2017 Great American Trading Card Auction Ending April 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/1/2017
Graded 60 EX 5 by SGC. Hall of Famer, in his cherished "Rookie Card" depiction. Mickey Mantle is still considered by many to be the last true baseball hero. The young outfielder accepted the torch passed by the great DiMaggio, who had similarly followed in the path of Lou Gehrig. The 1951 season was Mantle's first in pinstripes and, despite being sent back down to the minors for more seasoning, Bowman issued this card in that year's final, key series. Bowman's first vision of future greatness takes the form of this mini-artwork, rendered as a horizontal image set against the brightest skies. Only in the most carefully preserved specimens, as here, does the design's true magnificence reveal itself. This example has superb white borders culminating in four sharp corners. Centering ever-so-slightly favors the upper left. The card has tremendous eye appeal with bold colors and a full, uninterrupted image. Further, the piece has escaped the printing inconsistencies which characterize the issue and make "clear" examples, like this one, so very special. The reverse is perfectly centered and unblemished. This is a superbly appealing card, with a visual presentation that is arguably worthy of consideration for SGC's next-highest grading increment. Excellent condition.