(LOT 120)
Magnificent 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie PSA 8 NM-MT
MANTLE ROOKIE!!!... No one would argue that the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card resides as the post-WWII's most iconic card, yet it is Mantle's 1951 Bowman subject that resides as his true rookie card. Next to the majestic Babe Ruth inaugural card, the 1951 Bowman mantle rookie arguably suffices as the most coveted rookie card in the entire collecting community, eternally residing as one of the hobby's pinnacle "world class" cardboard artifacts. The sudden rise of Mantle's sanctified 1952 Topps subject has likewise propelled the desirability and value of his inaugural 1951 Bowman issue, with each high-grade sale producing record setting prices. With that in mind, presented here is an absolutely breathtaking example of the iconic Mickey Mantle rookie card, an awe-inspiring PSA 8 gem that has only been bested by a mere 10 PSA specimens.

Imagine, of the 1,500+ encapsulated copies only 10 finer examples have been handled by PSA, with a microscopic-like 3% achieving the hallowed "NM/MT 8" grade! However the Mickey Mantle mystique was established, no one will argue that Mantle's 1951 Bowman image will forever be embedded in hobby lore, and along with the 1952 Topps Mantle, is one of the few post-war cards that supersedes almost all high-end pre-WWII cards. Mantle's unquestionable power, long tape measure home runs and overall love for the game and fans add to the legacy of all his cardboard treasures. He was Goliath, Davey Crockett, John Wayne and Joe DiMaggio all rolled up into one super icon, the ultimate embodiment of a National hero. With that in mind, what card could better represent the strength of our hobby other than Mickey Mantle's first cardboard issue, treasured by every young boy who grew up worshiping the "Commerce Comet" dominate the game even in lieu of playing in pain most of his career.

The seemingly timeless "bat over shoulder" lithographic pose with Mickey's #6 (vs. his famous #7) partly showing on his uniform was taken from a classic original black & white photograph from Mantle's rookie season. Virtually all of the qualities associated with this legendary picture are pristine including vibrant gray/blue colored hues, immaculate contrast/resolution and a flawless sky blue background. Incredibly, the image atypically reflects near-perfect centering between bright white borders; a seldom-encountered attribute since most examples reflect a somewhat skewed illustration. An un-improvable perimeter boasts four pinpoint corners, the obverse side surface glistens with a pack-fresh aura, and the fine verso only reveals some negligible toning along the upper region. Indeed, many enthusiasts would agree this miraculous offering's eye appeal is consistent with most of the few "Near Mint 9" examples in circulation due to the impeccable central image and centering aspects.

To reiterate, the "true" Mickey Mantle rookie card holds a place in the hobby that is surpassed by only a handful of cards, with the mere sight of this classic gem in high-grade condition arousing any esteemed collector's interest. Along with the 1952 Topps Mantle that continues to soar in value, this offering is likewise realizing lofty price tags as well. Yet considering it resides as Mantle's irrefutable inaugural card, it still remains significantly undervalued. In an unstable economy, the clever individual should carefully choose the best methodology for appropriating their funds, so if you are looking for a "can't miss" investment, this extraordinary 1951 Bowman Mantle crown jewel unquestionably stands as one of the most assuring candidates on the planet!

MIN BID $25,000