(LOT 33)
1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie PSA 5 EX
MANTLE ROOKIE!!! After Wagner's timeless gem, Mantle's rookie cardboard gem defines the cornerstone of card collecting, and is a great addition to all major card collections in the world. No one will argue that Mantle's 1951 Bowman image will forever be embedded in hobby lore as one of the few post-WWII cards that supercedes almost all high-end pre-WWII cards. Mick's lifetime batting statistics were impressive in today's comparison. Yet his unquestionable power, long tape measure home runs and overall love for the game and fans add to the legacy of this card. What better card could represent the strength of our hobby than Mickey Mantle's first cardboard issue, treasured by every young boy who grew up worshiping the "Commerce Comet" dominate the game via his 12 pennants, seven World Series victories and World Series record 18 home runs. Even more impressive was that Mantle achieved all of this success playing in pain virtually most of his career.

Up for sale is a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle in a PSA 5 EX holder. This very important 1951 Bowman offering is the undisputed Mantle Rookie card, and while his '52 Topps issue inexplicably receives more adoration, it is the '51 Bowman Mantle that truly stands as his first official baseball card donning a New York Yankees uniform. Bold color,decent centering and solid right-angled corners are offered on this 70-year-old cardboard memento that turns back the clock to an era when the "Mick" would be embarking on one of the most legendary careers in MLB history. The pinnacle highlight is the young batting pose of this supernatural-like icon donning his road gray flannels with #6 affixed to the backside. Fresh to the hobby, it was recently graded by PSA at the 2021 National Sports Collector Convention, consigned by an East Coast based family that proudly secured it for the past 70 years. Undervalued for the longest time versus his '52 Topps peer, it truly resides as one of the finest investment cards in the hobby. Indeed, now is your golden opportunity to emulate 'The Mick" himself by stepping up to the plate and placing the final bid on this magniificent Mantle marvel!

MIN BID $7,500
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