(LOT 20)
"Rare for the Grade" 1952 Bowman #101 Mickey Mantle PSA 8.5 NM-MT+
Ultra-scarce for the grade, this seldom surfacing 1952 Bowman PSA NM/MT+ 8.5 Mickey Mantle gem stands as one of the most outstanding Mantle issues on the planet. One of only 5 at this hallowed plateau, only 15 or 0.6% of the 2,600+ PSA encapsulated examples have been graded higher! Indeed, this near-impossible offering has somehow managed to defy "father time", retaining virtually all of its original factory issues attributes over the past 65 years. Synonymous with this card's breathtaking aesthetics and "time defying" condition is the unbridled legacy of Mickey Charles Mantle.

The "Commerce Comet" captured the hearts of millions of Americans via his colossal tape measure home runs that stemmed from his Goliath-like power. It is nearly inconceivable to think that no baseball player before and after hit a baseball further and with more consistence than "The Mick", especially lieu of our National Pastime's current steroid ridden environment. Mantle achieved his mighty power via his sheer natural existence, with no weight lifting or performance enhancing drugs assisting him in any way, shape or form.

It is with no coincidence that the pricing points for his early 1950's baseball card issues have spiraled upwards like an uncontrollable brush fire, triggered by the incomparable rise of his "Holy Grail" 1952 Topps high-numbered subject. Furthermore, enthusiasts are well aware that a PSA 8.5 "2nd-year" Mantle Bowman issue virtually NEVER surfaces, substantiated by its microscopic-like "pop" status. The brilliant lithographic image emanates rich blue and facial hues, with the iconic image atypically revealing nearly "dead-on" 50/50 centering.

Collectors surely realize the excruciating task to locate well-centered '52 Bowman Mantles in any grades since most of these issues exhibit skewed images. Four dazzling white borders, a razor-sharp perimeter, four pinpoint corner tips, a gleaming obverse side surface and super clean verso all substantiate the lofty assessment. In closing, it certainly appears as if this card was just pulled from an unopened wax pack, miraculously outdistancing "father time" to retain virtually all of its original factory issued qualities including the highly coveted and ultra-obscure near-perfect centering!

MIN BID $7,500
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