICKEY MANTLE

Leave a reply

The 1966 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. Mantle was already a living legend by 1966, having won three MVP awards and playing in over 17 World Series for the mighty New York Yankees dynasty of the 1950s and early 1960s. The 1966 season would prove to be one of Mantle’s last truly great years in Major League Baseball.

By 1966, Mantle was 34 years old and his career was winding down due to the toll taken on his body from injuries and his hard-charging style of play. He was still capable of superstar performances and in 1966 he hit .304 with 24 home runs and 94 RBIs while playing in 154 games for the Yankees. This production helped the Yankees win the American League pennant that year before they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

The 1966 Topps set featured 660 total cards and Mantle’s card was number 130 in the set. The photo on the front shows Mantle from the waist up in his classic Yankees pinstripes batting stance, with his trademark batting helmet on and bat raised. He has a serious, intense expression on his face that captures the ferocity he brought to every at-bat. On the back of the card, Mantle’s career stats and 1965 season stats are listed. It also provides a short biography that highlights some of Mantle’s many accomplishments to that point in his Hall of Fame career.

What makes the 1966 Topps Mantle so iconic and valuable today is that it captures Mantle near the end of his playing days, when he was still an impact player but also in his athletic decline phase. For collectors, it’s a nostalgic reminder of one of baseball’s all-time great sluggers in what turned out to be one of his final elite seasons. The card also benefits from being from Mantle’s most famous team, the Yankees, and from one of the most popular annual sets in the history of the hobby in Topps’s flagship 1966 release.

In the years since its original release, the 1966 Mantle has become one of the key vintage cards coveted by collectors. In high-grade specimens, it has consistently sold for thousands of dollars even in the pre-COVID era. For example, in late 2019 a PSA Gem Mint 9 copy sold for over $12,000. Then in the frenzy of the pandemic-influenced collecting boom of 2020-2021, prices exploded. PSA 10 versions were selling for $50,000+, with ungraded near-mint copies bringing $15,000+. Even well-centered but lower-grade copies in PSA 5 or 6 condition could still sell for $1,000+.

The 1966 Mantle has sustained its value because, unlike many other vintage cards, there are not a huge number of high-grade copies still in existence due to the fragility of the old paper stock. Mantle is also one of the true icon players of the hobby’s early decades who is still a household name even among casual fans today. The card remains highly sought-after by collectors looking to add a defining piece from one of the all-time greats to their vintage collection.

For Mantle fans and collectors, the 1966 Topps issue is a special way to remember the Mick near the end of his playing career. The photo captures the grit and determination he played with despite injuries slowing him down. And for collectors, it’s proven to be one of the best long-term investments in the hobby, consistently bringing top dollar at auction. Over 50 years after its original release, the 1966 Mantle endures as one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. As such, Mantle baseball cards are some of the most coveted and valuable in the industry. During his 18-year career playing center field for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, Mantle captured the admiration of fans with his impressive power hitting and speed on the baseball field. His trailblazing play helped usher in a new era of performance for major league outfielders.

Mantle made his rookie card debut in the 1952 Topps set, which featured him in the iconic pinstripe Yankee uniform for the first time. While production numbers for Mantle’s rookie are not definitive, it’s believed around 900,000 copies were printed, giving it a decent amount of surviving copies even today. In near mint condition, a 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card can fetch over $100,000 at auction. What makes it so desirable is it captures “The Mick” at the very start of his Hall of Fame career and tremendous success that would follow.

One of the more iconic vintage Mantle cards comes from the 1953 Topps set. Known as the “lipped bat” card due to a printing error where the bat appears to be coming out of Mantle’s mouth, it has become highly sought after by collectors. Only around 50 gem mint examples are said to still exist in a pristine state. At heritage auctions, a PSA-graded gem mint 10 1953 Topps Mantle has sold for over $400,000, spotlighting its rarity and significance in the card collecting world.

During the 1950s, Mantle seemed to be featured prominently in just about every Topps baseball card set issued. Some of his notable cards include the 1955 Topps, where he is pictured batting left-handed in Yankee pinstripes. Roughly 1.8 million of these were printed. An autographed version in mint condition could be worth $50,000 or more. In 1957, Topps captured Mantle cranking one of his tape measure home runs at Yankee Stadium. About 2.5 million copies exist today in varied condition. Even in poor shape, it remains a must-have for any serious Mantle collector.

As Mantle demonstrated more power at the plate throughout the late 1950s, card companies made sure to highlight his home run prowess. The 1958 Topps issue shows Mantle with a baseball bat positioned over his shoulder. Nearly 2 million copies were produced, making it relatively obtainable even in top-grades at a cost of $150-$300. Then in 1959, Topps switched to a vertical card format. It features The Mick crouched in the batter’s box, coiled to unleash on an incoming fastball. Production numbers were approximately 2.5 million. A pristine PSA 10 example in a vintage set could exceed $1,000 today.

