1952 Topps Baseball and 1965 Topps Football Sets Bringing Big Numbers

With the start of a new baseball season upon us, Mile High Card Co. is making a splash with its Spring Auction filled with some impressive baseball memorabilia, running through April 10.

As has become customary with Mile High (MHCC) auctions, this event features 1,791 lots and offers something for every type of collector, headlined by a 1952 Topps baseball master set that ranks No. 3 on the PSA Set Registry and a 1965 Topps football set that is the Set Registry’s No. 1 all-time finest.

Both sets will be offered two ways: In its entirety and each card offered individually, with the sale going to the higher total of the set versus the sum of the totals of the individual cards.

“The ’52 Topps Mantle and the 1965 Namath rookie card are probably the two most iconic postwar issues of their respective sports. We’re honored to be able to offer both cards as part of two of the most impressive collections ever assembled,” said MHCC President and CEO Brian Drent. “And that’s just the beginning. The momentum of our exclusive Winter Auction has definitely continued through to the Spring.”

The ’52 Topps set for auction is truly unprecedented. At an overall GPA of better than 7.7, this is the finest set ever offered for public auction and features cards that have not been made available to collectors in many years. Highlighted by No. 311 Mickey Mantle PSA 7.5, No. 1 Andy Pafko black back PSA 8 and No. 407 Eddie Mathews PSA 7, included are PSA 8 cards of Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson, as well as difficult low-population examples of No. 9 Hogue, No. 20 Loes, No. 320 Rutherford, No. 326 Shuba, No. 388 Chipman and numerous low-numbered black backs, among others.

The ’65 Topps Football set is equally as impressive, not only ranking as the No. 1 all-time finest set but it comes as close to perfection as any collection from the 1960s. Of the more than 21,000 cards submitted to PSA, only six have graded Gem Mint, all included in this set. Just a total of seven other existing cards have the ability to raise the overall GPA.

A 1963 Topps Baseball master set, No. 8 on the Set Registry with an 8.18 GPA, and an extremely scarce 1958 Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers near complete set (9/10), in unopened cello packs, are also part of a large array of assemblages from the 1950s through 1970s to be offered.

For those collectors who appreciate prewar issues, MHCC comes through again, led by a 1910 E93 Standard Caramel Christy Mathewson PSA 5, 1915 Cracker Jack No. 37 Grover Alexander PSA 8, a complete T201 Mecca Double Folder set and an exceedingly scarce 1933 Blue Bird Babe Ruth PSA 8.5, in addition to a selection of Turkey Reds, Goudeys and E101 “Set of 50” cards.

Notable postwar singles include a 1952 Topps No. 311 Mantle graded NM+, a 1951 Bowman No. 305 Willie Mays graded NM/MT+, 1955 Topps No. 164 Clemente PSA 8, 1954 Topps No. 90 Mays PSA 9, 1958 Topps No. 150 Mantle PSA 9 and hundreds of PSA 9 Mint graded cards from the 1960s.

Modern-day collectors won’t be disappointed, as high-grade 1972-75 Topps sets are being offered, as well as a 1975 Topps No. 223 Robin Yount PSA 10 and a massive horde of more than 9,000 1991 Desert Shield cards. Various high-grade specimens featuring Bobby Orr, Roger Staubach, Carl Yastrzemski and John Havlicek will be available as well.

The memorabilia enthusiast will be pleased at MHCC’s selection of autographed photos, signed and authenticated Perez-Steele cards and game-used material, including jerseys from Cal Ripken Jr., Barry Bonds, John Stockton and Karl Malone, with a bat and cleats from Carl Yastrzemski. Vintage World Series programs and Super Bowl tickets are also available for the avid collector.

Bidding can be done through MHCC’s website at www.milehighcardco.com or by phone at 303-840-2784.