Encapsulated and graded VG-EX+ 4.5 by PSA, with Autograph assessed "Authentic" by PSA/DNA. Hall of Famer, in his second Bowman gum card appearance. Mickey Mantle's magnificently precise and carefully rendered, blue ballpoint signature graces the obverse of this otherwise unmarked and respectfully circulated, rookie era trading card. The subject's nostalgia-inspiring depiction and his cherished scripting combine in this relic to create a unique and marvelous aesthetic effect.

This 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle signed card is among the earliest – if not the earliest – known Mickey Mantle "rookie-style signature" ever signed or observed on a 1952 or earlier gum card. The first rookie-style signatures of Mantle command a large premium when they appear on signed baseballs, but this is quite possibly the only trading card featuring this style of signature in existence. This fact carries significant appeal to Mantle collectors, and to those who collect early signatures on cards, and it brings about substantially higher value.

This special, signed card was obtained back in the early 1950’s by a little boy who lived in the Bronx. This young fan often went to games at Yankee Stadium on a mission to have cards signed before and after games. The boy confirmed to our consignor that this card was signed in 1952, and that it was the only one signed. He additionally revealed that he was the only collector asking for and receiving autographs on trading cards during his many visits.

Significant research has affirmed that the offered piece may, in fact, be one of only a few examples in existence bearing this style of Mickey Mantle signature. The investigative effort included references to auction house databases, PSA autograph authenticators, and private collectors of high end Mantle items.

This piece will have tremendous appeal to the collectors who have been building signed sets of cards (specifically, those building the early ‘50s sets that are extremely time-intensive and difficult to piece together), as well as to those hobbyists who are attempting to compile full player-signed sets spanning the entire courses of particular athletes' careers.

Mantle, a 1974 Cooperstown enshrinee, passed away in 1995.

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