Elevating an Icon: CGC Reholders Million-dollar 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle
Posted on 2/13/2026
Sometimes, even the most sought-after collectibles need a refresh. Recently, a collector who owns one of the most coveted cards in the entire hobby had their seven-figure 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle - Type 1 reholdered into CGC's latest state-of-the-art holder, making sure this cornerstone of card collecting is safely preserved and beautifully displayed with the hobby's best slab and label.
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In December 2022, this particular 1952 Topps #311 took center stage when it became the first card graded by CGC (previously CSG) to break the $1 million mark when it realized $1,253,185 in an SCP Auctions sale. Although these cards are not necessarily scarce, it is a rarity that examples earn a high grade during the certification process. In fact, there are less than two dozen examples of the famous card that are graded higher than this CGC 8-graded gem.
"It is great to see one of the nicest looking 1952 Topps Mantles preserved in CGC’s latest holder," said David Kohler, President of SCP Auctions. "It was an honor to sell this example for over $1.25 million at SCP Auctions."
After several years of being encapsulated with an older holder and label, the Mantle rarity was resubmitted for CGC's ReHolder service to encapsulate it in the newest crystal-clear, protective holder with CGC’s distinctive black label. Any card that is already in a CGC or CSG holder can be encapsulated in a new CGC holder and label for only $10 per card, regardless of the card’s fair market value. With the ReHolder service, the grade remains the same, backed by CGC's industry-leading guarantee of authenticity and grade, which makes it easier and safer to buy, sell and collect cards.
Part of the Certified Collectibles Group, CGC is the world’s fastest-growing card grading service, and the only major card grading service to grow in sports cards in 2025, according to GemRate.com. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group has been a leading provider of third-party authentication, grading and encapsulation services that add value and liquidity to collectibles.
"It was a thrill to authenticate and grade one of the most important and valuable cards in the hobby, and it is now a pleasure to place the same card in CGC's newest state-of-the-art holder," said CGC Vice President Andy Broome. "As a milestone sports card that broke records for CGC, we are thrilled that the owner has entrusted CGC for its preservation and display."
The CGC 8 Topps 1952 Mantle card will be displayed at several major events in 2026, including Fanatics Fest in June and The National Sports Collectors Convention in July/August. Look for additional announcements from CGC about where you can see this iconic rarity in-person.
Once overlooked, now exalted
The 1952 Topps Baseball set is one of the most revered sports card sets ever issued. The 407-card series revolutionized the hobby with its unique images, bright colors and increase in size, quality and quantity. The set paved the way for modern sports cards but was underappreciated in the hobby during its day. Released in six separate series, the high-numbered cards like the #311 Mickey Mantle were overlooked upon release. The cards were underappreciated so much so that the New York City-based Topps company allegedly dumped many unsold card cases in a nearby waterway, which led to the set's current scarcity.
When the card came out in 1952, Mantle was in only his second year in New York wearing the famous Yankees pinstripes. The small-town kid from Oklahoma would go on to become a baseball legend. That same season, the athletic center fielder earned his first All-Star selection and helped the Yankees win another World Series. In 1969, Mantle retired as the greatest switch-hitter to ever play the game. He won the Triple Crown in 1956, won American League MVP three times and won the World Series seven times during his iconic MLB career.
You can elevate your cards by submitting them today for CGC’s ReHolder service!
IMPORTANT: To qualify for ReHolder service, the card must still be encapsulated in its original CGC or CSG holder. To maintain accuracy and consistency, CGC may correct clerical errors on a certification label or convert any submission to its Appearance Review service for guarantee claims.
Need more info?
Questions for CGC Cards should be sent to [email protected]. All CGC services can be reached at (+1) 855-GRADE10 (855-472-3310).
About CGC
Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.
CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs and stamps.
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