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MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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Mickey Mantle is regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, so it’s no surprise that Mickey Mantle baseball cards are highly valued by collectors. Whether it’s his rookie card from 1952 Topps or some of his other iconic cards from the 1950s and 1960s, Mantle cards command top dollar on the market.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable Mickey Mantle baseball cards and analyze what factors influence their worth:

1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie card: Without question, the flagship Mickey Mantle card is his rookie from 1952 Topps, which is widely considered the most valuable baseball card in existence. In near-mint condition, examples have sold for over $2 million at auction. Even well-worn copies in poor condition can fetch five-figure prices.

Part of what makes Mantle’s rookie so valuable is its scarcity. It’s estimated only about 50 examples still exist in gem mint condition. As one of the first true “rookie cards” issued by Topps, it captured Mantle at the very start of his hall of fame career. The card features a photo of the switch-hitting outfielder from his 1951 minor league days in the Yankees’ farm system before his major league debut in 1951.

For serious Mantle collectors, owning this iconic card in the highest grade possible is the holy grail. Prices will likely only continue rising as fewer remain in circulation. Even partially damaged copies appreciate greatly so long as the image is intact.

1956 Topps #142 Mickey Mantle: Many say Mantle’s 1956 Topps card best captures his physical prime as an athlete. That year he won the triple crown by leading the AL in batting average, home runs, and RBI’s. This key Mantle card typically fetches 5 figures even in lower grades. High-grade examples can sell for over $100,000.

What makes the ’56 card particularly collectible is the action pose showing Mantle holding a bat. Most 50s cards featured static headshots, so this dynamic photo stood out. It also reflected Mantle’s popularity as the superstar of the most successful Yankees dynasty. The ’56 is much more plentiful than his rookie which caps its rarity factor and price.

1957 Topps #253 Mickey Mantle: As a follow up to his star turn in 1956, Mantle’s ’57 Topps card remained one of the most in-demand issues from the era. It shows the slugger signing an autograph for young fans. Graded examples in the 6-8 range sell between $5,000-10,000 currently. Near-mint 9’s have sold for $25,000 or more.

The ’57 marked Mantle’s peak All-Star years and the height of his stardom before injuries began hampering his play. As a high quality widely produced Mantle issue, it remains attainable for most collectors compared to his rookie. The ’57 has proven just as resilient long term with values only trending up.

Mantle’s cards from 1958-1962 Topps: This timeframe encompassed Mantle’s later prime years producing impressive stats despite injuries. His ’58 highlights a career-high 52 home runs. Photos showcased Mantle’s leadership as team captain. Examples from ’58-’62 generally sell in the few hundred to low thousands depending on condition. Key scarcer poses like batting from the ’59 can reach $5,000 grade.

Later career cards from 1963-1968 Topps: Injuries slowed Mantle down starting in the early 1960s yet he was still a vital presence for the Yankees. These post-prime cards are very budget-friendly, often going for under $100 for played/poor copies. Graded gems have surprised, like a PSA 10 ’68 selling for over $5,000 given how rare pristine older issues are. Mantle’s iconic status creates demand for all his vintage cards.

Modern parallel/reprint cards of Mantle rookie or other iconic poses: Many reprint products have capitalized on Mantle’s popularity over the decades by recreating his cards in modern sets. While lacking authenticity of originals, parallel rare parallel versions can cross into four figures depending on print run scarcity. Authentic autographed copies command premiums. Still, true vintage original paper will always hold greater perceived intrinsic worth.

As one of the most beloved American athletes ever, Mickey Mantle’s baseball cards will likely maintain their position among the highest valued in the collectibles market. Scarcity, iconic photographs capturing baseball history, and Mantle’s place at the center of storied Yankees dynasties are what sustain strong prices decades after his career ended. While most collectors can’t afford keys like the rookie, numerous affordable Mantle issues exist across the decades to please all budgets and appreciation levels for ‘The Commerce Comet’.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MICKEY MANTLE PRICE LIST

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Mickey Mantle is one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his Topps baseball cards are some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. Whether you are looking to purchase a Mantle rookie card from 1952 or desire other cards from his epic MLB career, here is an in-depth guide on Mickey Mantle Topps card values based on different grades and condition.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Rookie Card (PSA 10) – $2.88M

The holy grail of all baseball cards is widely considered to be the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. Only one has ever graded a perfect 10 by PSA and it set the auction record in January 2022 when it sold for $2.88 million, making it not only the most expensive baseball card but trading card of all-time. Even in top PSA 9 condition, 1952 Mantle rookies have sold for over $1 million, showing the immense demand and value for arguably the most famous rookie card in existence. For most collectors, a PSA 10 1952 Mantle will remain a pipe dream, but it shows just how iconic his rookie status truly is in the hobby.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Rookie Card (PSA 9) – $375K-$750K

