(LOT 292)
1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie PSA 6 EX-MT
MANTLE ROOKIE!!! The 1951 Bowman Mantle rookie subject irrefutably resides as one of the most exalted rookie cards in the collecting community. The seemingly infinite rise of Mantle's sanctified 1952 Topps subject including the $12.6 million record-setting sale in August 2022 and a $3.2 million sale of a PSA 9 Mantle '51 Bowman rookie in the fall of 2022 has likewise propelled the desirability and value of his inaugural 1951 Bowman issue. With that in mind, presented here is a superb 6 EX-MT example of the iconic Mickey Mantle rookie card that emanates a spectacular array of sparkling hues. Considering the on-going pricing spikes for both of the Mick's '51 Bowman and '52 Topps issues, the current sale prices may soon become wholesale figures. Mantle's unparalleled supernatural power and long tape measure home runs led to him being Goliath, Davy Crockett, John Wayne and Joe DiMaggio all rolled up into one super icon, the ultimate embodiment of a national hero. That said, what card could better represent the strength of our hobby than Mickey Mantle's inaugural cardboard issue.

The seemingly timeless "bat over shoulder" lithographic pose with Mickey's #6 (vs. his famous #7) partly showing on his uniform was taken from a classic original black & white photograph from Mantle's rookie season. The image reveals vibrant gray/blue colored tints, a bright sky-blue background, extremely rich facial hues, and no vertical print lines that typically plague this issue. Like most examples, the image is somewhat off-centered, in this case exhibiting partiality towards the upper right edges. No obtrusive creasing/wrinkles are evident on either side; the surfaces are relatively clean, and the verso has eluded any glaring gum stains. The edging, including four right-angled corners, is more consistent with a near-mint specimen with the image's skewed positioning and slight off-registration preventing a higher grade. To reiterate, the true Mickey Mantle rookie card holds a special place in the hobby that is surpassed by only a handful of cards, with the mere sight of any mid-grade or higher eye-pleasing specimen immediately arousing the interest of any esteemed collector. Its unlimited investment potential merits the finest hobby accolades, with its bright, fresh hues and razor-sharp perimeter being the highlights of this seemingly pack-fresh marvel!

MIN BID $10,000
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