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MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS TOP 10

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his rookie cards from the early 1950s are some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. The legendary switch-hitting center fielder played his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968 and won three American League MVP awards. His prodigious power and speed made him a superstar and his baseball cards from Topps, Bowman, and other manufacturers have appreciably increased in value over the decades as Mantle mania and nostalgia for his historic career grows stronger. Here is an in-depth breakdown of the top 10 most valuable Mickey Mantle baseball cards on the market today based on PSA/BGS graded examples that have sold at auction:

1952 Topps #311 – Mickey Mantle’s rookie card is always in high demand from collectors but mint condition examples fetch a premium. A PSA Gem Mint 10 graded 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle recently sold for $65,000, showing there is still demand for his true rookie issue even at the lower end of graded quality. Still, a PSA 10 1952 Topps Mantle rookie remains a Holy Grail card worth an estimated $500,000 if one were to come on the market today.

1951 Bowman #305 – Mantle’s first true baseball card appearance came in 1951 Bowman set which greatly preceded his Topps rookie by a year. A PSA Excellent-Mint 8 graded 1951 Bowman #305 Mickey Mantle sold for $72,000, demonstrating the scarcity and demand for his pre-rookie appearance. Not as many 1951 Bowman sets were produced and distributed compared to 1952 Topps so they are much harder to find in any grade worth slabbing.

1956 Topps #130 – Mantle’s 1956 season was one of the best of his career as he won the Triple Crown by leading the AL in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. A PSA Gem Mint 10 graded 1956 Topps #130 Mickey Mantle sold for an impressive $100,000, highlighting the significance of Mantle’s outstanding 1956 campaign and the visual appeal of his bright red 1956 Topps card design.

1951 Bowman Color #79C – The true “holy grail” Mantle card is without a doubt his colorful 1951 Bowman card in the scarce original color issue. Only a handful are known to exist and they rarely come up for auction. A PSA Excellent 4 graded 1951 Bowman Color #79C Mickey Mantle sold a few years ago for $179,000, a price that could grow exponentially if a high-graded example ever did surface on the population report.

1953 Topps #126 – Mantle’s 1953 season was another huge one as he led the AL in home runs and RBIs. His bright multi-colored 1953 Topps card stands out in the set. A PSA Gem Mint 10 graded 1953 Topps #126 Mickey Mantle sold for an astounding $235,000, underlining the scarcity of high-quality examples of this showy and historically significant Mantle issue.

1955 Topps #170 – 1955 was a down statistical year for Mantle but the card remains a favorite due to its dramatic action pose. A PSA Gem Mint 10 graded 1955 Topps #170 Mickey Mantle sold for $277,500, highlighting the enduring appeal of this all-time classic Mantle visual despite average on-field performance that season. The 1955 design is among the most recognized and collected vintage issues.

1951 Bowman #72 – The 1951 Bowman set has the distinction of containing Mantle’s true first baseball card appearance before he ever played a game in the majors. A PSA Near Mint-Mint 8 graded 1951 Bowman #72 Mickey Mantle changed hands for $350,000, emphasizing the key significance and rarity of this pre-rookie issue. Any 1950s Mantle rookie/pre-rookie in high grade is a serious trophy card.

1952 Topps Mantle Returning from Korea #310 – This famous variation card is the true “holy grail” Mantle issue as only a small number are believed to have been accidentally produced with the photo of Mantle in his military uniform returning home from the Korean War. A PSA Gem Mint 10 grade example was verified and sold for an astronomical $405,000, showing what a true 1-of-1 variation ultra high grade Mantle card can demand on the market.

1952 Topps Mantle #311 Inverted Back – Even rarer than the 1952 Topps #310 Korea variation is the legendary “upside down back” printing error card where the statistical information on the reverse is inverted. Only a handful are known and they represent the ultimate Mickey Mantle piece for a serious collector. An authentic but low grade PSA 2 example sold for an eye-popping $650,000 back in 2010, indicating what a true high grade example could be worth.

1951 Bowman Color Photograph – The undisputed king of all Mickey Mantle cards, and one of the true legendary items in all of sports card collecting, is an ungraded example of the 1951 Bowman Color Photograph issue that surfaced in 2013. This unique color snapshot card from the fabled 1951 Bowman set is not even part of the regular 79-card checklist and is widely considered one of just 1-3 examples known to exist. It sold at auction for a then world-record $305,000 for an unslabbed Mantle piece, putting it at the pinnacle of all-time most valuable individual Mantle cards.

In summary, Mickey Mantle transcended the baseball card collecting hobby due to his status as an American icon and larger-than-life superstar on the field. Any high quality vintage Mantle rookie, pre-rookie issue, or notable season standout from the 1950s will demand top dollar and be worth a premium over similar cards from that era. Condition is critical and the rarest of the rare Mantle variations sell for top dollar amounts usually reserved for the most prized cards in collectibles history. The Mick’s playing career with the Yankees still resonates strongly with multiple generations of fans and card collectors decades later.

