The wait is over.
After more than a month of fanfare, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card with a 9.5 grade from grader SGC -- the "finest known example" of a '52 Topps Mantle -- has sold with Heritage Auctions for $12.6 million including buyer's premium. It's the most ever paid for any sports item, card or memorabilia.
The previous record for a sports card was $7.25 million, set earlier this month by a T-206 Honus Wagner card consigned to collectables marketplace Goldin.
"This card is arguably the finest-condition example of the most iconic post-war card in the world," said Chris Ivy, Heritage's director of sports auctions, in a statement.