Goldin Elite Auction Closing August 22 10PM Est
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/23/2020
Graded EX-MT+ 6.5 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his Rookie Card appearance. This is a splendid example of one of card collecting's greatest classics, Mickey Mantle's first and true rookie card. Bowman's number 253 in 1951, picturing the young Yankee outfielder, has become properly and firmly established as one of the most valuable and desirable of all baseball cards. But, significantly and unfortunately, 1951 Bowman cards were prone to a far greater incidence of printing defects than their larger-sized, 1952 Topps rivals. It is only the truly special Bowman card that is able to defy conventional wisdom and "beat the odds" set forth in accepted axioms of condition comparison. Presented here is an enviable and noteworthy 1951 Bowman Mantle specimen. The card is crisp and clean, with four square corners and exceptional printing registration. Vivid hues project brilliantly in highlighting Mantle's image on the cardfront, striving with uncommon success to emulate the card's original art, and the reverse is boldly inked (revealing just a small trace of wrapper-wax shadowing). The piece has been largely spared the issue's "rough cut" characteristic, which often causes a 1951 Bowman Mantle's corners to appear soft. Perhaps most importantly, this one has none of the stigmatizing horizontal print lines in the background (caused by flaws in the manufacturer's printing process), which are such a frequent and persistent problem in the issue. When this card was tucked away long ago, clearly protected from aging influences in allowing it to become a fascinating memento for future generations, no one could have guessed just how great an impact Mantle would have on the game, and how he would become an idol to millions in the years to come. Here is a suitable talisman from the past, an item that's clearly fine enough to suitably honor Mickey Mantle in a sophisticated and thoughtfully composed collection of baseball cards. Aesthetically superior Excellent to Mint-plus condition.