In a crescendo that has both sports enthusiasts and trading card collectors leaning forward with bated breath, Miller & Miller Auctions announces its highly anticipated pre-1980 sports card and memorabilia bonanza. Scheduled to go live on June 22nd, this virtual event promises a smorgasbord of historically significant cards and memorabilia. It’s an online-only affair, dispensing with the hustle and bustle of a physical event in favor of an electronic showdown set to feature 235 lots. And leading this lineup of legendary allure are cards featuring the titans of baseball and hockey, such as Mickey Mantle, Gordie Howe, and Bobby Orr. This auction isn’t just about cards; it’s a chance to pay homage to past performers who have become giants in the pantheon of sports legends.

Taking the spotlight like a heavyweight champion entering the ring is the illustrious Mickey Mantle. The 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie card, often revered as the holy relic of baseball cards, is poised to steal the show. Even in a state that shows some miles on the odometer, this card doesn’t come lightly priced. It’s expected to fetch in the ballpark of $40,000 to $50,000 CAD. Maintained at a PSA 2 Good grade, the card might exhibit corners that have seen brighter days, but the overall condition—solid edges and surfaces—demands respect, sparking a mad dash among serious collectors who wouldn’t let a slight blemish deter them.

But Mantle isn’t the only luminary gracing this stage. The revered 1952 Topps Sixth Series “High Numbers” collection also makes an appearance, with a set of 40 cards ranging from #311 Mantle to #407—each possessing its own narrative engraved in wrinkles and wear. Although some cards may show their age, their imperfections tell stories that are worth every penny, estimated between $3,000 and $5,000 CAD. These pieces are fragments of a hobby’s heritage, granting collectors an opportunity to own a slice of Topps folklore.

Turning the corner from the diamond to the rink, the hockey section boasts no shortage of excitement either. The 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card, a prized possession among hockey aficionados, is anticipated to attract bids in the neighborhood of $8,000 to $10,000 CAD. It’s a PSA 3 Very Good condition card with a captivating visual appeal, offering sobriety and splendor in equal measure as it stands as the centerpiece of the esteemed 1951-52 Parkhurst set.

Moreover, Bobby Orr’s iconic 1966 Topps #35 rookie card is set to make pulses quicken. Graded KSA 6 Excellent to Near Mint, this card is not merely a piece of cardboard but a testament to a legacy. Expectations stand high, with estimations scaling from $8,000 to $9,000 CAD, drawing interest from investors who understand the worth of class wrapped in nostalgia.

An auction wouldn’t be complete without the delightfully unexpected, represented here by a rare hockey stick that boasts signatures of a time gone by. An authentic, game-used hockey stick from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 1951 Stanley Cup-winning season, adorned with Bill Barilko’s number 5, and fellow players’ autographs, defines authenticity. This treasured stick is perched with an estimate between $3,000 to $5,000 CAD.

And for the magnificent displays, a beautifully crafted shadow box features Parkhurst rookie cards of the celebrated Richard brothers, Maurice and Henri, boasting KSA grades of 4 and 3 respectively. Within this 24-inch by 72-inch package lies a piece of the Montreal Canadiens’ heartfelt history, enhanced by a signed Louisville Pro Flex stick, puck, and a gleaming bronze plaque—altogether resonating with an estimated value between $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.

Completing this auction’s highlight reel is a complete collection of the classic 1964-65 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards. Their elongated stature sets them apart, with icons like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Tim Horton gracing these oversized rectangles of nostalgia. Given a collective patina ranging from good to very good, the set is framed to capture anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 CAD.

If you’re wondering about the modern greats, fear not. An uncut sheet of 226 hockey cards from 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee lies in waiting, prominently showcasing a mint-condition #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card. While minor edge wear does little to diminish its magnetism, the sheet stands ready to reel in between $3,500 and $4,500 CAD—a rare artifact indeed.

Ben Pernfuss, the Consignment Director for Miller & Miller Auctions, hints at the historical gravitas of the event: “Collectors will find key cards from the groundbreaking 1951 Parkhurst hockey and 1952 Topps baseball sets.” Such reverie reminds us that this auction isn’t just an assembly—it’s an occasion for memory and merit.

Interested bidders can preview their desired memorabilia on Miller & Miller’s digital catalog, or plunge directly into the frenzied camaraderie through the LiveAuctioneers platform. With a reputation as Canada’s premier purveyor of high-value collections, Miller & Miller Auctions handles every collectible with the tenderness reserved for a rookie treating his first glove, ensuring that each treasure finds its rightful home.

Mickey Mantle Rookie At Auction