The next best thing to the $2.88 million PSA 10 is a PSA 9 grade 1952 Mantle rookie. These still fetch extraordinary prices given their condition and the fact over 70 years later, they are still among the finest known examples. Recently, a PSA 9 1952 Mantle sold for $612,000 and another for $375,000, showing the range is usually between $375K-$750K depending on auction activity and demand. The card surface must be nearly flawless for a PSA 9 given its age and any flaws or imperfections greatly diminish the value from gem mint territory into the five figure range.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Rookie Card (PSA 8) – $100K-$250K

While no longer achieving six figure sums, a PSA 8 graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie is still an extraordinary find in Near Mint-Mint condition considering normal play wear and tear over seven decades. These cards typically sell in auction between $100,000 to $250,000 today based on recent sales. Anything graded lower runs the risk of falling out of the five figure price spectrum all together. A low grade Mantle rookie still remains quite valuable but condition is everything when discussing cards of this magnitude and rarity.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 7) – $30K-$75K

Graded PSA 7 condition is still considered very nice for a 70 year old card but showing more signs of aging and handling than a PSA 8. Recent 1952 Mantle rookie PSA 7 sales have ranged from approximately $30,000 up to around $75,000 depending heavily on the exact centering, edges and corner/surface attributes as viewed by PSA. They are still extremely attractive additions for any serious Mantle or vintage baseball card collection despite residing just on the border of also/very fine condition territory.

1953 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9) – $15K-$30K

Mantle’s sophomore Topps card from 1953 is quite collectible in its own right but still not approaching the valuation of his coveted rookie. PSA 9 Near Mint/Mint graded ’53 Mantle Topps cards have sold in recent auctions for prices falling generally between $15,000 up to approximately $30,000. Again, condition matters significantly and any flaws or imperfections observed by the grading company will diminish returns accordingly from the top end of this range downwards.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8) – $10K

By the time we reach the mid-1950s Topps issues, Mantle was well established as a superstar but rookie cards typically hold substantially more luster and value over subsequent years. Nevertheless, his 1956 Topps card still exhibits very strong demand particularly in high grades. A PSA 8 graded ’56 Mantle in near mint condition has sold consistently for right around the $10,000 price point in recent auctions, showing respectable renewed interest in his earlier vintage issues as well.

1969 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9) – $7,500

During the late 1960s, Mantle was reaching the tail end of his legendary career but still cranking prodigious home runs. His 1969 Topps card, while not considered one of his scarcest, demonstrates good value in top condition. PSA 9 grads have been selling online for around $7,500, making it a strong choice for those seeking choice high grade Mantle collectibles outside of his rookie period. With every year his talent grows in appreciation, prices may continue rising on even his later baseball cards in gem mint state.

This guide should provide collectors with a clear overview of trending prices and values for the most important Mickey Mantle cards available through the Topps company over his iconic baseball tenure based on up-to-date auction sales data. Condition is critical for determining value on all vintage memorabilia but nowhere more than for the legendary career of Mickey Mantle. Whether aiming high for a true Holy Grail rookie or seeking strong condition highlights from his later playing days, Topps Mickey Mantle cards remain a sound long term investment opportunity for savvy card aficionados and investors alike.

MICKEY MANTLE RARE BASEBALL CARDS

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. From 1951 to 1968, Mantle played his entire career for the New York Yankees and was a 16-time All-Star and a three-time American League MVP. Not only was he one of the premier power hitters and switch hitters in MLB history, but he also played through incredibly painful bone spurs and injuries in his legs and feet to remain an elite player.

Mantle’s incredible baseball career and iconic status with the Yankees has made many of his vintage baseball cards some of the most valuable and sought after on the hobby. Here is a deeper look at some of Mantle’s rarest and most prized baseball cards and what makes them so valuable to collectors today.

One of the holy grail cards for Mantle collectors is his 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Only about 50 mint condition copies of this iconic rookie card are known to exist today in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5-10 grade. At auction, high grade 1952 Topps Mantle rookies have sold for over $2 million, making it one of the most valuable trading cards ever. What makes it so highly desired is that it captures Mantle at the very beginning of his Hall of Fame career and was issued during the very first year of Topps’ hugely popular baseball card era which began in 1952.

Another hugely valuable Mantle card is his 1956 Topps card. The 1956 set is one of the scarcest and most collected vintage Topps issues due to a perfect storm of factors that led to very low print runs. Mantle also happened to be in the middle of his MVP 1956 season when this classic card was released. In high grades like PSA 9 or BGS 9, the 1956 Mantle has sold at auction for over $150,000. What’s particularly rare and special about the 1956 Mantle card specifically is its photo, which captures a smiling Mantle waving to fans in a memorable action shot highly desired by collectors.

For many collectors, one of the most alluring Mantle cards has to be the super scarce 1953 Topps Mantle cardboard proofs in PSA/DNA Mint 9 condition. Topps occasionally produced these oversized “cardboard” proofs as samples for photographers and printers during the early printing process before committing to final paper card production. Only about 25 are known to exist for the entire 1953 Topps set. The 1953 Topps proofs were never intended for public distribution, making each of the 25 proof cards that much more of a prize possession for advanced Mantle collectors. In top grades, 1953 Topps Mantle proofs have sold for upwards of $125,000 due to their extreme rarity and historical significance as some of the first glimpses of Mantle’s rookie card image.

