Lot # 1755: 1951 Mickey Mantle “Rookie” Wearing his Original #6 Jersey! PSA Type 1 Encapsulated ACME NEWSPICTURES – Measures Approx. 7” x 9” – Incl. PSA Type 1 LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 34 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall Rarities Auction 2021",
which ran from 9/25/2021 12:00 PM to
10/9/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 1755)
1951 Mickey Mantle "Rookie" Wearing his Original #6 Jersey! PSA Type 1 Encapsulated ACME NEWSPICTURES Measures Approx. 7" x 9" Incl. PSA Type 1 LOA

It is no secret that Mickey Mantle's 1951 Bowman baseball card stands as one of the hobby's foremost collectibles, with "The Mick" donning his original #6 uniform on his inaugural card. Little did people realize that this powerful rookie from Commerce, Oklahoma would be embarking on one of the most iconic careers in our National Pastime's glorious history. Luckily for hobbyists, there are thousands of these cards to choose from, more than accommodating the collecting community for an opportunity to own a rookie-era Mantle baseball card. Unfortunately for photo enthusiasts, the prospect of owning an original 1951 rookie illustration of the legendary Mantle is a near-impossible endeavor, with only a handful of Type I photos from his 1951 campaign available for the taking.

One such photo that actually represented his 1951 Rookie card image sold for a staggering $70k+ at auction several years ago and would be valued well in excess of six figures in today's booming market, justifying the desirability to capture one of these ultra-rare 1951 Mantle images. With that in mind, it is our distinct pleasure to present this outstanding 1951 Mickey Mantle original "sliding" photo with the "Commerce Comet" donning his seldom seen #6 uniform number. Measuring approximately 7" x 9", it has been encapsulated as a PSA Type I illustration, with Mantle actually being thrown out at third in a May 17, 1951 game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. The back caption indicates that in the 1st inning, Mantle was on first base when Bobby Brown singled to centerfield. Unfortunately for the "Mick", he was trying to reach third against one of the most formidable throwing arms in baseball, as Hall of Famer Larry Doby threw a strike to third baseman Al Rosen to "cut down" Mantle.

Presenting itself in spectacular condition, it has stubbornly defied "Father-Time" by retaining virtually all of its original attributes, starting with the brilliant and well-centered black & white action pose that vividly reveals Mantle's rookie #6 pinstripe jersey. Magnificent contrast, impeccable resolution, bright white borders and a gleaming surface complete the amazing obverse side that only reveals a few microscopic stray wrinkles. The verso has been covered by a large brown hued paper caption that reflects the details of Mantle's aggressive slide into third base. One of the most significant Mickey Mantle photos extant, it portrays this young budding superstar wearing his virtually never seen #6 rookie year jersey, immediately justifying its world-class stature and rightful designation as one of the most significant Mantle images on the planet!

MIN BID $1,000
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