In the dynamic realm of sports collectibles, where nostalgia meets fervent fandom, Miller & Miller Auctions is orchestrating an unforgettable event. Their upcoming virtual extravaganza on June 22nd is set to capture the essence of sporting history with a collection that seamlessly marries grandeur and heritage. From the First Baseman who shook the world with his swing to the hockey icons gracing their respective rinks, the auction is poised to ignite a bidding frenzy reminiscent of a Sunday match at the ballpark.
At the forefront of this illustrious lineup stands a name synonymous with baseball greatness: Mickey Mantle. His 1952 Topps #311 rookie card, often hailed as the crown jewel of baseball collectibles, is drawing enthusiasts across the digital divide. Despite its corners being a little worse for wear, this PSA 2 Good grade artifact radiates an irresistible charm with an estimated sale price hovering between $40,000 and $50,000 CAD. For the aficionado, its mystique lies not only in the player depicted but in the card’s storied journey through time.
But Mantle is not monopolizing the spotlight. He shares it with a coveted batch from Topps’ 1952 Sixth Series. These elusive “High Numbers” are set to tantalize collectors, reviving memories of America’s favorite pastime. Deemed as the ultimate conquest for this series, they are forecasted to fetch somewhere from $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
In a seamless segue from the ballpark to the ice rink, the auction’s spectator experience skids over to hockey’s illustrious history. The mesmerizing prowess of Gordie Howe is encapsulated in a 1951 Parkhurst #66 rookie card, with an estimated value of $8,000 to $10,000 CAD. Carrying a PSA 3 Very Good grade, Howe’s card belies its moderate imperfections with an iconic allure that has endured over decades.
Meanwhile, another hockey legend, Bobby Orr, makes his own appearance through a 1966 Topps #35 rookie card. Graded KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint, its awe-inspiring presence is expected to draw bids within the ballpark of $8,000 to $9,000 CAD. Orr, who revolutionized defensive play, is as revered on card as he was on skates.
The allure of this auction extends beyond just cards. Imagine, for instance, gripping history quite literally with a game-used, team-signed Bill Barilko hockey stick. Coursing with tales of on-ice triumphs, this stick stands as a tribute to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ victorious 1951 Stanley Cup season. Bearing Barilko’s emblematic number 5 and his teammates’ autographs, it’s slated to evoke a bidding echo ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
For those inclined towards more ornamental treasures, a shadow box featuring the Richard brothers — Maurice and Henri — is equipped with awe-inspiring artifacts. KSA grades 4 and 3 cards depict the brothers, alongside a signed Louisville Pro Flex stick and a commemorative bronze plaque. This monumental piece of Canadiens lore is estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 CAD, offering audiences a glimpse into the team’s storied past and brotherly camaraderie.
Furthermore, a comprehensive set of 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards intriguingly hints at what era-defining grandeur might look like in card form. Housing revered names like Howe, Hull, and Horton, this collection stands in good to very good condition, estimated to reel in $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
And as the pièce de résistance, a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet boasting 226 hockey cards, among which is a gem: Wayne Gretzky’s rookie card. Although exhibiting slight edge wear, the rarity of this sheet could translate into a monetary feast, promising return bids between $3,500 to $4,500 CAD.
Capturing the imagination of collectors nationwide, Ben Pernfuss, Consignment Director at Miller & Miller, heralds the auction as a veritable museum of sporting excellence. “Key cards from the groundbreaking 1951 Parkhurst hockey and 1952 Topps baseball sets, featuring some of the most iconic names in sports,” he observes, are at the heart of this must-watch event.
For those yearning to witness this slice of history unfold, Miller & Miller’s catalog presents a tantalizing preview. Ready to cater to the passions of sports fans and collectors alike, this virtuoso auction stands to be a watermark for sports memorabilia lovers, packaging nostalgia, heritage, and passion into one remarkable evening. Collectible aficionados, this is your call to the field.