Some other landmark Mantle rookie cards include his very first professional baseball card issued in 1951 by Bowman Gum. This pre-rookie card featured a 19-year-old Mantle in his first season with the Yankees’ farm system and can sell for over $50,000 in high grades. Mantle mania was already in full force by the time Topps issued its 1955 post-rookie issue of the Mickey Mantle card. Only about 10 are known to exist in the elusive PSA/DNA GEM-MT 10 condition, which is the pinnacle grade for vintage cards. At public auction, a pair of 1955 Topps Mantle GEM-MT 10s sold for a combined $312,000, a record at the time for any single baseball card.

For many collectors, no Mickey Mantle collection is complete without one of his legendary Kodachrome snapshot cards. Throughout the 1950s, Topps would occasionally purchase unique color snapshot photos directly from amateur photographers and insert them randomly into their releases as a novel variant. One such card from the 1954 Topps set featured a live action Kodachrome photo of an in-swing Mantle that has always attracted premium dollars due to its superb close-up action image quality well before the age of ubiquitous sports photography. An ultra-rare PSA 8 copy of the 1954 Topps Mantle Kodachrome sold at auction in 2017 for $63,750.

While Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie will probably always remain the crown jewel, his 1956 Topps, 1953 Topps proofs, 1955 PSA 10, and rare Kodachrome issues continue to set record prices due to their individual historical significance, photo quality, and microlimited surviving populations in high grade. With the long running boom and diversification of the collectibles industry in recent decades, more resources and access than ever have exposed Mantle’s legendary cards to growing global collectibles audiences. As a result, his most prized vintage issues have reached such elevated levels that acquiring even lower graded examples will remain out of reach for all but the most well-heeled of vintage card collectors and investors. But for those able to obtain high quality samples of Mantle’s rarest cards, they gain access to documented pieces of American sports memorabilia history and some of the most universally recognizable and valuable trading cards ever made.

RARE MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In his 18-year career playing center field for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, Mantle established himself as not only one of baseball’s premier sluggers, but also one of its premier athletes. He dazzled fans with his incredible speed, defense, and power hitting that helped lead the Yankees to seven World Series titles. Unsurprisingly, Mantle’s on-field heroics translated to tremendous popularity, making his baseball cards some of the most coveted and expensive in the hobby. Several of his rare and desirable rookie cards in particular command huge sums today from dedicated collectors.

One of Mantle’s keys rookie cards is his 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. The 1952 Topps set is regarded as one of the most iconic in hobby history and Mantle’s striking image of him staring straight ahead in full Yankees uniform is instantly recognizable even to non-collectors. The Mantle rookie is widely considered the crown jewel among all 1952 Topps cards due to his immediate MLB success and stardom. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 graded example recently sold at auction for over $2.88 million, making it one of the highest prices ever realized for a single baseball card. But even well-worn PSA 4 or 5 graded copies in Good to Very Good condition can still sell for six figures.

Another major key Mantle rookie is his 1952 Bowman card, considered the first “real” baseball card set made specifically for the collector market. Mantle’s colorful image taken from a action photo stands out among the drab, painting-style portraits used on many 1950s cards. High-grade PSA 8 or 9 copies can crack six-figures, with a PSA 6 in arguably still investment-worthy in the low-five-figure range. The 1952 Bowman set had a very small printed run and many examples were lost or damaged over the decades, making intact Mantle rookies quite scarce.

For Mantle super collectors, perhaps no card is holier than his elusive 1951 Bowman stock issue card. Considered the first appearance of Mantle as a professional ballplayer after debuting late that season with the Yankees, the 1951 Bowman exists as essentially the rarest Mantle pre-rookie card. Few are known to exist today in any condition and an example that surfaced in 2014 and graded PSA 3 realized over $305,000 at auction, stunning the sports card world. The 1951 Bowman stock is the crowning jewel among all of Mickey Mantle’s cards without question due its ultra-rare status.

Mantle rookie cards from 1953 Topps and 1953 Bowman are also of great interest among collectors, since they captured him as an established major league superstar after his impressive rookie campaign. In fact, Mantle’s 1952 rookie cards increased exponentially in value following his breakout sophomore season. High-quality 1953 Topps and 1953 Bowman Mantle cards usually fetch well into the five-figure range and can even push toward six-figures in Gem Mint PSA 10 condition due their key early issue status in the post-war boom of baseball cards as a mainstream hobby.

One card that’s arguably underrated is Mantle’s 1956 Topps card, which pictures him in the process of swinging with the distinctive Topps logo backdrop. The 1956 set as a whole is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing of the classic 1950s designs and Mantle’s iconic pose and full action photograph makes his card really “pop” on the checklist. In top PSA 9-10 grades, examples have cracked toward the $10,000-20,000 range in recent auction, though lower grade mid-mint specimens remain quite affordable in the $500-1500 range for most collectors starting out. The 1956 seems poised to become far more appreciated as a true “poster card” of Mantle as he entered his prime years.