MICKEY MANTLE BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most iconic names in American sports history is Mickey Mantle. Mantle had a legendary career playing center field for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, winning three MVP awards and playing on seven World Series championship teams. Mantle was renowned not just for his athletic abilities on the field, but also his humble personality and boyish charm off it. He connected deeply with fans and remains one of the most popular baseball players of all time.

Alongside Mantle’s playing career, his early baseball cards from his rookie seasons in 1952 and 1953 issued by Bowman Gum have taken on legendary status of their own. Mantle’s rookie cards from these years in near-mint condition can sell for over $100,000 and up to $500,000 in pristine gem mint condition. The Mantle rookie cards issued by Bowman in the early 1950s capture the young, fresh-faced “Commerce Comet” at the very start of his illustrious big league career and hold a special place in the history of American collectibles.

Bowman Gum was one of the early pioneers of the modern baseball card collecting hobby. Starting in 1948, Bowman began inserting baseball cards into their gum packs as a promotional tool. While other brands like Topps and Leaf had issued cards before, Bowman was among the first to mass produce cards on any sizable scale. In the early 1950s, during Mantle’s rookie seasons, Bowman cards constituted a major share of the baseball card market. As such, Mantle’s rookie cards issued by Bowman in 1952 and 1953 took on outsized significance as some of the earliest widely available cards of one of the game’s future legends.

Mantle’s 1952 Bowman rookie card depicts the 20-year-old outfielder in his first season with the Yankees, smiling broadly in his pinstripe uniform. On the back is stats from his 1951 minor league season and a brief biography. What makes the ’52 Mantle particularly scarce and desirable for collectors today is that it was part of Bowman’s initial 1952 baseball card release, before Topps entered the market that year and Bowman lost its baseball card license. Only about 50 intact 1952 Mantle rookies are believed to still exist today in high grades of mint condition or better.

In 1953, Mantle’s spectacular .365 batting average and 23 home runs as a 21-year-old earned him headlines and made his impending superstardom clear to fans. Accordingly, his 1953 Bowman card gained even more significance as a valuable early artifact of one of the game’s emerging greats. The ’53 Mantle card features the same design as the prior year’s, with Mantle showcasing more maturity and muscle in his beardless junior season. While the ’53 is more abundant in lower grades than the exceedingly rare ’52, examples in high grades still fetch huge sums – a near-mint ’53 recently sold at auction for over $360,000.

For collectors, Mantle’s Bowman rookie cards carry immense historical value given how perfectly they captured the fresh start of perhaps the single most revered Yankees player. Mantle would go on to become the face of MLB for over a decade and one of the game’s true icons, but these early 50s Bowman issues showed Mantle at his youngest, before superstardom weighed on his boyish smile. As such, they represent some of the earliest public vestiges not just of Mantle but of the enormous fascination and goodwill from millions of American sports fans that he came to embody.

The cards also occupy an important place in the development of modern baseball card collecting. Issued during the early experimental commercial days when companies like Bowman were testing mass distribution of cards, Mantle’s rookies were among the first cards widely available that depicted an already heralded young talent who seemed destined for greatness. As collectibles, they helped trailblaze the now ubiquitous culture surrounding collection and appreciation of vintage cards chronicling legends’ humble beginnings in professional baseball.

For all these reasons, Mickey Mantle’s 1952 and 1953 Bowman baseball cards are amongst the true Holy Grails for any serious vintage card collector. Few athletes captured the hearts of America like Mick, and through his Bowman rookies collectors can own a genuine artifact of the dawn of one of America’s sports dynasties and a reflection of Mantle’s own infectious, optimistic youth. Nearly 70 years later, their values have grown exponentially but in many ways do not do justice to their immeasurable historical and cultural significance. For many, these cards depicting a fresh-faced Mantle will always be the most prized of any collection.

VINTAGE MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest players in baseball history, having won three MVP awards and played on seven World Series championship teams with the legendary New York Yankees from 1951-1968. Mantle’s unique blend of power, speed and charisma made him a fan favorite and one of the first real baseball superstars. As a result, vintage Mickey Mantle baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s are some of the most coveted and valuable cards among collectors.

Some of Mantle’s earliest and most iconic baseball cards come from his rookie season in 1951 with Topps, Bowman and Red Man. The 1951 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is arguably the single most valuable baseball card of all time, with high grade examples regularly selling for over $1 million. What makes this card so desirable is not just Mantle’s rookie status and Hall of Fame career, but also the small original print run from Topps’ first full baseball card set in 1951. Fewer than 50 copies are believed to still exist in mint condition.

The 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card is also hugely significant as one of the earliest post-war cardboard collectibles. Unlike the drab, serial style of Topps’ 1951 set, the colorful Bowman design featured cute caricatures and was aimed more at children than adolescents and adults. Consequently, the Mickey Mantle rookie from Bowman’s 1951 set is considerably more scarce than the Topps version. Just a handful are known to exist in pristine gem mint grade.

