This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2021
This is an absolutely gem mint, out-of-the-pack fresh example of Mickey Mantle’s last Topps in-career issue (a card was produced in 1969 after Mantle announced his retirement). Of The Mick’s Topps cards, the 1968 set is among the toughest to find in mint condition due the unforgiving patterned border design used that year. Because of this, PSA population reports show just nine graded Gem Mint, with this being one of them. Rarely coming up for sale or auction, the most recent example reached a hammer price of $44,000 in July of 2019.
The card itself is a wonderful study of the Yankees hero at the end of his career. The Mick is frozen in a classic left-hand batting stance, a perfect portrait of the future Hall of Famer. In what would be his final big-league season, Mantle was suffering the long-term effects of the multitude of injuries he incurred since 1951 and batted .237. However, Mickey pounded out the last 18 of his career total 536 home runs, proving he still had power in the batting stance displayed on the front of this card. For all its eye-appeal and flawless condition, the card has been encapsulated and graded a Gem Mint 10 by PSA.
Estimate: $50,000+