This enormous photograph, inscribed "Yankees, 1951-1968" to mark Mickey Mantle’s legendary career with the Bronx Bombers, is truly extraordinary. Measuring an impressive 20x24 inches, it’s further distinguished by a Gem Mint 10 grade from JSA! We've never encountered this particular example before—especially in this oversized format—and believe it to be a one-of-a-kind piece. During the early days of card show signings, few would have had the time, resources, or even the foresight to have a photograph so beautifully enlarged, studio-duplicated, and then brought to a specific signing. It simply wasn’t common practice back then.
We were pleasantly surprised when this beauty was offered to us and even more so upon discovering the rare and atypical inscription by Mickey himself. As we know, inscribed Mantle items are not common, and this particular piece stands out as an exceptional rarity.
Through our experience in the hobby, we’ve learned that finding images of Mickey Mantle smiling or in action on the field is surprisingly rare. Most Mantle photos, regardless of format, typically feature him in a serious pose or simply standing in uniform with a bat in hand. This particular photograph, however, captures his most iconic smiling image—famously used in the official Yankee "picture packs" and various advertising pieces. It even closely resembles his 1954 Dan Dee baseball and 1954 Bowman cards, making it the quintessential Mantle close-up. And to state the obvious, it shows off his great looks.
This one-of-a-kind piece comes complete with a JSA-graded Gem Mint 10 Certificate of Authenticity, underscoring its impeccable quality and authenticity. It is beautifully presented in a custom frame featuring ultraviolet-protective plexiglass and double matting, ensuring the photograph remains as stunning as the day it was signed.
What makes this photo truly special is its rarity and unique charm—perfect for the Mantle collector who believes they've seen it all. This extraordinary image captures a side of Mickey that few signed photos showcase, making it a prized gem for any serious collection. Mantle remains one of the most popular and sought-after figures in the hobby, a legacy cemented by the meteoric value of his rookie card.
A timeless treasure, this iconic photo stands as a fitting tribute to one of baseball's greatest legends.
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