This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
One of card collecting's greatest classics and Mickey Mantle's first and true rookie card. Card number 253 from Bowman's 1951 series, picturing the heralded young Yankee outfielder in a majestic batting pose, has captivated generations of collectors and become properly and firmly established as one of the most valuable and desirable of all baseball cards. Advanced collectors are well aware of the production variables associated with this "high number" rookie, including difficulties with print, registration and centering. Before addressing the autograph applied to this card by Mantle, astute collectors will instantly recognize the visual dynamics of the card itself. Appearing technically EX overall, the card’s production quality is as good as it gets for the issue. Mantle’s placement and careful rendering of his autograph on this hobby treasure almost seems to indicate his own reverence for its historical nature and beauty. The combined quality of the autograph and its canvas places this signed Mantle rookie card among the elite examples we’ve seen. A fresh to the hobby offering worthy of center stage in the finest autographed card collection. PSA/DNA AUTHENTIC.