A collector has paid 12.6 million dollars for a baseball card of Mickey Mantle, a legend of the New York Yankees in the 50's and 60's.

The card is now the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia in history,  stealing first place from Diego Armando Maradona.

According to Heritage Auctions, the Argentine held the previous record: $9.3 million for a 1986 World Cup jersey.

The Mantle card, a 1952 version on which the player appears in his rookie year in the Major Leagues, was purchased for $50,000 in 1991.

Owner of the card Anthony Giordano, rejected many million-dollar offers for years, but finally, convinced by his family, decided to auction the piece.

“It's the first time a piece has been sold for more than eight digits. It's an extraordinary achievement," said Chris Ivy, Heritage Auctions director. 

Even though other versions of the baseball card exist, Chris Ivy confirmed that "none is in better condition".

Mickey Mantle's case is unique, but in recent years many millions have been paid for other high-value sports collectibles.

This dates from 1909. According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Honus Wagner's 1909-1911 card T206 sold for $7.25 million.

 HONUS WARNER  BASEBALL CARD

His 1920 baseball jersey was auctioned for 5.64 million dollars. The piece was provided by Ruth's heirs.

BABE RUTH's JERSEY

A card from his rookie year was bought for 4.6 million dollars by a collector who spent another 6 million in the same auction. 

LUKA DONCIC's BASKETBALL CARD

Dr. James Naismith's Rules of Basketball were written in 1891. In 2010 they sold for a total of $4.3 million.

RULES OF DR. JAMES  NAISMITH

LEBRON JAMES' BASKETBALL CARD

LeBron James' 2020-2021 Panini Flawless Triple Logoman sticker sold for $2.4 million. Rapper Drake had spent $200,000 trying to find it.