1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle Rookie #253 PSA 2.5. Although the 1952 Topps Mantle deservedly gets high acclaim, the actual Mantle rookie card belongs to Bowman in 1951. In 1951 Topps issued only a very small set that did not include Mantle. Bowman didn't have a Mantle card to start the '51 season, but the company added this card to its last series. Because late season issued cards never sold well (because of summer ending, and kids back in school and turning interest to football), Bowman would short print the later series. The consequence is that this Bowman #253 Mantle is scarce at high grades, and is equally prized at lower grades.