CSG Certifies Extremely Rare Miscut 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle Card

Recently, a 1952 Topps baseball card with a fascinating error was sent to Certified Sports Guaranty® (CSG®) for certification. Now being offered in an SCP Auctions sale ending February 4, 2023, the 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson is one of the most sought-after baseball cards ever printed. However, this particular Topps #312 was miscut, and therefore includes a sliver of the neighboring #311 Mickey Mantle card as well, with its famous turquoise background color.

1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson - Partial #311 Mickey Mantle graded CSG 1 Click images to enlarge.

The 1952 Topps #311 and #312 are already two of the most iconic baseball cards of that era. Yet, finding two of the cards together like this is unheard of. In fact, this is believed to be a one-of-a-kind find, with no other known examples in the world.

This was the first Topps-issued Jackie Robinson baseball card to ever be released. In addition, the #311 Mickey Mantle is the hobby’s holy grail of post-War cards. The pair were printed side-by-side on a single sheet of 25 cards that were part of Topps’ final series from the 1952 season.

The card, which is graded CSG 1, has minor wear and a handwritten "42" in the bottom right near Robinson's name. Previously, it was certified by another grading service, and the card owner chose to cross over the card to CSG because of CSG's expertise with unique items that have special pedigrees. CSG ultimately recognized this card with a notation on the certification label referencing the partial Mantle card.

There is only one 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson in the CSG Population Report, which also includes three Mickey Mantle #311 cards — two Type 1s and one Type 2. This seemingly unique example is now the only card of its type in the CSG Population Report.

Robinson and Mantle are two of the most decorated and important players in MLB history. Robinson, whose contributions on and off the field are unmatched, broke the color barrier as the first African American to play in the majors. He opened doors for future generations and is celebrated to this day league-wide. Each MLB franchise retired Robinson's No. 42 jersey number, and every MLB player wears his number on "Jackie Robinson Day" each season.

Additionally, Mantle is a New York Yankees legend and is considered the greatest switch-hitter of all-time. He won the Triple Crown in 1956, won American League MVP three times and won the World Series seven times in his iconic MLB career.

"Most of the time, a miscut card is not desirable," said Andy Broome, CSG Vice President. "However, this 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson shows a miscut portion of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle as well. Having the most iconic baseball card alongside a popular legend like Robinson makes this a special example for card collectors and baseball fans alike."

Related Links:

• CSG’s Sports Card Podcast Salutes Jackie Robinson
• Counterfeit Card Alert: 1949 Bowman #50 Jackie Robinson
• CSG-certified Mickey Mantle Card Surpasses $1 Million at Auction