Spring Premium Live and Catalog Auction Ending May 20(1-70) and June 3
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/4/2017
Graded GD 2 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his first gum card appearance. Presented is a clean example of Mickey Mantle's "true" rookie card. In the inevitable comparison to its physically larger, double-printed rival, this sought-after piece is perpetually undervalued and famously condition-sensitive. And, there always seem to be fewer 1951 Bowman "High Number"-series Mantle rookies available than there are of the slugger's 1952 Topps counterpart. The offered card concedes a diagonal crease at the top-left corner, and routine Bowman print-lines can be spotted at the subject's left cheek and shoulder. The card's colors are notably bold and bright, however, with very nicely realized flesh tones. The corners reveal mild to moderate evidence of handling, but all four aspects remain well-shaped. Its reverse is solidly inked with just a trace of wrapper-wax toning. Visually gratifying Good condition.