In a vivid showcase blending nostalgia with competitive bidding, Miller & Miller Auctions is set to ignite enthusiasm among sports fans and vintage card collectors with a veritable feast of pre-1980 treasures on June 22nd. A digital just-for-you affair, this online auction packs a mighty punch in terms of the lineup, offering 235 lots teeming with sporting legends from the dual realms of baseball and hockey. The only sound you might hear, however, could be your competitor’s fingers clicking away furiously on a keyboard – a modern battleground replacing the traditional auctioneer’s gavel.
Among the glittering array of offerings, the crown jewel might just be the baseball card that dreams are made of: the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie card. Revered as the holy grail of baseball memorabilia, collectors with deep pockets and even deeper passions are eyeing this gem, with bids expected to soar within the $40,000 to $50,000 CAD range. Despite its PSA 2 Good grading indicating that its corners have tales of wear and play to tell, its surface and edges maintain a solid appeal – more than enough to reel in serious Mantle devotees ready to engage in a spirited bidding tango.
Mantle, though leading the charge, isn’t the solitary spotlight stealer. Baseball aficionados will find themselves captivated by an ensemble of 40 cards from the 1952 Topps Sixth Series, affectionately dubbed the elusive “High Numbers.” This range, stretching from the iconic #311 Mantle card to #407, holds an esteemed place in card history, albeit with some signs of time’s passage in damage and wear. The estimated valuation of $3,000 to $5,000 CAD positions this set as a haven for collectors eager to seize a slice of hobby history.
Flipping the coin to the icy expanses of hockey, the allure remains equally strong. Enthusiasts and investors looking towards the ice rink are geared up for a chance to snare a piece of Gordie Howe’s legacy with the 1951 Parkhurst #66 rookie card. It carries a PSA 3 Very Good grading, suggesting it might not be museum-perfect but its historical heft and eye-catching appeal mark it as the crown jewel of the Parkhurst collection. Prospective purchasers should be prepared to part with between $8,000 and $10,000 CAD for this prized piece of history.
Not lagging far behind, hockey legend Bobby Orr makes his mark with the 1966 Topps #35 rookie card, which is projected to stir plenty of attention. Graded KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint, this card is on the radar of both passionate fans and sharp-eyed investors, anticipating bids to hover between $8,000 and $9,000 CAD.
One piece that truly stands out for its uniqueness is a timeworn, game-used hockey stick with signatures from the storied 1951 Toronto Maple Leafs team, including that of Bill Barilko himself. A relic from their Stanley Cup-winning season, this remarkable artifact is poised to fetch between $3,000 and $5,000 CAD—an iconic reminder of a legendary team and a season to remember.
For those who appreciate a bit of drama in display, an illustrious shadow box adorned with rookie cards for the revered Maurice and Henri Richard, graded KSA 4 and 3 respectively, comes with Canadian flair. Measuring 24 inches by 72 inches, this showcase includes a Louisville Pro Flex stick inked by both brothers, a Canadiens puck, and a bronze plaque. Collectors might see this gorgeous piece fetch between $4,000 and $6,000 CAD, offering a compelling narrative of Montreal Canadiens lore.
Another exceptional highlight is the complete set of 110 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards. Aptly named for their extra-long stature, they feature legends like Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull, with the set well preserved in good to very good condition and estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
Rounding out the exciting lineup is a pristine uncut sheet from O-Pee-Chee of the 1979-80 collection, replete with 226 hockey cards including a flawless #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card. Despite minor edge wear, this rarity exudes a charm that elevates its potential fetch to $3,500 to $4,500 CAD.
Miller & Miller’s Consignment Director, Ben Pernfuss, assures enthusiasts that this auction is nothing short of a roll call of sports immortality. “From the groundbreaking 1951 Parkhurst hockey and 1952 Topps baseball sets, collectors will feast their eyes on key cards featuring some of the most iconic names in sports,” he mentions with undeniable excitement.
Whether your collecting passions lean towards the thrill of the auction or the historical weight of vintage memorabilia, the June 22nd event is a must-attend for those who revel in the legacies that shaped the sports world. Eager bidders can prepare by exploring the auction catalog online, readying themselves for a spirited tussle facilitated by LiveAuctioneers. Known as Canada’s trusted handler of valuable collections, Miller & Miller is set to deliver yet another unmissable spectacle where treasure meets tradition in the digital age.