MANTLE ROOKIE!!!...The 1951 Bowman Mantle rookie subject irrefutably resides as one of the most important rookie cards in the collecting community. Presented here is a superb 6 EX-MT example of the 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle rookie card that emanates a spectacular array of sparkling hues. Considering the ongoing pricing spikes for both of The Mick's '51 Bowman and '52 Topps issues, the current sale prices may soon become wholesale figures. That said, what card could better represent the strength of our hobby than Mickey Mantle's inaugural cardboard issue. The seemingly timeless bat-over-shoulder lithographic pose with Mickey's #6 (vs. his famous #7) partly showing on his uniform was taken from a classic original black & white photograph from Mantle's rookie season. The image reveals vibrant gray/blue colored tints, a bright sky-blue background, extremely rich facial hues, and no vertical print lines that typically plague this issue. Like most examples, the image is somewhat off-centered, in this case exhibiting partiality towards the bottom edge. No obtrusive creasing/wrinkles are evident on either side; the surfaces are relatively clean, and the reverse has eluded any significant gum stains, though faint wear in the right text is visible. The edging, including four lightly touched, but right-angled corners, is more consistent with a near-mint specimen with the image's skewed positioning and slight off-registration preventing a higher grade. Its unlimited investment potential merits the finest hobby accolades, with its bright, fresh hues and reasonably sharp perimeter being the highlights of this seemingly pack-fresh 6 EX-MT marvel!