The iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 3/AUTO 10 signed card, autographed in ballpoint pen, has the potential to join the ranks of the most important and iconic cards in the world. As of 2025, this journey is still unfolding, but several key factors make this ascension plausible:
Limited Copies: As of August 2025, only 21 copies are in the PSA DNA population report. Comparatively, the number of known Honus T-206's is estimated to be less than 50 combined in PSA and SGC slabs.
Autograph Trends: Historically, getting autographs on rookie and valuable cards, as opposed to balls, 8x10s, and jerseys, was frowned upon and discouraged. This trend contributed to the current low population of signed vintage iconic cards. Many of the most expensive cards sold now are autograph cards.
Iconic Status: The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card (#311) is viewed as one of the most iconic cards in the hobby, alongside the T206 Honus Wagner. Only three unsigned PSA 10 1952 Topps Mantle cards exist, and they are considered among the hobby's most important cards, alongside Gretzky's PSA 8 Honus T-206.
Rarity and Eye Appeal: With only 21 PSA DNA signed 1952 Topps Mantle cards, the top 15% have the potential to be considered on the same level as the three PSA 10s, one SGC 9.5, and the PSA 8 Gretzky Honus. Notably, the PSA 3/AUTO 10 Mantle also has a PWCC Exceptional Eye Appeal sticker, signifying it as a best-in-class example.
Autograph Placement: The location of Mantle's ballpoint pen autograph is in the perfect position on the card, enhancing its appeal. Add that PSA issued PSA 10 auto on this card. "perfect"
Desirability Over Time: The rarity and importance of the PSA 3/AUTO 10 signed in ballpoint pen may increase its desirability and importance over time, possibly reaching the levels of the Gretzky PSA 8 Honus and 1952 Topps PSA 10 Mantle cards.
Preferred Autographs: Of the approximately 21 known signed 1952 Topps Mantle cards, 7 are signed in ballpoint pen. Vintage signed cards in ballpoint pen are generally preferred over modern Sharpie signatures. For early 1900s cards, fountain pens are preferred over ballpoint pens. This PSA 3/AUTO 10 is one of only two known ballpoint pen Auto 10s.
Double Prints: The 1952 Topps baseball series 6 sheet featured the Mantle card (#311) in the upper left corner and a double print in the bottom right corner, resulting in two versions (Type 1 and Type 2). Type 1 has a complete "e" in Mantle, while Type 2 has a slightly "clipped" tail end of the "e."
Type Distribution: Of the six known ballpoint pen signed Mantle cards, three are Type 1, and three are Type 2.
Iconic Memorabilia: In 2024, Judy Garland's Dorothy Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers sold for $32 million at auction, setting a record for movie memorabilia. The rarity and iconic status of these items drive their value, similar to the best-signed 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card.
Warhol's Impact: Andy Warhol's iconic modern art piece, "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn," sold for $195 million at Christie's in 2022. The most iconic "best in class" items can achieve astronomical prices.
Ruth's Jersey: Babe Ruth's game-used "called shot" jersey commanded $24 million in 2024, making it the most iconic jersey in the hobby.
Locked-Up Icons: The most iconic non-signed cards, like Ken Kendrick's PSA 10 1952 Topps Mantle and T-206 PSA 8 Gretzky Honus, are locked up by their owners and rarely change hands. The signed 1952 Topps Mantle with a perfect Auto 10 in ballpoint pen has a similar "King of Kings" aura for signed cards.
Watch Rarity: The Patek Philippe 1518 Stainless Steel watch, which sold for $2,265 in 1941, is estimated to sell for $20 million in 2025. Its iconic status and low population (only four Stainless Steel cases made) drive its value.