Entering the 1960s, Mantle’s offensive dominance was at a peak. He captured the American League Triple Crown – leading the circuit in batting average, home runs, and RBI – in 1956 and 1962. His cards from this era continued gaining steam. In the 1961 Topps set, Mantle is relaxing in the dugout and looking toward the outfield, perhaps envisioning another roundtripper. Around 3.2 million are estimated to exist. While condition remains important, an well-kept ’61 Mantle usually sells for $150-$300 depending on exact grade.

That same year also saw Mantle appear in packs of the Post cereal series, a popular non-sports card insert for kids eating their breakfast. About 15 million Post Mantle cards were distributed between 1961-62. While exceedingly common, an uncut sheet of 100+ cards in pristine condition could fetch over $1,000. Post cards helped cement Mantle as a pop culture icon for young fans and collectors.

Coinciding with the Yankees’ 1962 World Series victory, Topps highlighted Mantle’s contributions. On the ’62 card, he is swinging in batting practice amid a flurry of bats, with one coming directly at the camera. Around 3.8 million survived to today, worth approximately $75-150 in solid condition. The 1964 card picturing Mantle standing at home plate in the on-deck circle with bat in hand followed a 3.2 million print run. Like other mid-1960s issues, his charisma retained value even as supplies grew vast. A choice copy remains valued at $100-plus.

In the later stages of his career from 1965-1967, Mantle cards continued memorializing his achievements as Father Time started to slow his skills. Topps placed him on the cover of the ’65 set, depicting Mantle mid-swing. Over 3 million were circulated worldwide. The ’66 card showed him in a defensive crouch, foretelling an inevitable move from center to first base. Around 2.8 million are accounted for today. Meanwhile, the 1967 Topps issue features a posed Mantle holding a bat in the on-deck circle at Yankee Stadium. Approximately 2.2 million were printed. All three remain obtainable starting around $50 even in sub-gem condition.

Mantle played his final MLB season in 1968 before hanging up his cleats after 22 years in pinstripes total. Topps added a touching tribute by putting him on the ’68 set’s cover, immortalizing Yankee #7 for all time. About 3 million copies entered the market. It allows collectors to commemorate Mantle’s whole career in a single dramatic image. Any near-mint 68 Topps Mantle commands at least $150 today, though investment-grade specimens can reach thousands due to its career-ending significance.

In the exploding vintage sports card market of the 1980s and 1990s, demand for quality Mickey Mantle cards skyrocketed. Along with offerings from the 1950s and 60s, several high-end products retroactively honored The Mick’s achievements long after his playing days. In 1991, Panini issued a rare 1/1 cut signature Mantle card that sold for over $27,000. Luxury companies like Pinnacle and Precious Gem Memories also crafted elaborate commemoratives with on-card autographs that broke records at $100,000+.

As Mantle’s legend continued growing after his death in 1995, modern manufacturers paid homage as well. In 2007, Topps produced a 1/1 Red Refractor Printing Plate of its Platinum Collection card that fetched $32,000 at auction. 2014 Edition Triumvirate cards featured serial 1/1 Mantle patch autographs valued beyond $50,000. Even insert sets like Topps Greatest Players honor his mantle as a true icon of America’s Pastime for card collectors worldwide. With each passing year, demand and values climb ever higher for Mickey Mantle’s legendary baseball cards spanning his entire MLB tenure.

In summary, Mickey Mantle possessed a rare combination of talent, charisma and Yankee success that have made his vintage baseball cards iconic collectibles. Whether it’s his rookie issue, iconic Topps designs from the 1950-60s golden era, or modern commemoratives, Mantle cards retain strong interest generations after he last took the field. For dedicated collectors, a Mint Mickey Mantle rookie or gem ’53 Topps remain elusive trophies. But for casual fans, many affordable mid-grade Mantle cards exist to celebrate The Commerce Comet’s incredible career at baseball’s highest levels. As one of the first true five-tool superstars, Mantle cards pay tribute to traditions of America’s favorite pastime as well as one of its foremost champions.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1965 MICKEY MANTLE

Leave a reply

The 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the entire hobby. Mantle, known as “The Mick”, was a true legend who played his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees from 1951-1968. He was a phenomenal switch hitter who could hit for both power and average and was considered by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time.

In 1965, Mantle was already well into his Hall of Fame career but still producing at a high level at age 33. That year, he batted .265 with 23 home runs and 88 RBI in 151 games played. While those numbers were a bit down from his peak years in the 1950s, Mantle was still one of the game’s biggest stars. Topps recognized Mantle’s star power and iconic status by featuring him prominently on the 1965 set.

