1952 Tip-Top Bread Mickey Mantle - PSA 1.5

Though less widely recognized than the 1952 Topps Baseball standard trading card release, the 1952 Tip-Top Bread set is a truly unique release for many reasons. The labels were found on Tip-Top brand bread packaging produced by Ward Baking Company. Measuring at a distinctive size of approximately 2 1/2″ by 2 3/4″, they are strikingly different when compared to traditional trading cards that were produced at the time. The set itself consists of only 47 individual subjects (Phil Rizzuto is featured with two different poses), vastly under the 407 total cards that were produced for the 1952 Topps set. While the set does highlight numerous stars of the game including the likes of Berra, Campanella, and Snider; the true grail of the set is none other than Mickey Mantle.

Adding greatly to the rarity of existing prints, it is assumed that a majority of these likely ended up in the trash to go along with the bread wrapping that they were affixed to. Reason being, the population database for PSA only shows just north of 300 total cards from the set that have been graded. Similar to finding a needle in a haystack, Tip-Top Mantles simply don't pop up, especially in this condition. At the time of cataloging, there have only been 20 total 1952 Tip-Top Bread Mantles graded by PSA. Of those, this is one of only three to receive a 1.5 from PSA: there is only a lone superior PSA 2 example. The example we have here presents beautifully, showcasing extremely bold red color on the front to go along with complete sharp corners and edges that have very minimal damage or wear at best. A card like this is without a doubt at the “Tip-Top” of its collecting class.

This card has been authenticated and deemed to be in Fair condition by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), receiving a grade of 1.5.

The PSA certificate number for this card is: 88732018.