The recent $12.932 million sale of the one-of-a-kind Kobe Bryant–Michael Jordan Logoman autographed card underscores a seismic shift: rare sports cards are now being treated as serious alternative assets. Kevin O’Leary, one of the three buyers, likened the card to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and gold—valued, appreciating assets that can withstand market turbulence, not mere niche collectibles
CNBC Equity Insider
. He stressed that this asset class is “institutional in nature,” drawing parallels to high-end collectible watches and modern art markets
CNBC Equity Insider
. Having studied the space for several years, he views such cards as long-term holdings within a diversified portfolio—“an index” of rare items, rather than speculative flips
In recent years, record-breaking prices have been paid for vintage "best-in-class" items, underscoring the escalating demand for rare, iconic pieces across various markets. Notable examples include $32 million for Judy Garland's Ruby Red Slippers, $24 million for Babe Ruth's "The Shot" game-worn jersey, $195 million for Andy Warhol's Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, $20 million for a Patek Philippe 1518 SS watch, and most recently the 1 of 1 Mj/Kobe signed card going for close to 13m. These items are not only scarce in number but also carry immense cultural and historical significance, making them highly coveted by collectors. Rarely offered for sale, they symbolize the pinnacle of their respective categories, and their high prices reflect the intense competition for ownership.
This trend is more than just a passing phenomenon; it’s a sign of a growing cultural shift towards valuing physical, tangible connections to the past in an increasingly digital world. Collectors and investors alike are driven by a desire to own something that is unique, historically important, and rooted in real-world legacy—qualities that digital items, no matter how popular or valuable, often cannot replicate. As the world becomes more "Jetson" with advancing technologies and the proliferation of virtual assets, the demand for vintage, one-of-a-kind collectibles only intensifies.
The demand for these rare items spans a variety of fields, from sports memorabilia and iconic movie wardrobe pieces to modern art and luxury watches. The value of such items can seem limitless. As high-profile sales continue to set new records, there is no telling how far these collectible items can rise in both financial worth and cultural importance. They hold a place in history that transcends their monetary value, often becoming symbols of legacy and achievement, with the power to define entire eras or movements.
As the hobby evolves, these collectibles are not just investments—they are cultural touchstones, representing the intersection of art, sport, and history. In many cases, they carry a personal connection for their owners, adding a layer of sentimental value to their financial worth. This growing interest in vintage items illustrates an essential truth: as our world becomes more connected digitally, the desire for rare, physical treasures continues to grow, with no sign of slowing down.
www.flickr.com/photos/85803362@N06/54212873281/in/datepos...
History of the 1952 Topps signed Mickey Mantle card, PSA 3/AUTO 10:
1. Goldin, Dec 2024, 793k (at time of sale, the highest price paid for a signed vintage card)
2. LOTG, Spring 2023, 422k
3. REA, Spring 2011, 22k
Below are various articles and links on the history and auction write ups on what arguably is the most important and iconic signed card in history of sport card collecting:
AI Chatgpt response to the most iconic sports card of all time:
www.flickr.com/photos/85803362@N06/54228881168/in/datepos...
CLLCT article on the 793k sale, Dec 2024:
www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/sports-cards/mickey-man...
"We believe this is the finest signed 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle known to exist."
www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/autographs/signed-cards...
"Mickey Mantle's 1952 Topps card has been graded more than 2,000 times by PSA.
Only 21 copies in PSA slabs are signed. Arguably the finest signed example in existence is selling at @GoldinCo, with bidding nearing record territory."
Largest Comic book prices paid in 2024:
wealthygorilla.com/most-expensive-comic-books/
Sports Collector's daily write up on record price:
www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/notes-mj-pippen-rodman-1-1-...
Goldin's Dec 2024 write up:
www.flickr.com/photos/85803362@N06/54212116983/in/datepos...
"Examples of vintage ball point pen are virtually non existent"
SI.com write up on card leading up to final days of Dec 2024 auction:
www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/history/mickey-mantle-a...
LOTG Spring 2023 write up:
bid.loveofthegameauctions.com/bids/bidplace?itemid=30126
"Should the values of the very highest grade 1952 Mantles have any relevance to the values of the very highest-grade autographed 1952 Mantles? That's for collectors to decide, but we cannot help but think it is interesting at least to acknowledge the relative values, particularly since signed examples are so rare, let alone in high grade."
"Likely the finest autographed 1952 Topps Mantle in existence, simple a spectacular card, one of the greatest items we have ever offered"
REA Spring 2011 write up:
robertedwardauctions.com/archives/2011/Spring/1093/autogr...
"The exceptional quality of the card and the flawless quality of the signature combine to make this possibly the single finest autographed 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in existence. We have never seen an example that compares."
April 2024, CLLCT article on upward trend of signed vintage card prices:
www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/sports-cards/autograph-...
