1991 Score Signed Limited-Edition Mickey Mantle Insert Cards - Complete Set of 7 - Rare Unnumbered Proof Set!

Sold For:

$2,700

Year:

1991

Auction:

2018 Spring

Lot #:

2012

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Rare complete set of unnumbered 1991 Score Mickey Mantle proof cards, each signed by Mantle on the front in blue Sharpie. In 1991, Score became the first company to issue, on a large-scale basis, special insert cards in its regular packages of baseball cards. The cards chosen for that inaugural promotion were seven different cards commemorating the career of Yankees legend Mickey Mantle. A total of 35,951 cards were inserted in random packages of the company's cards, but as an even greater prize, an additional 2,943 signed examples of those cards were also issued. As such, only 356 complete sets signed by Mantle could exist. Offered here is one of those scarce complete sets of all seven 1991 signed Mantle cards; however, this is an even rarer set because it is an unnumbered proof set given to famed collector Barry Halper. Halper was a partner in Score at the time and, as a close friend of Mantle's, was instrumental in getting Mantle to consent to the deal. As a token of appreciation, the company presented Halper with nine unnumbered proof sets signed by Mantle. Each card has been signed on the front in blue Sharpie (averaging "8/9") with the exception of card #1 (signed on the reverse; all were signed on the reverse because of the dark background of the photo). Nr-Mt condition overall. Together with a copy of the 1991 two-page Score press release announcing the insert promotion and an 8 x 10 publicity photo of Mantle signing the cards. Total: 9 items (7 signed cards, press release, and photo). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA and Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).