• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The $5.2M Mantle

  • In 2020, a 2009 Mike Trout rookie card sold for a then-sports-record $3.94 million.
  • Cards are just one-tenth the size of the coin market and one-fiftieth of art.
Rob Gough Mantle
Berk Communications

The trading card industry started off 2021 with a bang. 

An extremely rare 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for a record-setting $5.2 million, it was announced Thursday.

Venture capitalist Rob Gough bought the Mantle, which was last sold by retired NFL lineman Evan Mathis in 2018 for $2.88 million.

This particular PSA 9 1952 Topps Mantle is one of six with an authenticity grade of 9 out of 10. The three “10” cards are reportedly in “strong hands.” 

The trading card industry entered the year riding a monumental 2020: 

  • A 2009 Mike Trout rookie card sold for a then-record $3.94 million.
  • A 1979 Wayne Gretzky rookie card sold for a hockey-record $1.29 million.
  • A 2003 LeBron James rookie card sold for a basketball-record $1.8 million.
  • That record was quickly erased when a Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card sold for $1.86 million.

Sports cards have generated lots of buzz over the past year as investors work toward further legitimizing the asset class.

Gough told Forbes the Mantle deal was “a steal.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Cubs flag sign is seen prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field

Facial Recognition Tech Suit Against Cubs Dismissed

The Cubs said they don’t use the technology protected by Illinois law.

MLB Postseason TV Ratings Surge to Highest Levels Since 2010

Audiences continue to grow, extending a season-long trend.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.

The Yankees’ $319M Roster Flopped. Now Comes the Hard Part: 2026

The MLB club’s current contracts limit its flexibility somewhat for next year.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle That Left Stands Half-Empty

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.