Goldin Elite Auction Closing August 22 10PM Est
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/23/2020
Graded EX-MT 6 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his premiere Rookie Card appearance. Among more than 2,200 copies recorded in PSA’s census reporting, fewer than nine percent have attained a higher, unqualified tier. The offered example of Mickey Mantle's rookie card will eliminate any compulsion to pursue an upgrade in a top-quality collection. A hobbyist will gaze at this scarce piece, sigh with satisfaction, and move on in the quest to find other "High Numbers" for the assembly that measure up to this one. 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 its subject's 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. The card has tremendous eye appeal, with bold colors and a full, uninterrupted image. It has escaped the printing inconsistencies which characterize the issue and make "clear" examples, like this one, so very special. The reverse is well-centered and beautifully inked. Here is a superbly appealing card, with an admirable aesthetic presentation. Excellent to Mint condition.