Summer Premium Card and Memorabilia Auction Closing August 7 & 9
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/8/2021
Graded VG-EX 4 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his Bowman Gum Rookie Card appearance. Offered here is a very respectable example of Mickey Mantle's treasured, debut-year card. Although Trout, Betts, Judge and Harper are household names and held in the highest regard by collectors and fans alike, Mickey Mantle is still considered by many to be the last true baseball hero. Blonde, handsome with a country flair and innocence, he took the torch offered by the great DiMaggio, who years earlier had followed in the steps of Lou Gehrig. When Mantle came to play for the Yankees, it was destiny. His first year in pinstripes was 1951, and Bowman issued this card in the waning days of that season. One of the many youngsters who idolized Mickey must have been proud of this card, and it's likely that he triumphantly carried it with him to show the prize to all. Such attention is responsible for the mild to moderate wear that's a hallmark of circulation. But, in spite of its mild evidence of careful past handling, the piece has survived with its integrity fully intact. The card projects pleasing colors, a slightly age-toned patina and a small area of wrapper-wax shading on the reverse. A classic collectible, in Very Good to Excellent condition.