1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie SGC EX/NM 80

Sold For:

$16,200

Year:

1951

Auction:

2023 Summer

Lot #:

847

Category:

Postwar Baseball - 1950s Cards

Graded EX/NM 80 by SGC. High-grade example of one of card collecting's classics and Willie Mays' true rookie card. The 1951 Bowman of Willie Mays is one of the most famous and desirable of all baseball cards. In addition to being one of the two key cards of the 1951 Bowman set, Mays is part of the scarce high-number series of the set (#253-324). The card has vibrant colors, outstanding registration, light corner wear (weaker bottom left), and centering toward the bottom left. There is a light vertical print line that runs from right next to Mays' cap brim through his jersey sleeve. This reverse is crisp and clean, with just a small patch of very light staining visible in the upper portion. An outstanding opportunity to acquire a very attractive example of Willie Mays' rookie card. Opening Bid $5,000.