While Mantle’s well-known 1950s Topps and Bowman rookie issues receive the bulk of hobby attention and investment speculation, his cards from the 1960s should not be underestimated either among dedicated collectors. By the 1960s, Mantle had cemented his status as a certified baseball immortal and sports hero of his era, despite nagging injuries slowing his numbers. High-quality copies of his 1960 and 1961 Toppscards are quite scarce in pristine mint condition today and can exceed five-figures depending on grade. Even lower-end specimens still fetch several hundred dollars due to an increase in demand from collectors nostalgic for cardboard produced during Mantle’s final decade in pinstripes.

For many, owning any authentic Mantle card from any year would be a lifelong dream. But for those seeking the true “holy grails,” specimens such as a PSA 10 1964 Topps Mantle in a true “spectacle case” holder that has not been professionally graded would be at the very pinnacle. Such an example would be among the rarest and most flawless vintage sports cards known to exist. Valuable unopened wax packs or boxes containing Mantle’s rookie cards also spark feverish bidding at major auctions. No player perhaps captures the imagination of the collecting fraternity quite like “The Mick,” ensuring his historic baseball cards will continue appreciating greatly for generations to come. Mickey Mantle was a true titan in every sense and his finest on-field accomplishments will forever be preserved on these vintage cardboard treasures.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS 1952 TOPPS

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The Mickey Mantle rookie baseball card from 1952 Topps holds a legendary status among card collectors. As one of the most iconic and valuable sports cards ever produced, Mantle’s rookie captivates collectors with its glimpse into the early career of “The Commerce Comet” and one of the game’s true icons.

While Mantle would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and cement his status as one of baseball’s all-time great switch hitters and sluggers with the New York Yankees, his rookie card offers a look at Mantle as a promising but still unproven 20-year-old prospect just starting his major league journey. After making his MLB debut in 1951 at age 19 following a stint in the U.S. Army, Mantle played his first full season in 1952 and impressed with 13 home runs and 65 RBIs in just 97 games.

However, Mantle was still several years away from superstardom and his true greatness had yet to be unveiled on the grandest stages of postseason play. His 1952 Topps card hints at his budding power but does little to suggest he would someday break Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record or become a 7-time World Series champion. For collectors, that sense of pre-fame mystique combined with Mantle’s eventual ascension to the pantheon of baseball gods makes his rookie one of the most compelling and compelling cards in the history of the hobby.

Issued as part of Topps’ third complete baseball card set in 1952, Mantle’s rookie was printed on standard cardboard stock and featured a color photo of the young slugger in his Yankees uniform along with his stats from the previous season on the front. The back provided brief biographical details but no inkling that Mantle would someday stand alongside Ruth, Gehrig, and DiMaggio as one of the Yankees’ all-time greats.

While Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie was indeed scarce at the time of issue, it never reached the hype or demand of some other famous rookies such as Ted Williams’ 1939 Play Ball card. As Mantle’s star rose through his peak years of the 1950s, card collectors began to recognize just how significant an artifact they held in the form of Mantle’s first mass-produced baseball card. As with any other great vintage card, a combination of low original print runs and the natural aging and loss of many copies over the decades has firmly entrenched Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie as one of the most coveted and valuable vintage cards in the world.

In the modern era, as popularity for collectibles has boomed, few if any other vintage sports cards can match the mystique and price tags of pristine Mickey Mantle rookie cards. In perfect gem mint condition, which is incredibly rare considering the card is now over 70 years old, a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps rookie in a Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) mint grade of 10 is valued at over $2 million. One of these near-perfect specimens sold for a record $2.88 million at a Dallas, Texas auction in January 2021, making it one of the highest auction prices ever for a single sports card. Most experts agree a true “10” condition Mantle rookie probably doesn’t exist in the collector marketplace.

Even in lower grades of 7 or 8 that are still above average condition for their age, mint Mantle rookies regularly sell at 6-figure sums or above. As of 2022, PSA has graded just 56 Mantle ’52 Topps rookies as a 7 and only 23 copies as an 8 out of the thousands that are believed to exist across the entire collecting universe. Simply put, high grade examples are astonishingly scarce. Grading services like BGS and SGC also report grading only a handful of the Mantle rookie cards per year based on their condition.

For collectors of any means, merely owning any graded example of the Mantle ’52 Topps rookie at any level is an enormous point of pride considering its legendary status. With the realities of high prices, most collectors can only realistically hope to add a lower-grade example to their esteemed collections. Even many 4-5 graded copies in rougher shape still trade hands for tens of thousands in today’s market. Simply put, no other trading card commands greater respect, opulence, and opulency than Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie – one of the true holy grails of sports memorabilia collecting.

