DALLAS, Texas (WIFR) - In his entire career, Hall of Fame baseball player Mickey Mantle earned a little more than $1 million. But a rookie baseball card of the former Yankee great sells for a whole lot more than that.
According to Heritage Auctions, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card sells for $12.6 million. That’s not only a record for the most ever paid for any sports item, card or memorabilia, but it shatters the previous record of $7.25 million set earlier this month for a 1909 tobacco card of Hall of Fame Pirates infielder Honus Wagner.
Mantle spent his entire career with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, where he was a seven-time World Series champion. He died in 1995.
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As an enthusiast deeply knowledgeable about sports memorabilia and collectibles, I've extensively researched and followed the market trends, valuations, and historical significance of items like baseball cards, particularly those featuring iconic players such as Mickey Mantle.
The article by Mike Garrigan highlights the incredible value placed on a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card, emphasizing its record-breaking sale price of $12.6 million. This amount dwarfs Mantle's entire career earnings of just over $1 million, showcasing the immense value collectors attribute to rare and well-preserved sports memorabilia.
Let's break down the concepts and elements related to this article:
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Mickey Mantle: A legendary baseball player who spent his entire career (1951 to 1968) with the New York Yankees. Mantle was a seven-time World Series champion and remains one of the most iconic figures in baseball history.
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1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Baseball Card: This particular baseball card, produced by Topps in 1952, is one of the most sought-after and valuable sports collectibles. Its significance lies not only in Mantle's legacy but also in the scarcity and condition of the card itself.
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Heritage Auctions: Mentioned in the article, Heritage Auctions is a well-known auction house specializing in various collectibles, including sports memorabilia. They facilitated the sale of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card for $12.6 million, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a sports item or card.
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Record-breaking Sale: The $12.6 million sale of the 1952 Mickey Mantle card surpassed the previous record of $7.25 million set by a 1909 Honus Wagner tobacco card earlier that month. This highlights the escalating value and demand for rare, iconic sports memorabilia among collectors.
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Honus Wagner: A Hall of Fame infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Honus Wagner's baseball card from 1909 is another highly sought-after collectible, known for its rarity and historical significance within the hobby.
Understanding the historical context, rarity, significance of players, and the dynamics of the sports collectibles market are crucial aspects of comprehending the staggering value assigned to these artifacts. The article underscores how the allure of sports memorabilia continues to captivate collectors, driving prices to unprecedented heights.
