June Premium Card and Memorabilia auction ending June 26-27
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2021
This lot closes on June 26, 2021 at 10:00 PM EDT for initial bids.
Graded VG-EX 4 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his debut-year appearance. Presented is an alluring example 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. This specimen's central image is framed by apparently seldom-touched borders. The card's colors are notably bold, with very nicely realized flesh tones, and the issue's tendency to express print lines has not affected this copy. All four corners are credibly shaped, with a barely discernible surface wrinkle near the top-right's tip. This card delivers a satisfying level of aesthetic appeal on the basis of its vivid hues, its luscious illustration, and, certainly, the instantly recognizable identity of its subject. Very Good to Excellent condition, possibly suppressed to that level largely on the basis of less-than-ideal centering.