Picture this: a treasure trove of nostalgia ready to ignite the passionate hearts of sports aficionados and collectors alike. On June 22nd, the virtual doors swing open for Miller & Miller Auctions’ latest offering—a dazzling parade of pre-1980 sports memorabilia so tantalizing, even the most stoic of collectors might feel their hearts beat a bit faster.
Anchoring this online-exclusive event are the luminaries of baseball and hockey, with a stellar lineup led by none other than the legendary Mickey Mantle. The 1952 Topps #311 Mantle rookie card isn’t just a piece of cardboard—it’s the holy grail of baseball lore, a symbol of America’s pastime at its finest. Despite its age showing in the corners, this card, graded PSA 2 Good, retains enough historical weight to tip the scales towards an auction frenzy, with bidding estimates hovering between a handsome $40,000 to $50,000 CAD.
While Mantle commands the lion’s share of attention, he’s certainly not playing solo. Collectors get a crack at Topps’ tantalizing 1952 Sixth Series, a collection of coveted “High Numbers” that stretches from #311 Mantle all the way to #407. Though some cards bear the scars of time, their historical value stands firm, luring bids estimated around $3,000 to $5,000 CAD. These cards are a testament to the art of collecting, showcasing the charm of yesteryears when trading was done more out of pure passion than investment.
Turning towards the icy realms of hockey, we find legends waiting to make their mark. The 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card isn’t just a memory on a card—it’s a piece of the game’s heart, a tangible fragment of its glorious history. With a PSA 3 Very Good grade, this card is expected to slide smoothly into auction victories with bids estimated between $8,000 to $10,000 CAD, reflecting both its cultural and collectible worth.
Meanwhile, Bobby Orr, the marvel of the rink, makes his entrance through his coveted 1966 Topps #35 rookie card. With a KSA 6 Excellent-Near Mint rating, Orr’s card is another prime target for bidders and collectors anxious to possess a slice of hockey’s most revered icons. It’s pegged at drawing $8,000 to $9,000 CAD, a small price for owning the majesty of Orr’s undeniable allure.
For a dash of uniqueness, the auction showcases a game-used, team-signed hockey stick from the 1951 Stanley Cup champion team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Bill Barilko’s number and autographs from fellow teammates, this piece of wood isn’t just a stick; it’s a relic from a premier chapter in sports history. Estimated between $3,000 and $5,000 CAD, it’s a gem for those who cherish narrative in their collections.
The offerings don’t lose steam there. A shadow box extravaganza celebrating the “Rocket” and “Pocket Rocket,” Maurice and Henri Richard, might just win the sale’s popularity contest. It combines rookie cards graded KSA 4 and 3 respectively, a Canadiens puck, a signed stick, and a commemorative bronze plaque—essentially, a shrine ready to bask in the glow of admiration and auction bids projected at $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.
For enthusiasts craving more, a complete set of 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards stands at attention, featuring greats like Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull. With bids estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 CAD, these cards balance nostalgia and collectibility, teasing fans with the promise of yesteryear’s sporting glories.
Perhaps one of the most buzzworthy offerings is a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet featuring an unadulterated Wayne Gretzky rookie card alongside 225 others. With its blazer-sharp edges slightly worn, it still retains the sheen and allure to entice bids between $3,500 to $4,500 CAD, speaking volumes about its rare survivor status.
“This auction is like flipping through the pages of sports history, each card a paragraph of legend and lore,” says Ben Pernfuss, Consignment Director at Miller & Miller. And indeed, as bidders prepare, they uncover the juxtaposition of sports mythos and modern-day passion, where the stakes are emblematic chapters of the past and the bidders, the keepers of these heralded tales.
Visit Miller & Miller’s website to preview the catalog, or jump into the excitement via LiveAuctioneers. Here, collectibles become more than historical artifacts; they morph into prized tokens of legacy, ready to find new guardians. Whether it’s ripped corners or near-mint brilliance, each item sings a siren song—will you answer the call and claim a piece of the action?