The 1951 Red Man Salutes Mickey Mantle baseball card is even rarer, with experts estimating fewer than 10 high quality copies still in circulation. What makes this tobacco premium card so special is it depicts a close-up portrait of Mantle from his rookie season. Like the other 1951 rookie cards, the combination of HOF pedigree, iconic early design, and ultra-low surviving population drives prices for a gem mint Red Man Mantle into the high six-figure range.

In Mantle’s sophomore season of 1952, Topps was again the main card producer with their second complete baseball set. The ’52 Topps Mantle is substantially more available than the rookie, yet examples graded mint to gem mint with perfect corners still command five-figure values. Mantle’s exciting rookie accomplishments were depicted, making his ’52 Topps cards highly sought after by collectors looking to own a key early example before his stardom fully blossomed.

Bowman also issued Mantle cards in 1952 following their success with rookie cards the prior year. The ’52 Bowman Mantle is far scarcer than the Topps issue. Around the same time, Mantle started appearing more regularly in tobacco premium cards as his fame accelerated. Examples include rare ’52 Parkhurst, Red Man and Texaco issues where high grades can sell upwards of $50,000 due to condition rarity.

By 1953, Mantle was established as one of baseball’s biggest names and his cards were widely distributed in the main Topps and Bowman sets of the time. While common in lower grades, mint ’53 Topps and Bowman Mantle cards still hold value today ranging from $500-2,000 depending on condition. This was also the period when Mantle achieved his first Gold Glove and All-Star selections.

In 1954, Mantle put it all together by winning the AL Triple Crown batting title with a .357 average, 52 HR and 130 RBI. Not surprisingly, 1954 Topps and Bowman issues depicting this breakout season have become extremely significant to collectors. While numerous ’54 Mantles exist, GEM MT 10 quality examples could reach six-figure prices. The ’54 Topps Mantle is also widely hailed as one of the most aesthetically appealing vintage designs of all time.

From 1955-1956, Mickey Mantle entered his prime producing two MVP seasons. Topps released Mantles in 1955 depicting his first MVP with a fielding action pose that is beloved among collectors. High grades trade in excess of $50,000 due to rarity. For 1956 Topps, Mantle appears in full Yankees uniform which remains a popular visual. Like the ’55s, pristine ’56 Mantle Topps exceed $50K. This was also the tail end of the vintage Bowman era that included several scarce Mantle issues.

Competing directly with Topps after 1957, Fleer embarked on producing their groundbreaking “red back” sheet of stars. Among the true gems for collectors is the 1957 Fleer Mickey Mantle which carries an iconic full bleed image. Only about 50 are known to exist in high grade, making a perfect specimen worth over $100,000 to the right buyer. Mantle continued dominating for Topps through the late ’50s period as well.

The 1960s saw Mantle enter his legendary twilight as an aging Yankee star. His presence in the 1961-1968 Topps and Post issues remain hugely collectible. In particular, the 1968 Topps Mantle is one of the final cards featuring the Mick in a Yankees uniform before retirement. High grades are valuable, with a PSA/BGS 10 Pop 1 specimen selling for over $50,000.

Vintage Mickey Mantle baseball cards are must-have pieces of pop culture history for any serious collector. As one of the first household names in American sports, Mantle’s cards from his rookie season through retirement hold a special mystique. While out of financial reach for most, treasures like the ’51 Topps, ’51 Bowman or ’57 Fleer Mantle may be viewed as priceless works of art within the hobby. For those able to responsibly care for such valuable pieces of history, owning a high grade vintage Mantle opens the door to appreciating one of baseball’s true icons through rare cardboard.

BASEBALL CARDS MICKEY MANTLE ROOKIE

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The Mickey Mantle rookie card from 1952 Topps is one of the most famous and valuable trading cards of all time. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees and is still considered one of the greatest switch hitters and power hitters in baseball history. His rookie card is so coveted by collectors because it captures Mantle at the very beginning of his career before he became a star, making it one of the first pieces of cardboard to feature a future legend of the sport.

Mantle broke into the majors with the Yankees in 1951 at just 19 years old. In his rookie season, he showed flashes of his immense talent by hitting .267 with 13 home runs in just 83 games. While those numbers were impressive for a teenager, no one could have predicted just how great Mantle would become. The next season of 1952 was Mantle’s true rookie year as defined by the baseball rules of the time with him appearing in over 100 games.

It was in this 1952 season where Topps decided to include Mantle in their new baseball card set just becoming popular with kids and collectors. Topps distributed their cards primarily through pack sales at candy stores and supermarkets. Mantle’s rookie card featured a photo of him from the 1951 season in his classic Yankees uniform with the iconic interlocking “NY” logo on the front. The simple yet iconic design captured the fresh-faced Mantle at the very start of his ascension to superstardom.

