This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/22/2019
Though Mickey Mantle made his Bowman debut in 1951 to the great delight of the "Big Apple" faithful who were once again ready to see the torch passed to the next up and coming superstar, as they had for the past three decades from Ruth to Gehrig to DiMaggio, the actual transition on the diamond didn't go quite as smoothly. Oh, Mantle showed flashes of the greatness that would become his hallmark for nearly 20 years, but an early slump had the Yankees sending Mantle back to the minors. Regaining his confidence and switching his jersey number to #7, Mantle began to display the legendary form expected of the next Yankees legend. Appearing relaxed and ready for the challenge, Mantle ponders his future with the steps in the backdrop of this 1952 Bowman card, his second appearance with Bowman. Slightly positioned toward the top left endpoint but well within the standards for the elite-level grade of PSA 8, the card features very sturdy NM/MT corners and amazingly clean surfaces, with the front offering penetrating blue and white color while the slate gray back is particularly bright and free of any stray marks. A phenomenal specimen that is up to the challenge of anchoring a world-class collection.