Iconic PSA 8 Wayne Gretzky Honus Wagner T-206:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T206_Honus_Wagner
Iconic PSA 10 Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps, police escort on way to get displayed, 2021, MLB all star weekend:
kdvr.com/sports/all-star-game/topps-mickey-mantle-card-ge...
Ken Goldin vid clip ahead of the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps signed PSA 3/Auto 10, Dec 2024:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UCFGg3KH5g
Parting Thoughts: The signed 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card is undeniably one of the most significant pieces in the hobby, and some might argue that it belongs in the same league as other iconic cards like the PSA 10 Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps (unsigned) or the Wayne Gretzky T-206 Honus Wagner PSA 8. While it's not quite there yet, the evidence presented in this summary suggests that the best examples of this signed Mantle card have the potential to join the ranks of the hobby's most important and revered cards. The future appreciation of this card could place it in the upper echelon of collectible sports memorabilia.
Judy Garland's Ruby Red Slippers, 32m, Dec 2024:
www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dorothys-ruby-slippers-...
Babe Ruth's "called shot" home run jersey, record 24m, Aug 2024:
www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40986619/babe-ruth-called-sho...
Andy Warhol's Marilyn Sage Blue, 195m record, May 2022:
www.cnn.com/style/article/andy-warhol-shot-sage-blue-mari...
Patek Phillippe 20m Stainless Steel 1518 watch, 2025:
www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/auctions/once-bought-fo...
CLLCT article:
www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/sports-cards/mickey-man...
www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/sports-cards/inside-one...
other links related to autographs or Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps:
interview with Steve Grad on autographs:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gshfR607RLo
Unsigned 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle price history:
PSA pop rereport as of Dec 2024: PSA 10=3, PSA 9=6 as well as 35 PSA 8 and 5 PSA 8.5
PSA 10 Marshall Fogel Mantle:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PbJgseT5IE
PSA 10 Ken Kendrick Collection, includes both the PSA 8 Gretzky Wagner and PSA 10 Mantle 1952 Topps:
sportscollectorsdigest.com/news/ken-kendrick-diamondbacks...
PSA 9 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle price history.
a. Jan 2021, PSA 9 for 5.2m
b. Apr 2018, PSA 9 for 2.9m
c. Dec 2006, PSA 9 for 283k
Record price for PSA 8.5= 2.37m Feb 2024.
Aug 2010, 149k for a PSA 8.5
Record price for PSA 8=2.11m July 2021
A PSA 8 went for 51k, June 2005.
IG user: mattyc_collection://1
www.instagram.com/p/CwkAG29unJE/1
For research/reference: 14 of the 20 known signed 1952 Topps Mantles. The one "playing days" example (which makes 15) is pictured separately in my posts. Only of the 20 are signed in ball point. These images were culled from past sales, auction catalogs, etc. Five of these are in collections visible on IG. (The BGS card pictured was crossed to PSA.
Microsoft Copilot AI app reply if in future, the Mantle 1952 topps PSA 3, Auto 10 in BPP could appreciated to Gretzky's Honus psa 8 or the 3 PSA 10 MM52T cards:
Given the rarity and the growing market for signed vintage cards, it's certainly possible that the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle signed card could see significant appreciation in value over time.
The card's unique combination of being signed by Mantle himself and its high grade (PSA 3/Auto 10) makes it a highly desirable piece for collectors. As the market continues to evolve and more collectors recognize the value of signed vintage cards, it's not unreasonable to think that this card could approach the value of the PSA 8 T206 Honus Wagner and the PSA 10 Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps cards.
copilot.microsoft.com/chats/iDE1wgXKbmi9yio798nm8
PSA card facts on 1952 Topps Mantle:
www.psacard.com/cardfacts/baseball-cards/1952-topps/micke...
PSA pop report link for 1952 Topps set (signed and unsigned), as of Dec 2024, 2023 unsigned, 20 signed.
www.psacard.com/pop/baseball-cards/1952/topps/49722
FB group, "Hall of Fame signed Rookie Cards":
www.facebook.com/groups/597959161810901
List of 50 highest prices paid for Sports cards "all time":
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_expensive_sports_cards
Good articles or links on 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards:
www.historycolorado.org/story/our-exhibits/2018/07/06/onc...
www.psacard.com/cardfacts/baseball-cards/1952-topps/micke...
sportscollectorsdigest.com/news/topps-1952-mickey-mantle-...
