The world of nostalgia-fueled bidding wars is set to see another spectacle as Miller & Miller Auctions gears up to present a treasure trove of vintage sports cards and memorabilia on June 22nd. Sports aficionados and card collectors alike will be glued to their screens for what promises to be an exhilarating online auction, where legendary figures of baseball and hockey will battle for attention through their cherished collectibles.
At the forefront of this auction, arguably the crown jewel, is a 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie card. Widely regarded as the holy grail of baseball cards, this particular Mantle card, graded PSA 2 Good, has a storied history attached to its corners and edges. Although showing signs of a life well-lived, it’s expected to command an impressive sum, drawing in estimates between $40,000 and $50,000 CAD. Such figures are to be expected when dealing with a piece that represents an era of baseball immortalized in cardboard.
The Mantle highlight is complemented by an ensemble cast of Topps 1952 Sixth Series cards — these elusive “High Numbers” offer collectors a rare opportunity to grasp a piece of card collecting lore. Spanning card numbers from Mantle’s #311 to #407, this batch is considered top-tier among its peers. Despite the battle scars of time and heavy wear, their presence in this auction is expected to fetch $3,000 to $5,000 CAD, promising a spirited competition among bidders.
Shifting the focus to the icy realms, the hockey segment of this event is equally magnetic. Standing proudly among the offerings is the 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card. Even with a commendable PSA 3 Very Good grading, this card’s allure remains undiminished. Collectors are giddy at the prospect of owning such an artifact, with estimates hovering around $8,000 to $10,000 CAD.
In the league of legends, Bobby Orr’s name shines brightly. His 1966 Topps #35 rookie card, boasting a KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint grade, is anticipated to be a hot commodity among warrior collectors and investors. Valued at $8,000 to $9,000 CAD, Orr’s card is expected to glide smoothly through the auction, much like his unforgettable maneuvers on ice.
However, nostalgia isn’t limited to just paper cards in this auction. A captivating piece from hockey’s historical archives is a game-used, team-signed Bill Barilko hockey stick. A relic from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 1951 Stanley Cup conquest, this uniquely numbered Number 5 stick, adorned with teammate signatures, is poised to capture the hearts of memorabilia buffs. Estimated at $3,000 to $5,000 CAD, it’s a tangible connection to a glorious moment of hockey past.
Memorabilia enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to own a striking shadow box celebrating the Richard brothers— Maurice and Henri. This impeccably presented shadow box houses Parkhurst rookie cards graded KSA 4 and 3, a Louisville Pro Flex stick signed by both, a Canadiens puck, and a commemorative bronze plaque. An ode to the Montreal Canadiens’ rich legacy, its estimated value stands at $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
Collectors seeking a blend of vintage allure and complete collection satisfaction should turn their attention to the 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey set. With its oversized charm, featuring legends such as Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton, the set, overall graded in good to very good condition, is expected to change hands for $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
Ending on a high note is the revered yet whispered-about 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet of 226 hockey cards including a pristine Wayne Gretzky rookie card. Despite whisperings of edge wear threats, this is a showcase piece, expected to attract offers between $3,500 to $4,500 CAD, resonating with the undeniable appeal of the Great One himself.
Ben Pernfuss, Consignment Director at Miller & Miller, eloquently captures the essence of this auction, underscoring its significance in card and sports history. He speaks passionately about the array of key cards from notable 1951 Parkhurst hockey and 1952 Topps baseball sets. Collectors will find themselves amidst an elite gathering of icons; it’s a call to arms for aficionados ardent about preserving legacies in a format that still thrills decades on.
For those itching to participate, Miller & Miller’s auction catalog is available for perusal online, with engagement possible through LiveAuctioneers. Based in Canada, Miller & Miller stands as the trusted custodian of high-value collectibles, adeptly managing everything from sports cards to exquisite jewelry with the precision of a well-drilled all-star team. Whether you’re gunning for a piece of history or simply wish to witness the spectacle, this card-cornered carnival is not one to miss.