In very few areas of the hobby can one call a five-figure card "underrated," but in the case of the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle, the description is appropriate.  Despite its status as the "true" rookie card of postwar baseball's most revered and popular player, the 1951 Bowman Mantle has long been overshadowed by the legend of the 1952 Topps card (which many even refer to as his rookie card).  Still, nothing can change the fact that the 1951 Bowman #253 Mantle is his rookie card, and it is a beautiful, desirable card depicting the Yankee outfielder from the waist up in his batting stance, blue sky and puffy summer clouds in the distance.  Despite being underrated, the card has experienced a recent explosive period of growth, reaching into the five figures at even lower grades.  This example is quite clean and sharp, graded EX 5 by SGC, with rich, vivid color and outstanding print registration.  The image is centered to the top right, not as egregious as with many examples.  Surface, clarity and color are outstanding. A brilliant, midgrade example.