Article on differences and history of Type 1 and Type 2 Mantle 1952 Topps:
www.cgccards.com/news/article/10790/
T 206 signed cards.... no Honus:
www.signedt206.com/signed-t206-population-report
not T 206 signed Honus, but closest, M 116:
www.instagram.com/p/DEVh95jyLR0/?img_index=1
Articles on Uncle Jimmy's signed card collection: (the best pre WW2 signed collection ever?)
www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/uncle-jimmy-baseball-card-a...
SCD article on history of Mickey Mantle's autograph over the years:
sportscollectorsdigest.com/autographs/mickey-mantle-signa...
Topps Mickey Mantle checklist:
www.cardboardconnection.com/mickey-mantle-topps-cards-ult...
Between 1952 and 1959, Topps released 41 cards highlighting the legendary slugger. It would have been more had he not signed an exclusive deal with Bowman. That means there are no Mickey Mantle Topps cards from 1954 or 1955. After Topps bought Bowman, the outfielder returned to the Topps fold.
Besides basic player cards, there are several Mickey Mantle subset cards. These honor specific achievements, awards and performances. 1961 Topps Baseball is the set with the most Mantle cards, as he shows up six different times. In second, 1962 has five different Mickey Mantle Topps cards.
A total of 12 cards combined Mantle with at least one other star. These include MLB legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Harmon Killebrew. Pairings come from league leader cards as well as special cards that look at different player connections.
2 checklists, 1967 and 1969.
of the 41 Topps cards of Mantle, as of Jan 2025, 1562 are signed and in psa dna pop report. caveat is some LL (HR leaders, Bronx Bombers, etc) may be signed by other player and in pop report but not signed by Mantle. Details not readily available to figure out). 40 of the 1562 are psa 6, 15 psa 7, and 5 psa 8.
as of Jan 2025, some key vintage cards, psa (not signed) and psa dna (signed):
1952 topps mantle 2050 20 6 of 20 bpp of which 3 are type 1, 3 are type 2
1952 topps mays 3100 36
1951 bowman mays 2400 34
1951 bowman mantle 2750 32
1948 leaf jackie 1850 4 best card grade: psa 7
1949 bowman jackie 1800 8
1933 goudey babe 1250 6 best grade: psa 4
1933 goudey babe 1700 8 best grade: psa 4
1933 goudey babe 1250 5 best grade: psa 5
1933 goudey babe 1400 8 best grade: psa 5
1933 goudey lou 10 best grade: psa 4.5
1933 goudey lou 4 best grade: psa 2.5
1909 t 206 honus 0 no known T 206 signed Honus cards exists
Mickey Mantle HR game log:
www.themick.com/mm-home-runs-list.htm
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, the Mona Lisa of card collecting, SCD article:
BASEBALL’S ‘MONA LISA’: How Topps’ 1952 Mickey Mantle became the most iconic card in hobby history
The debate continues over which baseball card is the true "holy grail" of the sports collectibles hobby. Many believe it's now the Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle and its amazing backstory.
sportscollectorsdigest.com/news/topps-1952-mickey-mantle-...
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle type 1 vs type 2:
Only 97 cards were included in Series 6, which was printed on 100-card sheets. The three empty slots were filled by double-printing three cards, one of which was the Mantle #311. The double prints became known as the Type 2 version.
onlygreats.com/2023/10/09/mantle-topps-type-1-vs-type-2-v...
www.psacard.com/cardfacts/baseball-cards/1952-topps/micke...
No athlete in the history of the hobby has more individually-significant cards than Mantle, yet the answer to this question is easy. The most important Mantle card is, arguably, the most important baseball card in the entire industry. If I were to select one card to act as the poster child or the symbol of baseball card collecting, it would be the 1952 Topps Mantle #311. No, it is not Mantle’s rookie card. That would be his 1951 Bowman, but the 1952 Topps card has taken on a life of its own. The card is more pop culture art than mere baseball card at this point. There is no doubt that it is the anchor of the most important postwar baseball card set ever made, but the power of its image is greater than the sum of the card’s parts or attributes. If there were a Mount Rushmore of cards and it was limited to one spot, this card would get it every time.