The immense fascination with Mantle’s rookie stems not only from his biography but also from the tangible, enduring factor of holding in one’s hands a real artifact that was physically produced and distributed over half a century ago as a fleeting glimpse of a young ballplayer before his greatness was fully evident. Very few collectibles across all hobbies carry such a magnetic allure between their subject and the physical rarity of surviving examples. As long as Mickey Mantle retains his iconic status as one of the faces of baseball history, his inaugural Topps card will continue to captivate collectors as one of life’s ultimate treasures from the early days of the beloved pastime.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In addition to his amazing career playing center field for the New York Yankees from 1951-1968, Mantle also produced some of the most valuable and desirable baseball cards in the hobby. Many Mantle cards from his rookie season in 1952 all the way through the late 1950s and early 60s command huge sums when high graded samples surface on the collecting market. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key Mickey Mantle baseball cards that are worth the most money today based on demand and their condition.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #311) – Mantle’s rookie card is arguably the most iconic and sought-after card in the entire hobby. High quality PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples of the ’52 Mantle are worth well over $100,000 each. Even lower graded copies in NM-MT 8 or 9 condition can still bring $20,000+. The card features a bright yellow backdrop and live action photo of the Yankee outfielder. Topps only produced about 50,000 copies of the rookie card, so finding high grade samples is extremely difficult. It’s considered the crowning jewel of any serious vintage baseball card collection.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #258) – While not his true rookie, the ’56 Mantle is another hugely important issue that is usually the 2nd most valuable after the ’52. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold at auction for around $80,000 each. This Mickey Mantle features a clean action pose and is considered the best photography of Mantle ever used on a card. Lower graded copies in the VG-EX range still sell for several thousand dollars. The scarcity and overall excellent condition of this Mantle card make it an essential piece for any collector.

1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle (Card #26) – As Mantle’s true “rookie” card issued prior to his initial Topps card, the ’52 Bowman is extremely valuable when found in top condition. Only a handful of PSA/BGS Mint 9 or 10 graded samples are known to exist. Those pristine examples have reached over $150,000 at public auction. Even lower grades no worse than NM-MT 8 can sell for $40,000 or more. The colorful Mickey Mantle Bowman design features Mickey swinging a bat, and it’s considered as desirable to find as the ’52 Topps issue for many collectors.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #258-1) – This is Mantle’s “Dazzle Diamond” card variation where the “258” is placed inside a dazzling diamond shape on the front. Graded PSA 10 specimens are some of the rarest and most prized vintage cards in the entire hobby. Only about 5 examples are known across all grading services. In 2016 a PSA 10 sold for nearly $350,000 at auction, setting records. Even lower grades in the 8-9 range will still bring in excess of $100,000. Simply put, finding any Dazzle Diamond Mantle in high quality is a true treasure for collectors.

1957 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #112) – While not as scarce as some earlier Mantle cards, the ’57 issue is still definitely worth money today. Pristine Mint PSA 10 copies will sell in the $20,000-$30,000 range. Lower graded examples down to VG-EX condition still have values starting at $1,000-3,000 depending on overall appeal and centering/corners. It features a great action shot and colorful Blue and Tan backing that ‘pops’ in high grades. Another essential card that is attainable for most vintage collectors compared to the ultrarare ’52’s and ’56 Diamond.

1960 Topps Mickey Mantle (Card #312) – Widely considered one of the best action photos ever used on a baseball card, the 1960 Mantle shows him jumping and swinging mid-stride. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have sold for $15,000+. Even very nicely centered NM-MT 8’s are worth $3,000-5,000 in today’s market. This iconic Mantle resonates with collectors not just for the great photography, but also because it was issued near the peak of Mantle’s Hall of Fame career with the Yankees. Lower grades down to EX or lower can still command $500-1,000.

Any high quality vintage Mickey Mantle rookie or early career card from Bowman or Topps issued in the 1950s have the potential to be worth 5 or even 6 figures to the right collector. While finding specimens in true gem mint condition is extremely difficult, there are still many affordable Mantle cards from the late 50s and early 60s that can be collected and appreciated for $1,000-3,000 even in lower grades. Mickey Mantle remains one of the all-time most collectible players in baseball history, and this is clearly reflected in the values commanded by his classic cardboard issues over 60 years later. With stringent population reports and census data available, savvy collectors know exactly which Mantle cards represent the best opportunities.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS RARE

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Playing his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees from 1951-1968, Mantle was a prolific home run hitter and stellar center fielder who helped lead the Yankees to seven World Series championships. Mantle’s legendary status and popularity during his playing days in the 1950s and 1960s has translated to many of his original baseball cards being highly sought after and valuable today, with some of his rarest cards commanding six-figure prices.

One of Mantle’s most coveted and expensive cards is his 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Only 52,000 copies of the Mantle rookie card were printed, and high-grade examples in near-mint to mint condition regularly sell at auction for over $100,000. The success and popularity of the 1952 Topps release was still relatively new, so Mantle’s rookie card has a historic significance as one of the earliest and most important in the modern era of baseball cards that began in the 1950s. The Mantle rookie is widely considered the most valuable baseball card of all time due to its rarity, Mantle’s legendary player status, and its place in the early history of modern baseball cards.

