Completed sales as of 12/12/2024

Mickey Mantle Rookie Card

For baseball card enthusiasts, few names loom as large as Mickey Mantle. The Yankees legend and Hall of Famer is an enduring icon both on the field and in the hobby. His rookie cards, in particular, are among the most coveted and valuable of all time.

The 1951 Bowman and 1952 Topps: Mantle's Rookie Card Royalty

Mantle's true rookie card (RC) is his 1951 Bowman #253. Featuring a young Mantle in his Yankees cap against a vibrant blue background, it's a stunning card that can fetch six figures in high grades. In 2018, a PSA 9 example sold for a staggering $750,000.

But it's Mantle's 1952 Topps #311 that often steals the hobby spotlight. While not technically his RC, it's his first Topps card and part of the iconic 1952 set. High-grade examples routinely sell for millions, with a PSA 9 fetching $5.2 million in early 2021, setting a new record for the most expensive sports card sold at auction.

Other Mantle Cards to Chase

Beyond his RCs, Mantle's 1952 Bowman #101 is another hobby heavyweight. It features a smiling portrait of The Mick and is nearly as valuable as his Bowman RC in top condition.

Later Mantle cards, like his 1956 Topps #135 and 1957 Topps #95, are also highly sought after. While not as pricey as his early issues, they still command strong prices and are key pieces of any serious Mantle collection.

For collectors who can't swing the big bucks for a '50s Mantle, his 1960s cards offer a more affordable entry point. His 1966 Topps #50 and 1969 Topps #500, his last base card, are popular budget-friendly options.

A Timeless Hobby Icon

More than 50 years after his retirement, Mickey Mantle remains one of the most beloved and collected baseball stars. His rookie cards are the gold standard in the hobby, the holy grail for vintage collectors.

As the sports card market continues to boom, Mantle's cards have proven to be a blue-chip investment. With their rarity, historical significance, and enduring popularity, they're likely to hold or increase their value over time, cementing The Commerce Comet's legacy as an eternal hobby icon.

While owning a high-grade Mantle RC may be a pipe dream for most collectors, there's no denying the thrill of the chase. For those lucky enough to possess one, it's the crown jewel of any collection, a tangible piece of baseball history that will be treasured for generations to come.

$1,295.00
calendar_month 12/08/2024
$169.49
calendar_month 12/08/2024
$7.95
calendar_month 12/07/2024

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