1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie PSA EX 5 (MK)

Sold For:

$25,200

Year:

1951

Auction:

2021 Spring

Lot #:

959

Category:

Postwar Baseball - 1950s Cards

Graded EX 5 (MK) by PSA (submitted by REA). Magnificent high-grade example of Mickey Mantle's true rookie card! One of card collecting's greatest classics, Mantle's rookie card is the key to the 1951 Bowman set and one of the most popular and significant of all postwar baseball cards. This striking example has light wear on the corners, vibrant colors, and superb centering. Extremely clean with no distracting print lines as are so commonly found with this card. The reverse is clean with no gum stains. A small blue ink mark near the bottom edge of the reverse is responsible for the "MK" qualifier. This is a very appealing example in a particularly desirable grade for a Mantle rookie card. In lesser condition, this card always sells for a respectable sum because Mantle's rookie card is always in great demand in any condition; however, the card's value rises rapidly as its grade increases. An exceptionally attractive example in Excellent condition is very difficult to find and arguably represents a particularly outstanding value for this all-time classic Mantle card. Reserve $2,500. Estimate (open).