1961 "I'm For Mantle" and "I'm For Maris" Stadium Pin Set (Ex-Barry Halper Collection)

Sold For:

$7,800

Year:

1961

Auction:

2024 Summer

Lot #:

2534

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Complete set of two rare and highly desirable stadium pins sold at Yankee Stadium during the historic home-run duel waged by Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961. Universally recognized as among the great classics of all baseball celluloid pins, this is just the fourth set of these rarities we have ever had the privilege of offering! As the race to break Babe Ruth's single-season home-run record escalated in 1961, fans were divided over who they wanted to win. With the purchase of one of these buttons, fans could pledge their allegiance and show public support for the star of their choice. Each pin is identical in design and features a portrait image of the respective star, with the Mantle pin reading "I'm For Mantle" along the top, and the Maris pin reading "I'm For Maris." The lettering along the base of each pin reads "60 in '61." These pins probably did not appear for sale until around the All-Star break, and the fact that they were specific to the 1961 season meant that they were only available for a very short period of time. Because of that, both are extremely rare today and highly prized both by Mantle/Maris and pin collectors. Each pin measures 1.75 inches in diameter and displays normal oxidation on the reverse. Both pins are in superb Near Mint condition. This is an outstanding offering of these 1961 Mantle and Maris pins, which are rarely found together as a pair. In 1999 this pair appeared as Lot 1574 in the historic sale of Barry Halper's collection; the original Sotheby's auction tag accompanies the pins. Total: 2 pins. Opening Bid $1,000.