Mastro Auctions’ February Sale Rings in New Year of Collecting Excitement Classic Collector first major event of 2009 brings great Sports and Americana items to eager collecting public
pose. As advanced collectors can attest, this particular illustration of Mathewson typically reflects resolution liabilities—specifically, poor focus. Fortunately, this specimen carries a gem of an image that sports bright colors and exceptional definition in its portrayal of the Giants great.
1887 N284 Buchner Gold Coin Chris Von Der Ahe - SGC 40 VG 3
The subject was a leading owner in the game during the 1880s, and his St. Louis teams won four consecutive pennants from 1885 through 1888. Although a majority of Buchner Gold Coin entries feature contrived design elements (with mostly generic player-images used repeatedly, and only uniform-style changes) this portrayal is true to life. Von Der Ahe's card is the most distinctive piece in the set and was formatted specifically for him.
1913 WG5 National Game Joe Jackson - PSA NM 7
The classic issue featured most of the time's great stars, including the offered, up-close portrayal of Joe Jackson. This scarce and much sought-after piece has been preserved since its manufacture in clean, barely circulated condition.
1950 Bowman #22 Jackie Robinson - SGC 84 NM 7
This is one of just nine examples at its tier (with nine graded higher) among a total of 87 copies recorded in SGC's census reporting.
1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle Rookie Card - SGC 30 GD 2
Presented is an icon of the collecting hobby, in the form of the universally desired '52 Topps depiction of Mickey Mantle. This example reveals splendid coloration in every aspect.
1954 Red Heart Mickey Mantle - SGC 84 NM 7
All of the Red Hearts' glorious attributes converge splendidly in the Mickey Mantle card here offered. Its most salient features are found in its completely uninterrupted, characteristically "Red Heart" gloss and its sharp, barely touched corners.
1954 New York Journal-American Mickey Mantle - SGC 84 NM 7
Fifty-three years after its original release, this fragile piece—constructed from coarse cardstock and conceived to function as a Home Games schedule and Lucky Baseball contest card—has become a cherished commodity among serious Mantle collectors.
1950 Bowman #217 Casey Stengel - PSA MINT 9
This is one of just five examples at its tier (with none graded higher) among a total of 300 copies recorded in PSA's census reporting.
1952 Topps #263 Harry Brecheen - PSA MINT 9
This is one of nine examples at its tier (with none graded higher) among a total of 270 copies recorded in PSA's census reporting. Mint condition.
1965 Topps #170 Hank Aaron - PSA MINT 9
Among more than 1,500 copies recorded in PSA’s census reporting, just two examples have been graded higher.
1968 Topps #280 Mickey Mantle - PSA MINT 9
Among nearly 5,000 copies recorded in PSA’s census reporting, just eight examples have been placed at a higher tier. Mint condition.
1968 Topps #247 Johnny Bench Rookie Card - PSA MINT 9
This unquestionably superior Johnny Bench example boasts virtual perfection in the preservation of its delicate and full-bleed, patterned borders, and its corners are pinpoint-sharp.