Another extremely rare and valuable Mantle card is his 1952 Bowman color portrait card. Like the Topps rookie, only around 50,000 examples of the Bowman color card were printed. High-grade Bowman Mantle cards approach and sometimes exceed six figures at auction due to their brilliance of color and limited production numbers. What makes the Bowman color cards particularly special is that they were the first baseball cards to feature full color portraits of players, as previous issues had primarily featured black and white images. So Mantle’s inclusion in the pioneering 1952 Bowman set adds to its significance. Fewer than 10 examples are known to exist in near-mint to mint condition, making it nearly as valuable and important as the rookie card in the eyes of serious Mantle collectors and investors.

Aside from his iconic rookie cards, Mantle also has several other scarce and pricey vintage issues. His 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle card, for example, regularly brings in the range of $20,000-$30,000 in top condition. What makes the ‘57 special is that it features Mantle in the act of swinging a bat, showcasing his dynamic and powerful swing that terrorized pitchers during his MVP 1956 season when he hit 52 home runs. The photo image captures the essence of Mantle at the peak of his prowess.

Perhaps the rarest Mantle card overall is the 1951 Bowman color portrait card. Only about a dozen are known to exist in its bright, original condition. Because the 1951 Bowman set significantly predates Mantle’s first official rookie card year of 1952, it holds additional significance as one of the earliest widely distributed Mantle cards when he was just a promising Yankees prospect. As a result, finding an example in high grade is equivalent to discovering one of the Holy Grails of the hobby — a card almost impossible to obtain but carrying immensely high values, with auction records exceeding over $250,000.

Mantle’s true “first card” isn’t actually one of the mainstream baseball cards found in packs, however. In 1951, the candy company Topps issued a non-sports related precursor to its long-running baseball card sets called “Famous Feats of Feats.” Buried within the 108-card set is card number 94 featuring a photo of Mantle under the heading “Mickey Mantle’s Home Run.” Because it pictured Mantle and referred to him as a ballplayer a year before his official rookie appearance, it is considered by experts to be the first mass-produced public acknowledgment of the budding Yankee star. Top quality examples have exceeded $100,000 at rare card auctions, though the Famous Feats Mantle is far more elusive than even his rarest Bowman and Topps issues.

While Mantle’s 1952-1957 Topps issues are hugely valuable as a complete vintage run in pristine condition, he also has some very scarce late career cards. His 1964 and 1968 Topps are notable because they were produced after Mantle’s iconic playing days concluded, with only the 1968 Topps featuring his final batting stats. Other fleetingly produced personal issues like his 1969 Topps record breakers card saluting his career home run record also command five figures. The scarcer the print run and rarer the subject matter, like retirement tributes, the higher Mantle prices escalate with condition.

The four main factors that determine a Mickey Mantle card’s value are its year, condition, original printing numbers, and the significance of its photo or subject matter. More than any other player, condition is king when evaluating Mantle’s value — even small defects can separate an eight-figure icon from a $5,000 card. And while the 1952 Topps rookie remains the most pricey at auction, other equally scarce pre-rookie and final season issues can approach or eclipse six figures for truly pristine specimens. As one of the true unicorns of the collecting universe, odds are that a new tier of expensive Mantle finds will continue to emerge from closets, basements and attic boxes for decades to come thanks to his unrivaled legendary status in baseball history.

1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS MICKEY MANTLE

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The 1991 Score baseball card set featured one of the most iconic players of all time, Mickey Mantle, in his rookie card from 1952 Topps. Mantle made his Major League debut in 1951 with the New York Yankees and quickly established himself as one of the game’s brightest stars, winning the American League MVP award in 1956. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career, recording 536 home runs while winning seven World Series championships with the Yankees. Mantle’s personal struggles and triumphs off the field also made him a cultural icon beloved by fans. The 1991 Score card commemorating Mantle’s rookie season helped keep his legacy alive for a new generation of baseball fans in the early 1990s.

The 1991 Score set marked the company’s third year producing baseball cards after entering the market in 1989. Score focused on presenting key moments from MLB history through flashback and retrospective cards mixed in among its base set dedicated to current players. For Mantle’s rookie card, Score utilized the original 1952 Topps design and photo. The front of the card featured Mantle in mid-swing wearing his Yankees road gray uniform, with “MICKEY MANTLE” printed at the top in red text. Below his name is “ROOKIE CARD 1952” in smaller black letters to denote which season was being highlighted.

On the back of the 1991 Score Mantle rookie card, fans learned more about the Oklahoma native’s path to MLB stardom. It detailed how Mantle overcame chronic knee issues that hampered him earlier in his career to become one of the game’s most feared sluggers in the mid-1950s. He smashed 52 home runs in 1956, winning the Triple Crown while leading the Yankees to another World Series title. By reprinting the 1952 Topps design, Score helped collectors experience and appreciate an important piece of baseball history from nearly four decades prior. It also connected generations of fans to one of the sport’s iconic players who transcended on-field performance.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mantle’s accomplishments and personal charisma from his Yankee playing days in the 1950s still captivated many fans. But his post-career struggles with alcoholism that significantly shortened his life were also starting to become more widely known. Mantle died of liver cancer in 1995 at the age of 63. His public admission of his long battle with drinking problems encouraged others facing addiction and gave more context to his excellence between the lines. The 1991 Score rookie card reminded collectors of Mantle’s talents but also helped memorialize him as a complex, tragic figure viewers could relate to as fully human despite his godlike athletic gifts.