In his first full season of 1952, Mantle took a major step forward by hitting .311 with 13 home runs and 65 RBI. He finished third in AL MVP voting at just 20 years old and gave a glimpse of what make him a perennial MVP candidate for most of the rest of his career. As Mantle continued to develop into a true five-tool superstar, collectors began to recognize that his rookie card might hold significant value in the future as a key piece of baseball history.

By the mid-1950s, Mantle had blossomed into a two-time AL MVP and one of the most feared hitters in the game. He led the Yankees to seven World Series championships during his 18-year Hall of Fame career. Mantle smashed 536 career home runs, won three batting titles, was named an All-Star in 16 seasons, and won the Triple Crown in 1956 when he hit .353 with 52 home runs and 130 RBI. He cemented his status as one of the game’s all-time greats and the face of baseball for over a decade alongside teammate Roger Maris.

With Mantle achieving legendary status, collectors from the 1950s generation began to recognize how special it was to own one of the first cards ever made featuring The Mick. As the years went on, fewer and fewer high-grade Mantle rookie cards survived in pristine condition. The combination of his iconic career achievements and the dwindling supply of well-preserved cards sent values skyrocketing. By the late 1980s, ungraded Mantle rookies in gem mint (NM-MT 10) condition were already exchanging hands for over $1,000.

In 1991, the first ever Mantle rookie to achieve a perfect Gem Mint grade of PSA 10 was sold for an astounding $25,000. This helped set the standard for what perfect vintage cards could be worth to serious collectors. Throughout the 1990s, as the collecting hobby exploded in popularity, Mantle rookie PSA 10 prices climbed higher each year. Multiple six-figure sales were made by the turn of the century with one specimen hitting $121,000 at auction in 1999.

The record for a PSA 10 Mickey Mantle rookie was shattered in 2021 when an unopened case of 1952 Topps wax packs containing a Mantle rookie fetched an eye-popping $5.2 million at auction. This marked a new peak for the card, which is now widely considered the most valuable sports card in existence. Only a small handful of the over 500 million Topps cards printed in 1952 have achieved a perfect 10 grade. With such a limited supply and iconic subject, the card’s value potential seems limitless for discerning collectors.

While the highest graded examples may forever be out of reach for most people, Mantle’s rookie card in any grade still holds immense nostalgia and significance as one of the earliest baseball collectibles. It captures a fresh-faced superstar and national hero at the start of his legendary career. For these reasons, Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie will always be revered as perhaps the most important card in the history of the hobby. Its value appreciation over the decades is a true testament to Mantle’s greatness on the field being paralleled financially in the collecting world.

COMPLETE LIST OF MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS

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Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Over his 18-year career playing center field for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968, Mantle established himself as a prolific home run hitter and one of the best five-tool players in baseball history. His legendary playing career and status as a Yankees icon also made him one of the most popular figures to be featured on baseball cards over the decades.

Mantle’s rookie card from 1952 is one of the most valuable baseball cards ever produced. He has numerous other cards that were released during his playing days and in subsequent years as a retired player. Here is a complete list of all known Mickey Mantle baseball cards in chronological order:

1952 Topps #311 – Mantle’s rookie card is arguably the most famous in the history of the sport. Photos for the 1952 Topps set were taken in spring training and Mantle is pictured in his Yankees road gray uniform. The card captured Mantle at the very start of his Hall of Fame career and examples in near-mint to mint condition can sell for over $100,000 today, making it one of the most valuable sports cards ever.

1953 Topps #98 – Mantle’s second Topps card from 1953. He is again shown in a Yankees road uniform but this time with a more closed batting stance. High-grade versions remain quite valuable at $3,000-$5,000.

1954 Topps #258 – On his third Topps issue, Mantle sports home pinstripes and is posed from the left side in a relaxed stance. This remains a key and iconic Mantle card available for $500-1500 in top condition.

1955 Topps #425 – Mantle’s power is evident as he is captured mid-swing crushing a ball. Another classic pose and visual from the peak of Mantle’s career. Near-mint copies sell for $300-600.

1956 Topps #397 – A classic action shot of Mantle leaping after a catch. He had just led the AL in home runs in 1955 and was becoming a true superstar. About $150-300 for a pristine example.

1957 Topps #397 – Mantle is again shown leaping, this time robbing a home run. He would claim the AL MVP this year. Around $100-200 for a high-quality specimen.

1958 Topps #5 – Mantle’s photo is now in color on his 1958 Topps issue. He is posed from the left side at bat in vibrant hues. Considered one of his most aesthetically pleasing cards. Near-mint copies go for $150-300.

1959 Topps #5 – Another left-sided batting pose, this time with more of a closed stance. Color images were still a relative novelty. Around $75-150 for a pristine copy.

1960 Topps #5 – Mantle adopts an open stance from the left side for his 1960 issue. He was still performing at an MVP level. Near-mint examples trade for $50-100.

1961 Topps #5 – Mantle is again from the left side but with a more straight-on face view. He was still an offensive force despite injuries. About $30-75 for a choice copy.

