For those who savor the thrill of nostalgia and the chase for rarity, mark your calendars. On June 22nd, Miller & Miller Auctions opens its virtual doors for an extraordinary online event that promises to whisk collectors back to the golden era of sports with a cornucopia of cherished memorabilia. This isn’t just any ordinary shuffle through vintage wares; it’s a gateway to heroics past, featuring luminaries from baseball and hockey whose legends continue to echo through the annals of time.
Taking the lead, much like he did in ballparks across America, is none other than Mickey Mantle. His name conjures images of majestic home runs and Yankee triumphs, and the crown jewel of this auction is the illustrious 1952 Topps #311 rookie card. For those not yet in the loop, this card is akin to acquiring a personal slice of Cooperstown sanctity. Despite its corners showing the wear of many collectors’ dreams, its solid surface and even edges ensure it remains highly coveted. PSA has carefully graded this historical piece at a PSA 2 Good, yet it is anticipated to rally bids between $40,000 and $50,000 CAD. For ardent card enthusiasts, this Mantle card offers a chance to clutch history with bated breath.
But the night doesn’t belong solely to Mantle. Baseball purists will be further enticed by a collection of the 1952 Topps Sixth Series, or what the aficionados dub “High Numbers.” Spanning from #311 to #407, this set embraces its age with graceful wear and anticipated bids ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 CAD. Whether displaying signs of love or simply the passage of time, these cards invite collectors to claim a small but mighty chapter in the hobby’s grand narrative.
Over in the realm of ice, where the echoes of clashing sticks and victorious cheers reverberate, the auction brings revered hockey idolatry into the spotlight. Enter the 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card, a treasure that’s more than just cardboard institutional history. Howe’s card, donning a PSA 3 Very Good grade, isn’t merely a collectible but a crown jewel expected to reel in $8,000 to $10,000 CAD. Despite lacking pristine perfection, its sheer allure captivates the hearts of hockey enthusiasts worldwide.
Not to let Howe hog all the limelight, the auction brings another hockey legend to its court: Bobby Orr. His debut 1966 Topps #35 rookie card, sealed in its KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint grading, promises to whet the appetites of zealots and investors alike, estimated to draw $8,000 to $9,000 CAD. Orr’s electrifying journey from rookie to renowned athlete can be summoned with this prize.
Striking a particularly nostalgic chord is a game-used, team-signed hockey stick wielded by Toronto Maple Leafs’ player Bill Barilko during their triumphant 1951 Stanley Cup season. Barilko’s number 5 and contracts from his legendary teammates emblazon this artifact expected to fetch $3,000 to $5,000 CAD. It’s a lush throwback to an age when hockey sticks weren’t just tools, but symbols of brotherhood and victory.
Adding to the rich tapestry of offerings is a shadow box that celebrates the Richard brothers, Maurice and Henri. Lushly appointed with Parkhurst rookie cards graded KSA 4 and 3, a Canadiens puck, and a signed Louisville Pro Flex stick, this piece features a bronze plaque and captures the spirit of Montreal Canadiens lore. An estimated value dances between $4,000 and $6,000 CAD, wrapping nostalgia in a display of collector-worthy reverence.
Revving up the excitement is a complete choreography of the 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards. Elongated like the dreams they harbor, this set of 110 cards invites fans to celebrate figures like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton. Graded in good to very good condition, these figures are expected to generate between $4,000 and $6,000 CAD.
Finally, a masterpiece for the hockey lover’s shrine: the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet with the luminous #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card centered amidst its 226 brethren. Despite minor edge distress, this relic is poised to enrapture bidders, potentially bringing in $3,500 to $4,500 CAD.
Ben Pernfuss, Consignment Director at Miller & Miller, aptly captures the essence of this spectacle: a tapestry of history rife with the legends of the past. Collectors will feast their eyes on monumental cards from the pioneering 1951 Parkhurst and 1952 Topps sets, each spewing tales of greatness.
As anticipation builds and nostalgia bubbles over, interested parties can dive into the auction catalog on Miller & Miller’s official site or with LiveAuctioneers. With their steadfast commitment to preserving the lore of sports through memorabilia, Miller & Miller serves as an esteemed custodian of history’s treasured offerings. Whether it’s cards, relics, or tales of sporting conquests, each piece becomes a vessel of timeless valor waiting to be rediscovered.
