Legendary Cards of Mantle, Howe, and Orr at Auction Spotlight

In a digital arena buzzing with excitement, Miller & Miller Auctions has orchestrated a gathering that intertwines nostalgia with fervent bidding, uniting sports enthusiasts and collectors in a virtual celebration of iconic athletic heritage. Scheduled for June 22nd, this online-only auction showcases some of the most revered pre-1980 sports cards and memorabilia. Among the stellar lineup are names that echo through the halls of sporting history: Mickey Mantle, Gordie Howe, and Bobby Orr, all prepared to make waves in this internet bidding event.

At the heart of this illustrious sale is the legendary Mickey Mantle – a name that resonates with baseball aficionados the world over. Taking center stage is the 1952 Topps #311 Mantle rookie card—a veritable crown jewel in the realm of baseball cards. Despite its 'well-loved' condition, this revered artifact is estimated to fetch between $40,000 and $50,000 CAD. Its grade, PSA 2 Good, suggests corners that have been softened over time, a tribute to its storied past, yet the card's surface and edges remain remarkably intact. For those who dwell in the realm of card collecting, this card is as sacred as the final innings of a World Series game and is set to ignite a fierce bidding war.

Mantle, however, is not the sole baseball great under the spotlight. A trove of 40 additional cards from the same celebrated 1952 Topps Sixth Series, widely known as the "High Numbers," accompanies this legendary rookie card. Enthusiasts can potentially secure these cards, which docuмent a cherished era in baseball history, for an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.

Turning from baseball diamonds to frozen arenas, the auction promises offerings that will delight hockey aficionados as well. The iconic 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card stands poised to draw significant interest, sporting an expectation to sell for between $8,000 and $10,000 CAD. Graded PSA 3 Very Good, this card might not yet find its home in a museum but retains a strong aesthetic appeal. It holds an esteemed place as the centerpiece of the 1951-52 Parkhurst set—a must-have for any serious hockey collector.

Meanwhile, Bobby Orr’s introduction into this celebratory mix comes via his 1966 Topps #35 rookie card. Graded KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint, potential owners might need to anticipate a final bid ranging from $8,000 to $9,000 CAD, thanks to Orr’s indelible impact on the sport and his continued allure to both fans and investors.

Adding an exquisitely unique twist to the roster is a game-used, team-signed Bill Barilko hockey stick from the illustrious Toronto Maple Leafs’ 1951 Stanley Cup-winning season. Embellished with Barilko’s own signature and his teammates’, it's an irreplaceable relic embodying a legendary era in hockey history, with an auction estimate of $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.

For those who appreciate a visually appealing display, a shadow box arrangement awaits. This meticulously curated piece exhibits Parkhurst rookie cards of Maurice and Henri Richard, graded KSA 4 and 3 respectively, and also features a Louisville Pro Flex stick signed by the celebrated siblings, a Canadiens puck, and a striking bronze plaque. An ode to Montreal Canadiens folklore, this shadow box carries an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.

Another gem within Miller & Miller’s celebrated extraction of collectibles is the complete 110-card set of 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys.” These cards, distinguished by their added height, feature renowned figures like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton. This set, presented in good to very good condition, is priced at an estimated $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.

An exceptional find rounds out the highlight reel: a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet comprising 226 hockey cards, including a flawless #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card. Despite slight edge wear, this uncut sheet is an extraordinary survivor, anticipated to draw between $3,500 and $4,500 CAD.

Ben Pernfuss, the Consignment Director at Miller & Miller, encapsulated the auction's significance, asserting it as a veritable "who’s who" of sporting history, with cards from seminal assemblages like the groundbreaking 1951 Parkhurst and 1952 Topps sets, featuring venerable icons of the athletic world.

Collectors can immerse themselves in researching the auction catalog on the official Miller & Miller website or partake in the vibrant bidding through LiveAuctioneers. As Canada’s trusted purveyor of high-value collections, Miller & Miller brings the same meticulous care to handling sports cards as one would a treasured memento from a dearly missed era of sports mastery.