1951 Wheaties Premium Photo Mickey Mantle

[Timbegs]

I recently won this card raw in an auction (really I was just very lucky) after chasing it for the last 20 years. When you have a very small budget and collect Mickey Mantle cards, you sort of recognize that certain cards will be unattainable. You're just never going to own one; I came to grips with the fact that I'll never own a 1952 Topps 311. I'm OK with it. Maybe old and gray one day. Maybe. So that, 51 B, 52B, 69 Super in any kind of decent grade (I always felt a really nice 3 or better was good enough for me) would always elude me. Whenever I save for a high end card, something important takes that money. And I'm not complaining. This is luxurious hobby for vintage collector. At least I hope that it is. And for a number of reasons, price chief among them, I had the Wheaties rookie card on the list. A bit of a dream come true to own one and the card will ship to me Monday. The good folks at SGC will be grading what I am hoping will be their twelfth shortly there after. I have graded this card from the scans a 4 so its pretty much guaranteed to be a 3 (at best). That is a reflection on BOTH my lack of skill as a grader AND my inability to see the flaws in my own cards. Nothing more, nothing less.

So, I am and always have been absolutely fascinated by this card. The scarcity (of graded ones anyway), the only photographic picture of Mickey at such a tender age on a rookie card, and the (near) fact that this card is a nice 'photoshop' job by an artist from the 1950s who doctored a rather famous photo from the 1952 World Series by adding pinstripes and removing the background. I am aware of theories that surround the card (and the others from the set) but I have never seen definitive proof of an issue date - here or elsewhere. I searched these threads pretty well and while each theory had solid supporting evidence, I never saw a 'final verdict' on the date of issue for the set.

So I am starting this thread in the hopes of accumulating more information (total graded population, history, lure, what happened to them, recent sales - literally anything) about the card and to (hopefully) see a few - graded or raw - from those who may have one - beaters, gems, whatever you got. I'll get the ball rolling now and I'll also post the card below when it comes back graded from SGC - which, coincidentally, is when I will actually be happy. I have not made a decision as to whether or not I will sell the other items from the lot (since you'll see them, too, below) despite already receiving some nice offers from some of the good members of net54.

[RaidonCollects]

There have been a few threads here in the past about this card. I believe the card was issued at some point between late 1952 and 1955. A board member posted the original photo used for the card which had a note saying the picture was taken during the 1952 World Series, which is likely since I'm 99% sure Ebbets field is in the background. The only non-Hall of famer in the set is Al Rosen who was the 1953 AL MVP, so that could pinpoint the issue date between late 1953 and 1955. However, I have yet to see any evidence that can 100% date this issue to a specific year.

I'm writing this quite quickly so sorry for any grammar or spelling errors.

Hope some of this info helps,

Owen

[Timbegs]

I already saw this one below from 2009. Fabulous read. Many excellent contributions and theories but sort of light on facts - apologies if anyone is offended by this statement when it comes to actual issue date. After reading it, I agree that it is highly probable that it came out in 1952 or later.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=175675

[Bestdj777]

It's a 1951 issue per the main grading companies and that is good enough for me .

(In reality, it's pretty conclusively not from that year). Probably 1953 or later.

[Zach Wheat]

The original link to the Getty photo, discussed in the 2 major threads on the 1951 Wheaties Premium Mantle is here (Click the right arrow, 4th photo):

Getty Photo

The photo was dated “1/1/55” and it was later concluded that Getty's dating of the photo was incorrect. The original photo was taken in Oct of 1952 (see below). In addition, they speculated that the pinstripes were added to the photo.

Z

[Zach Wheat]

See the reverse of the image, which indicates this photo was taken 10/6/52 at Ebbets Field.

[Timbegs]

One thing I found curious is the designation of 'Hand Cut'. It's finally home...

[Timbegs]

So there's that - this card was Hand Cut. Is this true of all? Are they all hand cut? This information doesn't seem to be on other flips though SGC only added the 4th text line recently.

Just trying to provide more info to the thread and enjoying it.

And I know I've said it 5-6 times already, but I can't get over how young he looks! Can't get over it!!!

[Bestdj777]

It's not hand cut. Google Mickey Mantle and "horse" for a fun young Mantle picture.

[Timbegs]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

It's not hand cut. Google Mickey Mantle and "horse" for a fun young Mantle picture.

So you think the slab is a mistake? Check my posted photo. I will call Tuesday to inquire further and see if I can dig up any further info...

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by Timbegs

So you think the slab is a mistake? Check my posted photo. I will call Tuesday to inquire further and see if I can dig up any further info...

Yes. They aren't hand cut. It's a mistake but an insignificant one, in my opinion.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Originally Posted by Timbegs

While I truly was hoping to wait until I had card in hand and post the photo with the news, I have to share the outcome now:

When I logged on to the SGC website yesterday, I was doing so because I hadn't since I got one of those super emails. If you are like me, then you'll agree with me; one of my favorite things is when they notify you that your card arrived safely. Major sigh of relief and then...well...you know what you are in for and Tom Petty was totally correct: the waiting IS the hardest part. Since I had put it in for 3 day service and it's an oversized card, I anticipated it taking a little bit longer - as indicated on the website. The 5x7 card size (and therefore, insert and holder size) isn't super common so I completely understand. It hadn't even been three full days yet anyway. However, I clicked on the invoice and there it was: a shipped date and a grade of 40 (3). This is a moment of pure joy for me; most of my Mickey cards are 3-5's and I try not to dip below a 3 (I have one still that I will upgrade eventually). So like I said originally, this was going to be all mentioned when I have card in hand (sounds like Monday) but when I logged back in today, the population report had already been updated! I wanted to credit SGC for their terrific turnaround time and updating of the population report. They now have 12 graded, and seeing that 1 under the 40 column and knowing it will soon be in my hands is a feeling unlike any I've had as a collector and one that, frankly, I may never have again.

As such, I wanted to share my excitement with all of you and add a note of gratitude as well. I won't go into great detail but there is literally no chance I even find this card for sale were it not for having joined this wonderful community. I don't know if there really is a ball field out in Iowa where the legends still play baseball but when they disappear into the corn after the game, I bet they log on to Net54...

You bet your bottom dollar a picture will be posted.

Thanks to all and please keep posting any more photos of your own, information you may have or anything else related!

Tim

I personally love this card. Almost pulled the trigger on one at last years national for no reason haha. SICK SICK SICK SICK SICK Find and congrats.

[AustinMike]

I also am in the camp that does not believe this is a 1951 issue. However, I did recently pick one up. Ben, the person who sent yours in to be graded must have sent the one I picked up also. It is the same grade with a PSA number one off from yours.

[AustinMike]

I also want to add that it is interesting that the photo has been used elsewhere as well.

The first photo below is the Baseball Magazine "poster." It is listed in SCD as being issued in 1952. Given the date the photo was taken, it must have been in late 1952. Does any one else have one of these? I'm curious if they all have "Mickey" misspelled.

Next is the photo included in the 1953 Yankees team photo set.

Next is the photo used on the front of the Time Out magazine issued in July 1953.

Next is the photo included in the 1955 Yankees "Action Photo" set.

And lastly is the photo from an unknown source. Anyone know the source of this photo and when it was issued?

Does anyone have any other examples of the photo being used for other purposes? Edited to add that there are two additional photos in the "everyday Mantle" thread. Chris and Mike have variations.

[bswhiten]

http://www.milehighcardco.com/mobile...um_photo_psa_1