The 1965 Topps design featured a photo of the player on a white background with their team logo and name underneath. Mantle’s card uses a classic action shot of him swinging the bat. The photo perfectly captures the raw power and intensity that he brought to every at-bat. Above the photo is the bold red “Mantle” nameplate in classic Topps style font. On the bottom is the Yankees logo and “New York” text. It’s a clean, simple design that allows Mantle’s image to take center stage – as it should for one of baseball’s all-time greats.

In terms of rarity and population, the 1965 Topps set has a much higher print run compared to the scarce 1952 and 1956 rookie cards that are considered the true Mantle gems. Even so, high grade 1965 Mantle rookies command enormous prices due to the player featured and the iconic nature of the card design itself. Here’s a breakdown of estimated value ranges for PSA-graded 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle cards:

PSA 1 – Poor – $500-750
PSA 2 – Poor – $750-1,000
PSA 3 – Good – $1,000-1,500
PSA 4 – Very Good – $1,500-2,500
PSA 5 – Excellent – $2,500-4,000
PSA 6 – Excellent – $4,000-6,000
PSA 7 – Mint – $6,000-10,000
PSA 8 – Gem Mint – $10,000-15,000
PSA 9 – Mint – $15,000-25,000
PSA 10 – Gem Mint – $25,000+

As you can see, prices increase dramatically the higher the grade gets, especially once a PSA 9 or 10 designation is achieved. Those ultra high graded 1965 Mantle rookies are the true blue chip specimens that can sell for well over $25,000 when they come up for auction.

There are a few key factors that drive the value of 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle cards to such stratospheric levels compared to other vintage cards from the same era:

Mickey Mantle is simply one of the most iconic players in baseball history. He was a true 5-tool superstar who dominated the sport as a Yankee for nearly two decades.

The 1965 design is considered one of Topps’ finest and most aesthetically pleasing over their long history. It allows Mantle’s image to really pop off the card in an understated way.

The 1965 set has a higher print run than Mantle’s true rookie cards. So finding high grade ’65 Mantles requires beating longer odds in terms of both centering and condition compared to ’52 and ’56 issues.

Mantle cards in general have always held cache and attracted avid collectors due to his status as a Yankee icon playing in New York during their dynasty years. Demand has always been high.

The card is truly a “holy grail” for vintage baseball card collectors. Finding that elusive PSA 10 is the pinnacle achievement and trophies like those rarely come on the market for sale.

The 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle is the card that all collectors aspire to own in high grade. Few vintage cards can match its iconic subject, beautiful design, and sky-high prices – especially for PSA 9 and 10 examples. As one of the true blue chip specimens from the 1960s era, the ’65 Mantle is assuredly one of the most valuable vintage cards in the hobby.

VALUE MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The Hall of Famer had a legendary career spanning 18 seasons with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968. Mantle hit 536 home runs and was an MVP winner three times. He was a superb center fielder renowned for his speed, power, and defensive skills. With such an iconic career, it’s no surprise that Mickey Mantle baseball cards are hugely valuable collectibles sought after by fans and investors alike.

Some of Mantle’s early 1950s rookie and common cards in poor condition can be found for under $100. As condition and scarcity improve, values soar into the thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars for his rarest cards. Top vintage Mantle cards command prices rivaling some of the greatest works of art due to their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and the unstoppable force of nostalgia associated with the golden era of baseball memorabilia from the 1940s-60s.

Without question, the most coveted and expensive Mickey Mantle baseball card is the 1952 Topps Mantle in gem mint condition. Only a handful are known to exist in pristine condition, making it the undisputed king of post-war vintage cards. In recent years, PSA-graded mint examples have sold at auction for over $2 million, with one 2010 sale reaching $2.8 million! The 1952 Topps set marks Mantle’s rookie card year and captures him at just 20 years old in his early Yankees career before superstardom. Its scarce survival rate in perfect condition cements it as the undisputed blue-chip investment of the hobby.

The next most valuable cards are Mantle’s rookie cards from his true rookie season in 1951. High grades of the 1951 Bowman and 1951 Red Heart issues can also sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. These early 1950s cards enjoy perhaps the most cache among collectors, representing Mantle at the dawning of a legendary career still laden with promise and potential. Grades of EX-MT can also pull in mid-five figures depending on eye appeal. Condition is everything for these vintage beauties.

Some other top-valued Mickey Mantle cards include:

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle: As one of Mantle’s defining poses, this iconic card reaches into the 5-figure territory for high grades. A PSA 10 sold for over $100,000 in 2020.