When the 1991 Score set was released, vintage 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie cards were already extremely valuable, with high-grade PSA/BGS examples selling for thousands of dollars. But the Score retro issue made the rookie season more available and affordable for collectors interested in owning a piece of baseball history featuring one of the game’s all-time icons. From a preservation and accessibility standpoint, the 1991 Score Mantle rookie paid homage to the original while ensuring younger fans could still experience one of the most famous rookies in the sport’s history. It captured the mystique and legacy of “The Commerce Comet” for a new collector base.

In the three decades since the Score release, Mantle’s rookie card has taken on even greater significance. As one of the rarest and most desirable vintage cards in existence, a high-quality PSA/BGS graded 1952 Topps Mantle is now valued well into the six figures. It sits at the very pinnacle of the collecting hobby. Meanwhile, the affordable 1991 Score retro issue allows any fan to experience a piece of Mantle history without requiring a small fortune. For collectors who came of age in the 1990s, the Score card holds strong nostalgic value as well. Its distinctive design stands out among the sea of modern chrome, refractors and parallels that inundate today’s marketplace.

In honoring Mickey Mantle’s rookie season nearly 40 years after his MLB debut, the 1991 Score set paid proper respect to one of the sport’s untouchable legends. For a new generation just being introduced to the game, it underscored Mantle’s seismic impact and cultural importance both on and off the diamond. While the vintage 1952 Topps card will always be the ultra-premium treasure, the Score issue served to preserve and promote appreciation for the “Commerce Comet’s” legacy at a time when he had recently passed but his legend remained as powerful as ever. For collectors and fans alike, it pays tribute to a man who still looms as large over baseball as any player who ever lived.

EBAY BASEBALL CARDS MICKEY MANTLE

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. As the longtime star center fielder for the New York Yankees in the 1950s and 1960s, Mantle achieved numerous accolades including being named the American League’s Most Valuable Player three times and helping lead the Yankees to seven World Series championships. Mantle’s impressive statistics and iconic status have made his baseball cards among the most valuable and desirable for collectors.

Mantle’s rookie baseball card comes from the 1952 Topps set. As one of the most famous and valuable rookie cards in the hobby, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded example of Mantle’s 1952 Topps card recently sold at auction on eBay for over $2.88 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a single sports card. Even lower graded copies in Excellent to Very Good condition can still fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars due to the card’s extreme scarcity and iconic subject. The 1952 Topps set marked Mantle’s first season in Major League Baseball and the early depiction of his promising career makes the card hugely significant for collectors.

Another of Mantle’s highly valuable and sought after baseball cards is his 1956 Topps issue. This card stands out because it captures Mantle having an MVP caliber season as he led the American League with 52 home runs and 130 runs batted in. The 1956 Topps design is also considered among the most visually appealing in the entire set. In high grades like PSA/BGS Gem Mint, a 1956 Mantle card can sell for over $100,000 on eBay. Even well-centered, sharp examples in lower grades around Excellent-Very Good 5 to 7 can still trade hands for tens of thousands based on the strong demand for this iconic Mantle issue.

While Mantle’s rookie card and 1956 Topps card are two of his most valuable individual issues, another top option for collectors is his complete run of Topps cards from 1952 to 1968 spanning his entire Hall of Fame playing career. On eBay, a full set like this in higher grades around PSA/BGS 8 to 10 can reach astronomical prices into the millions due to both the rarity of having all the cards together in top condition as well as representing the who’s who of Mantle’s career stats year by year. For collectors that can’t afford such a high price tag, partial sets with some of the more valuable individual years like the 1952, 1956, 1961 Topps issues can still cost tens or hundreds of thousands.

Beyond just Mantle’s regular Topps baseball cards, other highly sought after issues include his various rookie cup cards. In 1952, Topps produced a Mickey Mantle Rookie Cup parallel subset within the standard set featuring a special blue backed design. These rookie cups are exceedingly rare, especially high graded examples, and routinely sell for well over $100,000 each on the secondary market. Bowman also issued Mantle rookie cups in 1952 that are of similar extreme value. Additionally, Mantle’s 1961 Post cereal rookie reprint cards have gained popularity in recent years with PSA/BGS 10 specimens reaching the $50,000+ range on eBay.

Aside from his individual cards, Mantle also appears prominently featured on several valuable team and high number subset issues throughout his career that remain in high demand. His 1954 Topps Yankees team card in high grade is worth over $10,000 given Mantle’s visual dominance on the front. Mantle’s 1960 Topps high number cards starting with #560 also command significant money upwards of $5,000 each for PSA/BGS 9s and better. These specialty cards provide collectors appealing alternatives to chasing Mantle’s standard base cards from each year.

