22. 1952 Topps Near-Complete Set (405/407) Along with the T206 and 1933 Goudey sets, the 1952 Topps set is one of the most valuable and timeless sets in the hobby. Ushering in the golden era of collecting, the set was the largest of its time, both in number and in card size. The issue was the first to include color team logos and the first to include stats from the previous season as well as the player’s career. Additionally, the set was issued in series, with the second
seeking to complete a run of Topps sets, augment a ‘52 Mantle with a complete set without breaking the bank, or simply a passionate hobbyist who would like to own one of the most classic of all baseball sets. The condition breakdown is approximately 3% VG, 8% GOOD, 37% FAIR and 52% POOR, with all the hallmarks of lower-grade cards, including tape marks, surface wear, creasing, and in
some cases writing. A breakdown of the issue’s keys is as follows: #1 Pafko (F), #11 Rizzuto (P), #26 Irvin (F), #33 Spahn (G), #37 Snider (G), #36 Hodges (F), #59 Roberts (F), #65 Slaughter (F), #88 Feller (P), #91 Schoendienst (G), #129 Size (P), #191 Berra (P), #195 Minoso (P), #216 Ashburn (P), #246 Kell (P), #243 Doby (F), #268 Lemon (VG), #277 Wynn (F), #315 Durocher (P), #392 Wilhelm
series (#311-407) considered by many to be among the toughest “high numbers” of all the Topps issues. Even today it is considered one of the most beautiful baseball card sets ever issued, with prices that continue to skyrocket at every grade level. Presented here is a nearly-complete, collector- grade set containing all but two of the set’s cards:
the #311 Mickey Mantle, and #312 Jackie Robinson, both of which are featured elsewhere in this auction. The closest one can get to an “affordable” 1952 Topps set, this was assembled by a true collector, who built the set within a budget and was more concerned with completion than condition. It is the perfect solution for a collector
(P), #394 Herman (P), and #396 Williams (P). Five cards have been graded by PSA, as follows: #261 Mays (PSA PR 1), #314 Campanella (PSA VG 3), #333 Reese (PSA GOOD 2), #400 Dickey (PSA GOOD+ 2.5), and #407 Mathews (PSA PR 1). 405 cards total. MINIMUM BID: $5,000
23. Ultra-Rare 1911 Western Playground Association George Stinson - SGC AUTHENTIC
The1911 Western Playground Association set (referred to as H998 in The American Card Catalog) is one of the most obscure sets ever produced. The 2-1/4 x 3-1/2” cards also servedas membership certificates into the “Western PlaygroundAssociation,” with the copy on the cards’ backs explaining how teachers could redeem the cardsfor “School Apparatus or Playground Supplies.” The cards would be sent from the teacher to the Western PlaygroundAssociation in San Francisco, which explains the PacificCoast League tie-in as a west coast company. This, also, most likely explainswhy cards from this incredibly unique set are so hard to find today. Only 86 total examples from the 40-card set have ever been graded by SGC. The George Stinson card has only been graded twice, with this offering receiving a grade of Authentic. Several of the cards in the Western Playground set are labeled as “P.S. League,” including this example featuring George Stinson. This is believed to be in error, since all players in the set belonged to the Pacific Coast (P.C.) League. 1911 happened to be the best season of George Stinson’s 15-year minor league career. He batted .317 with career highs in hits (177) and doubles (41) for the Class A Vernon Tigers of the Pacific Coast League. MINIMUM BID: $250
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