Vid of all 18 WS HR of Mickey Mantle in 65 games:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QiCVljM7QI
Worthpoint article on 1952 Mickey Mantle PSA 3/Auto 10 card sale:
www.worthpoint.com/articles/collectibles/signed-vintage-c...
One of the pioneers of getting RC signed by players:
www.psacard.com/articles/articleview/7423/controversial-c...
Alan Rosen/ Mr Mint on 1952 Topps Mantle Find:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjckQNXP4Gs
Nat Turner collecting every PSA grade of Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps:
www.youtube.com/shorts/5dVu-X53_tE
Batman no 1 and 1952 Topps no 311 Mickey Mantle:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTp1TPnVXls
1952 SGC 9.5 auction ha.com preview:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1DfsD0kLQA
1952 SI article on 1952 Topps 311 Mickey Mantle card:
www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/the-truth-about-the-iconic-1...
vid on SGC 9.5 1952 Topps Mantle:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0BMlEoeEN8
How much would one of the 3 PSA 10's MM52T go for today? Likewise, Gretzky's PSA 8 Honus? None have sold in well over a decade.
15m? 25m? 40m? 50m? Speculation across hobby on this topic continues to intrigue us all.
1950/60's auto collector story, Southside Bobby:
intelligentcollector.com/signed-slabbed-delivered-unveili...
vid clip ahead of Dec 2024 Goldin 1952 Topps Mantle signed card:
www.youtube.com/shorts/HvN3HCUwLsU*0***-
Joe Orlando's article on history of signed cards in 2024:
intelligentcollector.com/from-taboo-to-treasure-the-rise-...
Joe Orlando's guide to sports card collecting:
intelligentcollector.com/collectors-guide-to-sports-cards/
Joe Orlando's article on autographs:
intelligentcollector.com/collectors-guide-to-sports-autog...
what would a psa 9 1952 Topps go for in 2025 not to mention what one of the 3 psa 10 would? Very few have sold in past 20 years.
Jan 2021, one sold for 5.2m, so, 2025? 8m? 10m?
in 2018, one sold for 2.9m and way back in 2006, one sold for 283k.
IG vid clip on Fogel's PSA 10 Topps Mantle: (type 1)
www.instagram.com/reel/DE9PcKDs4hp/
IG post, Ken Kendricks big 3 cards, 1952 Topps PSA 10 (type 2)
www.instagram.com/p/DFlxRa8s8z3/
IG clip on best 1952 Topps signed Mantle:
www.instagram.com/p/DDTKjIyJiPc/
PSA 1952 Topps Mantle:
www.psacard.com/cardfacts/baseball-cards/1952-topps/micke...
No athlete in the history of the hobby has more individually-significant cards than Mantle, yet the answer to this question is easy. The most important Mantle card is, arguably, the most important baseball card in the entire industry. If I were to select one card to act as the poster child or the symbol of baseball card collecting, it would be the 1952 Topps Mantle #311. No, it is not Mantle’s rookie card. That would be his 1951 Bowman, but the 1952 Topps card has taken on a life of its own. The card is more pop culture art than mere baseball card at this point. There is no doubt that it is the anchor of the most important postwar baseball card set ever made, but the power of its image is greater than the sum of the card’s parts or attributes. If there were a Mount Rushmore of cards and it was limited to one spot, this card would get it every time.
With MLB starting in the early 1900's, who are the titans of the sport and how many signed cards are there for players who began their career before 1970?
Honus, Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Bob Feller, Warren Spahn, Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Yogi Berra, Jackie Robinson, Bob Gibson, Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton.
19m offer for 1952 Topps Mantle PSA 10, turned down:
www.instagram.com/p/DCfscj8pD9l/
CLLCT article on Patek Philippe 1518 model watch, 20m estimate in 2025:
www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/auctions/once-bought-fo...
www.monacolegendauctions.com/news/a-historic-opportunity-...
Uncle Jimmy's collection:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaANJgqMTIM
Black Swamp Find:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjGZkr3pfY4
Mr Mint's big find story:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDBzFdecLrA
10 biggest sports card finds as of 2021:
sportscollectorsdigest.com/memorabilia/top-10-hobby-finds...
Bill Gates Leonardo DaVinci manuscript, 30m in 1994, now worth over 130m:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=85YcMMhvvoQ
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Leicester
Steve Myland collection:
- JoinedAugust 2012
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