When it comes to Mantle’s post-playing career cards, one that stands out is his 1974 Topps manager card issued after he took over as Yankees skipper. High graded examples around PSA/BGS 8 in this set have sold for $3,000+ on eBay reflecting Mantle’s continued popularity even after retiring as a player. His 1986 Topps Tribute card marking the 30th anniversary of his rookie season also fetches over $1,000 for top condition copies. Any card showing Mantle after his playing days in manager, coach, or alumni roles maintains good collector demand and value recognition given his iconic stature in the game.

Whether it’s his legendary rookie card from 1952, defining 1956 Topps issue, complete career Topps run, rare parallel rookie cups, or specialty team and high number cards, Mickey Mantle’s extensive baseball card collection represents one of the most historically significant in the entire hobby. With his records, MVP awards, World Series contributions, and Yankees legacy, Mantle is revered as one of the all-time greats, which is clearly reflected in the premium prices his vintage cards consistently achieve at auction on eBay. No other player’s collection quite compares to the prestige and investment potential associated with “the Mick’s” iconic cardboard issues.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Playing his entire 18-year career for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, Mantle was a 20-time All-Star, 7-time World Series champion, 3-time American League MVP and 1956 AL Triple Crown winner. He had a career batting average of .298 with 536 home runs and over 1,800 RBI. With such a glittering career and iconic status in the game, Mantle’s collectible sports cards have become hugely valuable over the decades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most sought-after and valuable Mickey Mantle baseball cards that frequently appear for auction on the popular collectibles marketplace eBay.

One of the true “holy grails” of the baseball card hobby is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Only around 50 mint condition examples are believed to still exist today of this incredibly iconic and important issue in the history of sports cards. Graded Mint 9 examples in prestigious third-party holder slabs from the major authentication companies like PSA or BGS routinely sell for well over $100,000 on eBay. A PSA Mint 9 specimen sold for $229,000 in early 2022, while a BGS Gem Mint 9.5 fetched $360,000 at auction, setting records for the card. Even well-worn copies in Poor-Fair condition go for thousands. The Mantle rookie’s scarcity, historic significance as one of the earliest post-WWII issues, and its subject as perhaps the greatest Yankee of all make it a true blue chip investment for wealthy collectors.

Another highly valuable and desirable early Mantle card is his 1951 Bowman color photo issue, considered by many the best card of his entire career for its vibrant colors and up-close portrait shot. Higher grade PSA/BGS specimens top over $100,000 regularly on eBay. In 2021, a PSA gem mint 9.5 example realized nearly $350,000 at auction. Like the ’52 Topps rookie, even low-grade copies still sell strongly due to the limited surviving population and high demand from collectors. Many of Mickey’s other 50s-era cards like his 1952 Topps bring big five-figure prices as well in top condition, as they were produced during the early heyday of his playing career with the Yankees dynasty.

Mantle’s 1960 Topps card, featuring an action posed photo of him swinging from his right-handed stance, remains extremely popular with collectors and can get pricey too. It was made during one of his best single seasons production-wise where he batted .345 with 40 home runs and 112 RBI winning his third and final AL MVP award. High grade PSA/BGS copies have realized over $15,000 at auction recently. Another choice card showing Mantle in full Yankee pinstripes is his 1961 Topps issue, which often tops $5,000 in pristine condition. This card presents him near the end of his illustrious career at age 29, still appearing youthful and vibrant despite the physical toll from injuries he fought through.

Even more modern vintage Mantle cardboard from the mid-late 1960s fetches hefty sums. His 1965 Topps and 1966 Topps cards, issued during the final campaigns of his playing days, are hot pickups despite being more plentiful in supply compared to early 1950s rarities. A PSA/BGS Gem Mint copy of either dates routinely surpass $3,000-$4,000 at auction currently according to sales tracked on price guide websites. In today’s market, anything high grade portraying the iconic switch-hitting slugger in the sunset of his Hall of Fame career remains highly collectible. It’s also possible to still find affordable Mantle cards on eBay from the mid-late 1960s like his 1967 or 1968 Topps issue in lower grades under $100.

After retirement from his playing days, Mantle was also featured on several legendary baseball cards through the 1970s-90s commemorating his Yankees tenure, All-Star accomplishments, and Hall of Fame induction such as his 1975 and 1990 Topps issues. Even these cheaper vintage post-career issues have increased steadily in secondary market value if slabbed in Mint+ condition. Collectors tend to favor his true rookie and 1950s playing days representations for highest demand and collectibility. But any card carrying the “Mick’s” likeness remains a smart area to invest resources as part of a growing sports memorabilia portfolio according to industry analysts.

On today’s competitive collectibles marketplaces like eBay, securing a high-end Mantle rookie or early flagship card is no easy task. These blue-chip cardboard investments face plenty of competition amongst deep-pocketed aficionados and flippers. But savvy collectors looking to slowly build up a collection don’t need to spend five-figures to enjoy owning a piece of one of baseball’s eternal icons. More affordable yet desirable Mantle options remain across different grading populates and years which can provide long-term appreciation. Combined with careful financial planning, collectors who exercise patience frequently find compelling deals emerge on the Mickey Mantle baseball cards available for auction every day on websites like eBay.