Besides his stupendous Triple Crown season of 1956, Mickey Mantle's best year came in 1961, when he was on the verge of breaking Babe Ruth's single-season home run record until injury curtailed his season at 54 home runs. However, during the time of early summer when Mantle was tearing up the junior circuit pitching staffs, this third series Topps card #300 of The Mick was issued. This offered card is in pristine MINT condition, exactly like it was issued 56 years ago, likely within the colorful nickel pack of cards. Four pinpoint MINT corners surround a pure, creamy white border perfectly situated around a stunningly crisp, perfectly focused image of Mantle. So often this 1961 Mantle image is blurred, or even slightly blurry, but not so here. Superb color and contrast all over, with great overall eye appeal. With almost 5,900 copies recorded in PSA's census, just two examples have graded at a higher, unqualified tier. PSA MINT 9 condition.