Graded NM-MT 8 (MC) by PSA. Hall of Famer. Rookie Card, and a scarcer "High Number" entry. Bowman's number 253 in the 1951 production, picturing the young Yankee outfielder Mickey Mantle (who would become an incredible ballplayer and an idol to millions of youngsters in the years to come), has become properly and firmly established as one of the most valuable and sought-after of all baseball cards. Presented is a very satisfying representative of Mickey Mantle's "true" rookie card.

     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 "High Number" 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. This example has superb white borders culminating in four extremely sharp corners. Significantly, the offered '51 Mantle displays none of the vertical print streaking that's typically expected in cards from the series. While the card's image alignment is shifted towards the upper left, the piece delivers tremendous eye appeal with bold colors and a full, uninterrupted image. Further, the item has escaped the printing inconsistencies that characterize the issue and which make clear examples, like this one, so very special. The reverse is boldly inked and free of any wax staining, which is another common discrepancy in the issue. Worth serious consideration, too, is the fact that an unqualified PSA NM-MT 8 representation of this piece carries an SMR value of $175,000. An incredible, flagship specimen of one of the 1950s-era's most desirable baseball cards, in Near Mint to Mint condition (qualified as noted).

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