1952 Topps All-American Baseball: Mantle’s only card from this scarce set. Grades of NM-MT can sell for $30,000-50,000.

1959 Topps Mint Mickey Mantle: Another collectible pose. High grades command $10,000-25,000.

1964 Topps Mantle: As one of his last flagship Topps cards before retirement. PSA 10s sell for $3,000-5,000.

1968 Topps Mantle: His farewell card. Mid-graded examples reach $2,000-3,000.

1951 Bowman Color Mantle: An elusive color version that can surpass $10,000 in top condition.

1961 Post Cereal Mickey Mantle: These are difficult to grade well due to powder coating. Near-mint examples fetch $3,000-5,000.

While Mickey Mantle cards produce plenty of affordable options for most budgets, specimens with strong eye appeal and superior preservation in high grades will constantly retain and appreciate value. Raw near-mint cards offer more accessible price points in the $500-2,000 range for iconic models depending on demand. Slabbed graded gems escalate quickly beyond those levels. Over the decades, Mickey Mantle cards have grown into an enormous segment of the collecting universe with passionate followings across generations.

For investors, Mantle cards present a reliable blue-chip holding with demonstrated records of strong returns. Prices have risen in step with overall sports card market expansion from the first vintage boom era of the 1980s onwards. Demand has also been bolstered in recent years by another influx of new collectors and greater awareness of baseball cards as lucrative alternative assets appreciating outside traditional markets. For serious aficionados and admirers of Mantle’s singular brilliance on the diamond, few investments can match collecting baseball’s finest superstar through his iconic cardboard representation.

MICKEY MANTLE SIGNED BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, winning three MVP awards and being selected to the All-Star team 16 times during his Hall of Fame career spent entirely with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968. Mantle’s prodigious power at the plate and stellar defense in centerfield made him a towering figure in the sport during the 1950s and 1960s. His outstanding career and fame have made Mickey Mantle autographed or signed baseball cards some of the most desirable and valuable collectibles for MLB memorabilia enthusiasts and fans of “The Mick” alike.

Signed Mickey Mantle baseball cards are scarce given that Mantle passed away in 1995 at the relatively young age of 63 after battling cancer and liver disease for several years. Most of his available signatures come from personal appearances and card shows in the decades after his playing career ended in 1968. Considering Mantle’s legendary status in the game, whenever his signature appears on a vintage card from his playing days, it creates a great excitement in the sports collecting community. Here are some key things to know about Mickey Mantle signed baseball cards:

Mantle’s rookie card from 1952 Topps is arguably the most coveted signed card of any athlete ever. The rookie is already extremely valuable in its unsigned PSA-graded gem mint condition, selling for over $100,000. A Mickey Mantle signed rookie card would easily fetch seven figures at auction. Only a tiny handful are believed to exist.

The highest price ever paid for a Mantle signed card was $2.88 million in January 2022 for his 1952 Topps rookie in PSA/DNA Authenticated condition. It shattered the previous record for a sports card. Most experts believe it remains the most valuable Mickey Mantle autographed card.

Other highly valuable vintage Mantle signed cards include his 1956, 1957, and 1958 Topps issues when he was in his prime with the Yankees. Any signed copy from his dominant years on those classic designs can earn six figures in today’s market.

It’s important to have Mantle signatures authenticated by respected third-party authenticators like PSA, JSA or Beckett to verify they are definitively from Mickey and not forgeries. This provides resell value protection for buyer and seller. Unsigned vintage Mantle cards still command high prices, but authenticated signatures multiply values significantly.

While rarer, Mantle also signed newer reprinted vintage-style cards in the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s from companies like Upper Deck, Donruss and Leaf that can still fetch thousands depending on the set year and design because they capture his actual signed that fans treasure.

Prices for signed Mantle cards also vary based on the condition and centering of the card itself in addition to the autograph. A perfectly centered Mantle rookie signed grades much higher on condition scales than one that is off-center, for example. Condition always affects the final price.

Mantle became more accessible to meet fans and sign memorabilia in his post-playing retirement years as his Hall of Fame honors and legacy cemented his fame. Many collectors treasure any autograph or signed item of his they could obtain after he left the diamond.

For authenticity assurance, it’s best to deal only with reputable sports memorabilia dealers that stand behind grading service authentications of Mantle signatures rather than private sellers where provenance cannot always be fully verified.

The combination of Mantle’s iconic status in baseball history and the scarcity of his signed memorabilia make ANY Mickey Mantle autographed baseball card an extremely valuable key piece for any collection. Prices may fluctuate some based on macro memorabilia and card investment market trends. But Mantle’s signed cards, especially from his playing days on vintage Topps designs, will almost certainly continue increasing in value as one of the holy grails for enthusiasts of the sports collecting hobby. Being able to own an authentic piece of history signed by the legendary “Commerce Comet” is a thrill that few collectors will ever experience.