(LOT 78)
"Rare for the Grade" 1952 Bowman #101 Mickey Mantle (PSA NM/MT+ 8.5)
Extremely rare for the grade, this seldom surfacing 1952 Bowman PSA Mint 9 Mickey Mantle gem stands as one of the most formidable Mantle issues on the planet. Incredibly only 5 or 0.2% 0.5% of the nearly 2,800+ PSA encapsulated examples have achieved this hollowed assessment, with a meager 15 or 0.5% specimens graded higher! Indeed, this near-impossible offering has somehow managed to defy "father time", retaining virtually all of its original factory issues attributes over a 66-year period. Synonymous with this card's breathtaking aesthetics and time defying condition is the unbridled legacy of Mickey Charles Mantle. The "Commerce Comet" as so many avid fans dubbed him, captured the hearts of millions of Americans via his colossal tape measure home runs.

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 suddenly taken off like an ICBM missile, triggered by the incomparable rise of his "Holy Grail" 1952 Topps high-numbered subject. Since this sudden pricing up-tick, we have seen many high-grade '51 Bowman and '52 Topps Mantle in various auctions; however, seldom do "PSA MN/MT+ 8.5" second year" 1952 Bowman Mantle issues surface for the taking.

The sparkling lithographic image emanates rich blue and facial hues, and is extremely well-centered while reflecting only a slight "tilt" towards the upper right corner. The razor-sharp perimeter includes four pinpoint corner tips, the gleaming surfaces reveal no blemishes whatsoever, the borders are blinding white and the verso is super clean. Somehow this card has remained remarkably pristine, unquestionably meriting its current world-class assessment and residing as one of the finest preserved Mickey Mantle cards extant!

MIN BID $7,500
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