This card is a favorite of a favorite, as rookie cards are the favorite of most collectors and Mickey Mantle is the favorite of many collectors. Mantle's rookie is a fantastic piece, because in addition to its scarcity (unlike the Mick's first Topps card in 1952, the 1951 Bowman card was not 'double-printed'), the card has a great portrayal of the slugger's youthful gaze cast forward, perhaps even envisioning the storied career that was his destiny or possibly something as simple for him as the baseball sailing over the centerfield wall? When the slumber of this card was ended and it was removed from its wax pack, the utmost care was obviously used, preserving a Mint example that has been certified as flawless. The corners and edges have untainted razor likeness, the centering and registration are near-perfect and the bold colors are as inspiring as Mickey's postseason glory. One of only two representations to achieve the coveted Mint 9 designation from SGC, with none higher!