1962 Topps #5 – Mantle is now shown from the right side for a change of pace. He was battling injuries but still productive. Near-mint copies sell in the $25-50 range.

1963 Topps #5 – Back to the left side, this time in a more closed stance. Mantle was still playing at an All-Star level when healthy. Around $15-30 for a pristine card.

1964 Topps #5 – Mantle dons a batting helmet for protection in this posed shot. He was in the latter stages of his career. Near-mint copies sell for $10-20.

1965 Topps #5 – Mantle’s final regular Topps issue shows him from the right side taking a big cut. He was still a threat when on the field. About $5-12 in top condition.

1966 Topps #130 – Mantle’s final active season card comes as an “action” subset issue showing him sliding into third base. Signifies his declining health and abilities. $3-8 for a pristine copy.

1967 Topps #130 – As a “retired” player, Mantle’s 1967 issue reused the 1966 action photo. Production numbers higher than active years. $2-5 near-mint.

1968 Topps #130 – Topps went to a headshot only for retired players, Mantle sporting his classic catcher’s mask-era pose. Common but iconic for collectors. $1-3.

1969 Topps #130 – Mantle’s portrait is slightly smaller but still evokes nostalgia for his playing days. Very common in high grades. $1-2.

1970 Topps #130 – Topps downsized the retired player photos even more but Mantle’s likeness remains recognizable. Extremely common. $0.50-1.

1971-1974 Topps – Mantle was included in the annual “retired player” subsets through 1974 with consistent headshots. Very common issues. $0.25-0.50.

1975-1977 SSPC – During the mid-1970s, Mantle was featured in the annual Sporting News Pro Football Register/Sporting News Pro Basketball Register cross-sport sets from SSPC. Headshots around $0.10-0.25.

1982 Fleer #82 – Mantle was part of Fleer’s inaugural modern baseball card set in 1982. A simple headshot design in low print runs. Can fetch $3-8.

1989 Upper Deck #1 – Mantle’s sole Upper Deck issue was the company’s very first card, showing him in a classic pose. Low print run significance. $5-12.

1992 Fleer #33 – Mantle’s final mainstream baseball card was issued posthumously by Fleer in 1992. A simple headshot but a final remembrance. $1-3.

2003 Topps Tribute #MT – Topps paid homage to Mantle’s rookie with a special reprint parallel set in 2003. Near-mint copies around $10-20.

2004 Topps Heritage #MT – Another special Heritage parallel reprint of the 1952 rookie in 2004. About $5-12 near-mint.

That covers the complete known checklist of official Mickey Mantle baseball cards issued during and after his legendary playing career. As one of the most popular and accomplished players in history, Mantle’s cards remain iconic for collectors decades after his passing. His rookie card especially is hailed as one of the most significant in the entire hobby due to capturing the start of greatness on the field.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS BY YEAR

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Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his baseball cards from his impressive career are highly collectible. Let’s take a look at some of the key Mickey Mantle cards issued each year and interesting details about each:

1951 Topps #311 – Mantle’s rookie card is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. As a rookie for the New York Yankees, Mantle had a promising debut season and this card captured the start of what would become a Hall of Fame career. The card features a colorful action photo of Mantle swinging the bat. In gem mint condition, the 1951 Mantle rookie fetches well over $100,000 and even low-grade copies sell for thousands.

1952 Topps #90 – Mantle’s second year card shows him in a batting stance. Production on the 1952 set was low and high grade examples can sell for over $10,000. This was before Mantle’s breakout 1953 season so the card has somewhat lower profile than later issues.

1953 Topps #253 – Mantle’s ’53 campaign was his true arrival as a superstar, belting 38 home runs to win the AL home run title as a 21-year-old. This colorful card featuring Mantle holding a bat captures the excitement of his emergence. Mint condition copies have sold for over $50,000.

1954 Topps #398 – Topps issued Mantle’s first definitive “action” card, showing him swinging fiercely. He followed up his ’53 with an MVP season, hitting .300 with 27 home runs. Considered one of the most iconic Mantle cards, high grades have sold for over $75,000.

1955 Topps #382 – Mantle had another monster season, hitting .306 with 52 home runs and a league-leading 130 RBI to win his first of three consecutive MVP awards. This action card nicely highlights his dominance. Near-mint copies have sold for over $40,000.

1956 Topps #390 – Topps switched to a posed vertical format on Mantle’s 1956 issue. He had perhaps his best season, capturing the Triple Crown by leading the AL in batting average (.353), home runs (52), and RBI (130). Highly collectible and historically significant, flawless specimens have reached $80,000+.

1957 Topps #377 – Mantle dealt with injuries to struggle to a .257 average in ’57, but still bashed 25 home runs. His on-card photo shows off his Yankee pinstripes. Considered one of his more scarce issues in top condition, a PSA-graded mint copy sold for over $20,000.

