One of the biggest trends in this great hobby is the increasing popularity of signed and encapsulated vintage sports cards, especially for the biggest names in sports. When you combine a signed card with one of the subject's most popular pasteboards, the desirability exponentially increases. Such is this case with this signed 1953 Bowman Color #59 Mickey Mantle card. One of The Mick's most treasured cards, this near-perfectly centered example contains a very flowing "Mickey Mantle" blue Sharpie signature across the crystal clear, blue sky background. It appears Mickey knew exactly where to sign! The card itself has been authenticated (and the card graded) by SGC at 82 EX/MT+ 6.5, with the signature rating a ("9-10"). In the past, collectors did not want to "damage" their higher grade cards by obtaining signatures on them; therefore, high grade cards signed by the greatest ballplayers who ever laced up the spikes are rarely seen, and have become very desirable over the last couple years. Next to the two rookie cards, this is likely Mantle's most popular card, in very nice condition with a near perfect signature. There can not be many rivals to this signed beauty. SGC Authentic (AU007234), graded 82 EX/MT+ 6.5.