In the vibrant world of sports memorabilia, the hunt for legendary cards is akin to a treasure quest for collectors and sports enthusiasts alike. Come June 22nd, Miller & Miller Auctions will be the centerpiece of such a pursuit, serving as a digital playground for those smitten by the allure of vintage sports cards. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of America’s favorite pastime or have a penchant for Canada’s icy arenas, this auction offers a golden opportunity to claim some of the most coveted pieces in sports history—all from the comfort of your own home.
Leading the pack of prized collectibles is the illustrious Mickey Mantle. Baseball enthusiasts know the reverence commanded by the 1952 Topps #311 Mantle rookie card, often dubbed the ‘holy grail’ of baseball cards. Despite its PSA 2 Good grade—suggesting it’s seen a bit of love in its day with worn corners and slight wear—the card is anticipated to fetch a tidy sum, somewhere in the vicinity of $40,000 to $50,000 CAD. For serious collectors, the card’s storied history and solid surface make it a must-have, reigniting a state of nostalgia and admiration for the Yankees legend.
But Mantle is not the lone star in this showcase of vintage delight. Emblazoned with historic charm, a collection of 40 Topps’ 1952 Sixth Series cards, affectionately known as ‘High Numbers,’ also takes the stage. These cards, ranging from #311 to #407, provide a picturesque window into baseball’s bygone era, despite showing signs of wear. Expected to garnish between $3,000 and $5,000 CAD, they present an irresistible chance for collectors to hold pieces of the past.
Shifting gears to the ice rink, hockey aficionados have their own treasure to covet—the Gordie Howe 1951 Parkhurst #66 rookie card. Graded PSA 3 Very Good, the card commands respect, projecting an estimate of $8,000 to $10,000 CAD. This crown jewel of the 1951-52 Parkhurst set is bound to be the apple of any collector’s eye, not merely for its monetary value but as an epitome of hockey greatness.
Adding to the frosty line-up, Bobby Orr’s 1966 Topps #35 rookie card also takes center ice, appealing to hockey fans and investors alike. Graded KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint, it radiates the legacy of the Boston Bruin’s defenseman and is estimated to attract bids between $8,000 and $9,000 CAD.
Delving deeper into history, a unique relic speaks to the legacy of the Toronto Maple Leafs—the Bill Barilko game-used, team-signed hockey stick from their 1951 Stanley Cup-winning season. Bearing Barilko’s number and scribbles of his teammates’ signatures, this one-of-a-kind relic of Toronto’s triumph is poised at an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.
For those who prefer their treasures neatly displayed, feast your eyes on a shadow box that brings together pillars of Montreal Canadiens’ lore. Featuring Parkhurst rookie cards of Maurice and Henri Richard, graded KSA 4 and 3, respectively, along with additional Canadiens memorabilia, this box isn’t just a display but a shrine to hockey history, valued at an estimated $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
Venturing further into marvels of elongated proportions, the 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards also beckon. This complete set of 110 cards, featuring legends such as Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton, comes with an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000 CAD. The collection, notable for its distinctive size, carries a condition range from good to very good, solidifying its appeal to collectors.
In the grand finale, the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet dazzles with its inclusion of a pristine #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card. With a glaze only touched by minor edge wear, this rarity brims with intrigue and promise of high stakes, with anticipated bids in the $3,500 to $4,500 CAD range.
Ben Pernfuss, the Consignment Director at Miller & Miller, encapsulated the essence of this auction with remarkable insight. He noted, “Collectors will find key cards from groundbreaking sets featuring the most iconic names in sports.” Indeed, this auction is a melodic symphony of sports history, alluring collectors to partake in its digital bidding dance via LiveAuctioneers or directly through the Miller & Miller Auction website.
In a world where nostalgia meets investment, Miller & Miller Auctions stand as a trusted custodian of high-value collections, tending to sports cards, watches, jewelry, and relics of yore with as much care as one would extend to a cherished heirloom.