1958 Topps #384 – Mantle rebounded in ’58 to hit .365 with 23 homers. This card features a great action pose from his swing follow-through. Near-mintgraded copies have sold for around $10,000, reflecting it as a key vintage issue.

1959 Topps #460 – Entering his prime, Mantle enjoyed maybe his finest season in ’59, belting 40 round-trippers and driving in 111 while batting .304, winning the AL triple crown. This colorful posed card captures the essence of his storied career. Pristine specimens can fetch over $30,000.

1960 Topps #470 – Mantle was slowed by knee issues but still produced a .275 season with 33 home runs in ’60. His card uses a similar vertical pose as 1956 Topps. Outstanding examples in high grades have crossed the $15,000 mark.

1961 Topps #479 – By ’61 Mantle posted his seventh 30-home run season despite injuries, bashing 32. This iconic card highlights his aggressive swing, the fan favorite action pose. Considered one of his most aesthetically pleasing issues, gem mint editions top $25,000.

1962 Topps #505 – At age 31 Mantle managed to put together one of his finest seasons yet, batting .321 with a career-high 54 home runs to capture another MVP award. His card is highly regarded for capturing his ascendant final prime years. Pristine copies exceed $50,000 valuation.

1963 Topps #548 – Late career Mantle still mashed, hitting .255 with 28 homers in ’63 despite constant knee woes. The vertical card format allows for a close-up portrait. Valued around $10,000 in top condition due its iconic subject matter.

1964 Topps #591 – Mantle’s swan song season saw him limited to just 103 games as chronic injuries took their toll. He batted .303 regardless. His final Topps regular issue card is highly collectible. Near-mint specimens approach $15,000 price tags.

1965 Topps #562 – An “action close-up” style photo highlights Mantle’s final Topps card issued after his legendary career concluded. A true one-of-a-kind for any collection despite low print runs. Gem examples have reached astonishing amounts upwards of $70,000 in recent sales.

As one can see, Mickey Mantle’s baseball cards issued throughout his storied career stand out as some of the most iconic, historically significant, and valuable in the entire hobby. Whether a rookie, MVP season standout, or waning years issue, each Mantle card captures a piece of baseball history. Top graded examples in phenomenal condition will fetch amounts befitting of documenting “The Commerce Comet’s” legendary playing tenure. Mantle’s cardboard collecting legacy has endured for over 60 years since his playing days ended.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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One of the most popular and valuable baseball cards coveted by collectors are those featuring Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle. As one of the true icons of baseball history, Mantle’s on-field accomplishments and near mythical status in the game are rivaled by few. His baseball cards that were produced during his historic 18-year career with the New York Yankees have become some of the most sought after and valuable cards in the entire hobby.

Several key Mantle cards from the 1950s in near mint condition or better have the potential to be worth huge sums of money when compared to the cost of a pack of cards when they were originally released. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the standout Mickey Mantle cards that collectors love to chase and that carried high prices at auction.

Perhaps the most famous and coveted Mantle card is his 1952 Topps card. Considered by many to be the crowning jewel of the entire hobby, high grade 1952 Mantle cards in a PSA Gem Mint 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5+ are truly priceless. At auction, gem mint 1952 Mantles have sold for over $500,000. Even well-centered near mint 8’s command five-figure sums.

When issued in 1952, a pack of Topps cards cost just a nickel. The odds of even pulling a Mantle were extremely low back then. Now, over 60 years later, a single mint copy of that iconic first Topps Mantle is worth more than some people’s houses. Its immense rarity, historical significance as Mantle’s rookie card, and the legendary player’s fierce on-field success all contribute to its stratospheric value.

Another major key Mantle rookie card is his 1951 Bowman card issued prior to his rookie season in 1952. Graded examples in mint 8+ condition have also topped $100,000 at auction before. Considered nearly as rare and significant as the ’52 Topps card. The Bowman card lays claim to being Mickey’s truest rookie as it was released prior to his MLB debut in 1951. Ungraded near mint copies still sell for several thousand dollars or more.

Beyond his famed rookie cards, several of Mantle’s other best and most in-demand cards come from his heyday with the Yankees in the 1950s. Key standouts include his 1955, 1956, and 1957 Topps cards. Each was issued during Mantle’s absolute prime and captures him in the middle of some his most prolific seasons statistically. In mint condition, these three Mantle classics commonly sell for $5,000-$15,000 each. Even well-centered near mints fetch four figures.

There are also a couple Mantle cards issued by Bowman that carry gigantic price tags. His 1952 Bowman color card is perhaps the rarest and most visually striking of all his 1950s cards. The blue parallel is utterly scarce in high grades and a true mint copy would likely sell at auction for $100,000 or more. His 1955 Bowman card can also reach five figures for top specimens. These scarce Bowman parallel issues from Mantle’s early career add diversity to his vintage card portfolio.

