In a digital echo to the fervor of trading cards tucked discreetly into packs of bubble gum, Miller & Miller Auctions is preparing to set hearts on fire with vintage sports cards and memorabilia at their online-only event on June 22nd. This sale promises to be a treasure hunt brimming with nostalgia for fans of baseball and hockey, showcasing 235 lots of iconic pre-1980 pieces.
Taking pride of place in this collection is none other than one of baseball's most revered stars, Mickey Mantle. At the epicenter of this sports artifact tsunami is the 1952 Topps #311 Mantle rookie card, which is often dubbed as the Ark of the Covenant in the world of cardboard collectibles. Even in its well-loved state, the card expects to command serious bidding war bucks, with pre-auction estimates hovering between $40,000 to $50,000 CAD. With a PSA 2 Good rating, this card might exhibit some battle-worn corners, yet its face and edges still hold that timeless allure—enough to send collectors into a tizzy.
Mantle's debut isn’t the solitary attraction in the realm of baseball marvels. An exclusive cluster of 40 cards from Topps’ elusive 1952 Sixth Series, affectionately known as “High Numbers,” will also be up for grabs. Spanning from the cherished Mantle to #407, these oldies but goldies are the prized jewels of that collection. Despite showing a bit of their generational wear and tear, these cards are a consummate collector's dream, with anticipated bids ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
Of course, any seasoned collector would tell you that hockey isn’t about to be left in the dugout. Enter the 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card. A key attraction, this PSA 3 Very Good card might not dazzle in pristine condition but it sure stands proud as the centerpiece of the illustrious 1951-52 Parkhurst set. With beauty in its seasoned patina and an estimated bid range of $8,000 to $10,000 CAD, it's a must-have for those whose passions lie on the ice.
Fast forward to 1966 and the rookie card of another hockey luminary, Bobby Orr, makes its grand debut on the auction block. Orr’s 1966 Topps #35 rookie card is expected to inspire waves of admiration among fans and investors alike, with its KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint rating. The card is projected to skate as high as $9,000 CAD in the auction bidding sphere.
Adding a touch of uniqueness to the fervent event is a team-signed, game-used Bill Barilko hockey stick from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ vaunted 1951 Stanley Cup-winning escapade. The stick, adorned with Barilko’s number 5 and teammates’ signatures, is an unparalleled piece of hockey heritage awaiting its next chapter in a collector's repository. It's pegged in the $3,000 to 5,000 CAD range—a worthy relic of the rink.
If the allure of display-worthy pieces beckons you, a shadow box featuring Parkhurst rookie cards of the legendary Richard brothers—Maurice and Henri—offers an exquisite focal point of Canadien pride. Topped with a signed Louisville Pro Flex stick and Canadiens puck, this grand homage is projected to fetch between $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
Also noteworthy are the utterly distinctive 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” collection of 110 hockey cards. With its elongated design and the likes of Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull gracing its lineup, this set is a striking highlight at $4,000 to $6,000 CAD in expected bids.
Rounding off this symphony of nostalgia is a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet of hockey cards featuring a pristine Wayne Gretzky rookie card, yes, really. This rare survivor of the past—despite minor edge wear—is likely to pull in throngs of avid bidders, with expectations between $3,500 to $4,500 CAD.
"This auction is a veritable 'Who's Who' of sports history," enthused Ben Pernfuss, Consignment Director at Miller & Miller. In this delightful throwback to sports' golden eras, whether you’re passionate about the storytelling threading through every fiber of these legends or keen on capturing a piece of history, there’s something for every aficionado.
Participants intrigued to immortalize these legendary relics can peruse the auction catalog online at Miller & Miller’s website, or dive into the fray via LiveAuctioneers. As Canada’s trusted name in exquisite collections, Miller & Miller Auctions garners its reputation not just in the handling but in crafting experiences around sports cards, every bit as profound as the moment a rookie first takes to the field.
Mickey Mantle Rookie At Auction
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