This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/12/2021
Mickey Mantle wasn't the greatest player of all time, and some would argue that he wasn't even the greatest player of his time, but he was the dominant athlete in American society during the 1950s-60s. Mantle had the look, the name, the personality, and the lead role for a franchise enjoying a dynasty that had run for almost a half-century. The name "Mickey Mantle" has been referenced in at least 50 movies and television shows, a testament to his immense popularity, not just in "The Big Apple" but nationwide. His 1952 Topps issue might get most of the fanfare but his 1951 Bowman issue, his true rookie card, is quickly gaining steam as one of the most important issues ever produced. The featured card is a spectacular 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card that has earned a grade of PSA 6 and carries many characteristics of a much higher graded specimen. Though clearly shifted toward the horizontal upper left quadrant, a very common occurrence for the condition-sensitive series, you can't help but be impressed with the stark whiteness of the borders as well as the clouds in the backdrop, which contrast so pleasantly with the deep blue color of the Yankees cap. The corners are in excess of the overall assessment, appearing NM overall with the lower-left endpoint rivaling any specimen in a NM/MT holder. The artist's rendering of "The Commerce Comet" is spot-on and beautifully focused while the slate gray reverse is problem-free, which amplifies the depth of the red and blue lettering that introduces Mantle's minor league achievements. For the grade, this is one of the freshest Mickey Mantle rookie cards we have ever seen and highly recommended for any hobbyist building a world-class collection.