For collectors looking to acquire an original high grade example of one of Mantle’s key vintage cards, it’s important to verify authenticity and condition grade with a reputable grading service like PSA, BGS, SGC. Reproduction forgeries and doctored grades can mislead buyers in the hobby. Using a third party authentication helps assure collectors they are getting exactly what they pay for when investing in a prized Mantle card. Mint examples verify the cards’ eye appeal, centering and surface quality haven’t been compromised over decades of handling.

While he debuted over 60 years ago, Mickey Mantle’s enduring star power, records, and highlight reel plays ensure his 1950s rookie cards and finest Topps/Bowman issues remain highly sought after investment pieces today. As one of the true icons of baseball and sports card collecting culture, choice examples of Mantle’s vintage cardboard carry significant amounts of historical value that grows more each year in the stratosphere alongside the legend himself. With prices that now evoke comparisons to fine art, the cards represent pinnacles to achieve for dedicated collectors chasing the hobby’s holy grails.

Several key Mickey Mantle baseball cards from his rookie and prime seasons in the 1950s consistently rise to the top as the most expensive, desired, and universally recognized as invaluable assets for collectors and investors. Foremost among these are his ultra-rare 1952 Topps, 1951 Bowman, and select elite condition copies of his best issues from 1955-1957 with Topps and Bowman. Long may their values appreciate right alongside Mantle’s baseball immortality.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE ON EBAY

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Mickey Mantle is considered one of the all-time greatest baseball players of all time, known not only for his remarkable playing career with the New York Yankees but also for the tremendous baseball cards produced of the superstar during his prime years in the 1950s and 1960s. Mantle cards remain extremely popular with collectors today and can frequently be found for sale on the online auction website eBay. Whether you’re a new or experienced collector, eBay offers a wide variety of Mickey Mantle rookie cards and other memorable cards from his legendary career that are worth exploring.

Some of the most sought after and expensive Mickey Mantle cards on eBay include his coveted 1952 Topps rookie card, often considered the crown jewel of any serious baseball card collection. Mantle’s rookie card was issued during his breakout season in which he finished second in American League MVP voting and helped lead the Yankees to the world series title. The card features a photo of the 20-year old rookie batting from the left side with “New York” printed across his uniform, immediately establishing him as a rising star for baseball’s most famous franchise. In high graded conditions of Near Mint to Mint, examples of Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie in True Gem Mint condition can fetch tens of thousands of dollars and sometimes more on eBay depending on the quality of the individual card. Even well-worn but still identifiable copies in Poor to Good condition can sell in the hundreds on eBay.

Another incredibly scarce and valuable Mantle card available on eBay is his 1956 Topps card, featuring one of the clearest action shots of the slugger following through on a powerful swing. The 1956 design is considered one of the most visually appealing of the classic Topps sets and Mantle’s card stands out with its bright yellow coloring. High quality PSA or BGS graded examples in the 8 to 9 range can sell for multiple thousands on eBay, while raw nearer 10 quality cards in plastic holders from the original wax packs could easily cost over $10,000. Even well-loved but identifiable copies may sell around $500 based on recent eBay sales. The 1956 is widely considered Mickey’s best and most popular card outside of his legendary rookie.

For slightly less but still possessing impressive rarity and value, collectors can browse a range of Mantle’s finest cards from his dominant late 50s seasons on eBay as well. His 1957, 1958, 1959 Topps offerings remain tremendously sought after by specialists. The 1957 depicts Mickey beginning his follow through on a left-handed swing with “Yankees” running along the bottom. Graded NM-MT 7s have sold over $5000 recently on eBay, while raw excellent examples can hit $1000-1500 range. 1958 shows the switch hitter from a right side view with arm cocked back, his number 7 prominently displayed. High end 8s may sell over $3000, with nice raw copies going for $800 or more. The 1959 portrays Mantle choking up on the bat and taking practice swings with teammates Ralph Terry and Clete Boyer looking on, an action scene highly desired by collectors. Top graded 9 examples have gone over $2000 on the site, with raw near-gem versions finding buyers around $500 or greater.

Besides his iconic main Topps issues, fellow Mickey collectors can browse other noteworthy serials featuring “The Commerce Comet” on eBay as well. The 1954 Bowman card showing Mantle posing in mid swing sells for thousands in pristine condition but can be acquired for a few hundred even in heavily played state. His scarce 1955 Topps #122 variation is prized by set builders for the mismatching photo and borders. Examples can reach five digits for gems but affordable beat copies exist too. Rare 1968 Kellogg’s 3D card offers an eye-popping pop-out effect but can cost well over $1000 for best quality. 1952 and 1953 Red Man Tobacco cards from his rookie years offer early looks for accessible prices usually under $100 on eBay. Even common late career issues signifying Mantle’s legendary status continue attracting buyers.

eBay also serves as a marketplace where collectors can find a range of autographed Mickey Mantle memorabilia to consider adding to their collections. Signed baseballs, bats, photos, and jersey relic cards are regularly made available and can provide a fun way to own a personal piece of The Mick’s greatness. Naturally, condition, documentation accompanying the signatures, and the career year represented will impact prices, but valuable signed items starting in the low hundreds can be within reach on even a budget. Autopen or fake signatures warrant cautious examination of listings as in any arena involving autographs and eBay’s authentication service provides trusted verification for larger investments. Regardless of budgets, eBay reliably provides opportunities all year long to acquire meaningful memories and collectibles honoring one of baseball’s enduring icons Mickey Mantle through his epic trading cards.

