(LOT 11)
Possibly "Unique" 1951 Mickey Mantle Original Type I Rookie Batting United Press Photo (Portraying "The Mick's" Original #6 Jersey) – Measures Appx.. 7" x 9" – PSA Type I LOA
It is no secret that Mickey Mantle's 1951 Bowman baseball card stands as one of the hobby's foremost collectibles, with this inaugural Mantle card reflecting "The Mick" donning his original #6 uniform. Little did people realize in 1951 that this powerful rookie from Oklahoma would be embarking on one of the most iconic careers in our National Pastime's glorious history. Luckily for hobbyists, there are several thousand of 1951 cards to choose from, more than accommodating the collecting community for an opportunity to own a rookie-era Mantle baseball card.

Unfortunately, the prospect of owning a 1951 original rookie PHOTO of the legendary Mantle is virtually non-existent, with only a handful of Type I photos from his inaugural season 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, justifying the desirability to capture one of these seemingly ultra-rare 1951 Mantle images. With that in mind, it is our distinct pleasure to present this absolutely breathtaking 1951 Mickey Mantle original batting photo with the "Commerce Comet" donning his seldom seen #6 uniform number. Measuring approximately 7" x 9", it has been deemed by PSA a Type I photo (LOA included), and to the best of PSA's photo expert's knowledge, stands as the SOLE Type I example extant!

While many of these photos were mass-reproduced in the 1980's/90's for the purpose of having them signed by Mantle at card shows, you are now afforded the opportunity of capturing the "one and only" original copy. Presenting itself in absolutely spectacular near-Mint+ condition, it has stubbornly defied "father-time" by retaining virtually all of its original attributes, starting with the pristine-like black & white left-handed batting pose that reveals Mantle's rookie #6 pinstripe jersey. You can almost feel 'The Mick's' unparalleled power as he prepares to wallop another mammoth blast to test the confines of any ballpark's furthest distances.

Magnificent contrast, impeccable resolution, sharp corners, bright white borders and a gleaming/flawless-like surface complete the amazing obverse side. The verso reveals the critical United Press Association stamp with a few light notations including Mickey Mantle's scripted name situated near the upper edge. One of the finest Mickey Mantle photos on the planet, its possible "one of a kind" status and Mantle's incontestable stature as the sheer embodiment of a National hero combine to place this magnificent offering as a world-class memento!

MIN BID $2,000
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