Goldin Elite Auction Ending May 22-23
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2021
This lot closes on May 22nd, 2021 at 10:00 PM EDT for initial bids.
Graded EX+ 5.5 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his cherished Bowman Rookie Card depiction. 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 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 carefully preserved specimens, like this one, does the design's true magnificence reveal itself. This example features a fundamentally undisturbed illustration with peripheral features that are only minimally affected by traces of wear. Centering slightly tends toward the top-right, and there are none of the usual factory print lines to bring about distraction from the card's favorable manner of presentation. The reverse is perfectly legible, with very faint and inoffensive surface wear in one area. An appealing specimen of this always-coveted card, in Excellent-plus condition.