Whether seeking landmark rookie issues to landmark game used gear, eBay ensures Mickey Mantle’s legend maintains a strong presence among collectors worldwide. Steady traffic across daily new listings creates a steady marketplace for everything from affordable $10 beat gems to blue chip investments commanding five figures. For fans dedicated to appreciating Mantle’s greatness through growing their collections with staples from his 1950s-60s peak or signature mementos, eBay represents a dependable destination to regularly search and potentially make memorable additions. No surprise considering Mickey’s timeless appeal and status as one of baseball’s true icons – his collectables will undoubtedly remain a vital piece of sports history for generations to come.

1954 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS MICKEY MANTLE

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The 1954 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is considered by many to be the single most valuable baseball card in existence. While it holds iconic status among collectors, Mantle’s true rookie season was in 1952 with Topps’ predecessor, Bowman Gum. The 1952 and 1953 Bowman sets are exceedingly rare and command high prices. The card from the 1954 Bowman set is notable for more than just its association with being one of Mantle’s early career cards – it’s a landmark in the history of the hobby.

Mantle was already well on his way to superstardom after debuting with the New York Yankees late in the 1951 season. He broke out in 1952 by hitting .269 with 13 home runs and 65 RBI in just 115 games as a 20-year old rookie. This excitement generated plenty of interest from the card companies as they vied to feature one of the game’s brightest young stars. Bowman snapped into action by including Mickey in their 1954 set that was released in the early part of that year.

The 1954 Bowman set is considered the brand’s final true “vintage” issue before Topps gained the exclusive rights to baseball players beginning in 1955. As a result, the 1954 Bowman cards took on a special significance – they represented the last football and baseball cards produced by the company that helped kickstart the modern trading card industry in the late 1940s. Topps would soon monopolize the market, leaving Bowman to focus solely on non-sports releases going forward.

Mantle’s card from the 1954 Bowman set (#91) depicts him in a Yankee road uniform mid-swing. The pose was taken from a photograph and masterfully replicated on the paper stock of the time. Beyond just being Mickey Mantle during one of the early peaks of his playing career, this card gained more notoriety for being included in one of the final mainstream baseball releases from the brand that helped start it all. As a result, the Mantle rookie cards from 1952 and 1953 Bowman are incredibly scarce, but the 1954 issue attained an icon status due to its place in hobby history.

When it comes to the condition and rarity of the various 1954 Bowman Mickey Mantle cards that remain, their value differs greatly depending on grade. In low-end Poor 1 condition, they can still sell for thousands. To get into the five-figure range, aSolid 6 or Better is usually required. The standards really ramp up once pristine examples in Near Mint 7 and Gem Mint 9+ grades enter the fold. In 2015, a PSA-graded 1954 Mantle from Bowman in NM-MT 8 condition was sold at auction for $228,800. There have even been reports of high-grade specimens changing hands for millions between serious collectors.

A part of the allure of the 1954 Bowman Mantle stems from how relatively few survived all these decades intact. Like most vintage cards of the era, they were mass-produced on paper that was not built to last generations. The cards also saw heavy circulation through countless childhood hands. Even getting through the 1950s in solid condition was an achievement for most. According to population statistics from authoritative grading service PSA, there are approximately 35-40 graded examples in MS-MT 8 or above still known to exist from a print run that was likely in the millions. Factor in all the lesser conditioned specimens, and you’re left with an incredibly scarce survivor from a landmark year in card history.

In the early 2000s, Mantle memorabilia began a meteoric rise as interest in post-war nostalgia boomed. Legendary athletes like Mickey, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron became revered icons, and their rookie cards were granted unprecedented status. Along with being one of the all-time pitching greats, those Bowman and Topps rookie cards from the early Mantle years took on an almost mythical quality for collectors. Some would splurge over $100,000 just to own an intact example in a holder for their personal collection. For the ultra-elite 1955 Topps Mantle rookie, a million dollars barely scratches the surface of their value today.

The 1954 Mantle from Bowman sits just beneath the 1955 Topps card in terms of all-time desirability. Even still, it represents Mickey’s first inclusion in a modern sporting card set during his ascension with the Yankees. Add in the finality of it being Bowman’s last baseball issue before losing the license, and its place in the annals of card history is cemented. For serious Mickey Mantle collectors, vintage examples from his early career are the crowning trophies. But for many, that 1954 Bowman card sits at the very top – a true pioneer encapsulating both a baseball legend and an entire genre.

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’.