This week’s edition of The Curator includes headliners from two of the NBA’s biggest stars. We’ll also be highlighting Pele, non-sports cards, Sunday night’s Lions-Packers showdown, and of course a few lower grades of Collectable assets. As always, let’s kick off with the headliners:
Mickey Mantle‘52 Bowman SGC 10
Considered one of Mickey Mantle’s best looking cards, this immaculate second year Bowman issue is believed to be “criminally underappreciated and overlooked” by the investment community. This SGC 10 is a Pop One.
Cy Young ‘90-’92 John H. Ryder Cabinet RC PSA 1.5 (MK)
The only known example of Hall of Famer Cy Young’s rookie car. This late 1800s cabinet card remains in superb condition, given its 130-year lifespan and is a true artifact of baseball’s formative years.
Patrick Mahomes II ‘17 National Treasures ‘Laundry Tag’ RPA #’d 1/1
The sister card of the most expensive football card ever sold, this blue chip asset of the NFL’s most exciting quarterback features the Nike ‘laundry’ tag from a jersey worn by Mahomes. Serial numbered 1 of 1.
Superman ‘39 Superman #1 CGC 4.0
The beginning of the first title run for “The Man of Steel”, Superman #1 was ranked at #3 on Overstreet’s “Top 100 Golden Age Comics” list for 2022. Graded a CGC 4.0, only 16 unrestored examples of the seminal issue rate higher.
Batman / Robin ‘40 Batman #1 CGC 6.0
Featuring first appearances of The Joker and Catwoman, Batman #1 is a favorite among collectors and investors with Overstreet ranking it #T-4 on the 2022 list of “Top 100 Golden Age Comics.” Graded a CGC 6.0 with 22 unrestored examples higher.
Super Mario Bros. ‘85 WATA 7.0/7.5/8.0 Basket (3x)
A newly unearthed trio of the highly sought after “hangtab variant” of one of the most pivotal video games ever created. WATA graded: 7.0 B+, 7.5 A, and 8.0 A.
Bobby Orr ‘70-’71 Boston Bruins Game Worn Jersey - Photomatched
An exceptional example of game usage, this Boston Bruins sweater donned by the inimitable Bobby Orr is photomatched to a pair of images during the 1970-71 season in which Orr won the Hart Memorial, James Norris Awards, and selected to the NHL First All-Star Team.
Bronko Nagurski ‘35 National Chicle SGC 8
Football collecting’s answer to baseball’s T206 Honus Wagner – the 1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski. Fewer than 225 examples have been graded by PSA, SGC, and BVG of this colorful pillar of football collecting. Graded an SGC 8.
Jim Brown ‘58 Topps Rookie Card Image - Type I Photo
A top tier image from a booming asset class, this 8×10” photograph features the exact image that was used on Hall of Famer Jim Brown’s 1958 Topps rookie card. A PSA Type I, it is one of only two examples to have been offered publicly.
Mickey Mantle ‘53 Topps SGC 8
The crown jewel of the 1953 Topps set, this impeccable Mickey Mantle is graded an SGC 8 and is a pop 15 with just 10 higher – placing it within the top 2% of all SGC graded examples.
Dragon Ball Super ‘21 World Championship Black Label Set
A highly limited set, given only to the 2021 World Championship competitors and hosts, each card features a special Dragon Ball Super stamp and has achieved the highest grade in the hobby – BGS Pristine 10 Black Label.
Bill Russell ‘64 USA Goodwill Tour Signed Jersey
Hailing from the personal collection of Russell himself, this signed USA/NBA Goodwill tour jersey provides an insight into some of the lost history of the league – and it’s greatest stars – in their early stages.
Wonder Woman ‘42 Sensation Comics #1 CGC 7.5
A critically important character, Wonder Woman received her first title (and second overall appearance) in 1942’s “Sensation Comics #1.” Graded a CGC VF- 7.5, it is one of two books at that level, with 11 higher.
