2019 October Legends Closing October 19
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2019
Graded VG-EX+ 4.5 by SGC. Hall of Famer, and a scarcer "High Number" entry. Presented is an attractive representative 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 specimen exhibits the effects of gentle handling, but its aesthetic quality remains undeniable, and the card's reverse is boldly inked. The collectible presents at a higher level than its technical grade suggests, and was perhaps downgraded on the basis of an inconspicuous wrinkle on the back side. A wholly satisfying first-year Mantle collectible, in Very Good to Excellent-plus condition.
Additional Notes: In 2018, this card set a record for the highest price realized at auction for an example of the 1951 Bowman Mantle depiction graded SGC VG-EX+ 4.5. This result is consistent with the truly superior quality of the piece's appearance, a consideration which simply cannot be overemphasized. Knowledgeable observers who have seen the card concur that its display attributes rival those exhibited by many PSA 7's and some PSA 8's.