Give credit where it is due. Bowman Baseball Card set was instrumental in changing the way how we view sports cards as collectibles. The complete set contains 324 cards, measuring 2 1/16 by 3 1/8. More importantly, they were bigger in size and number if compared to the previous issue.
So, if you get an opportunity to buy 1951 bowman complete card set, don’t miss it. In fact, it happens to be the most popular of all the Bowman Baseball card set among the collectors. The set also features two rookie cards: #1Whitey Ford, #232 Nellie Fox, #253 Mickey Mantle, #305 Willie May, and Ted Williams, the last official Bowman Baseball card.
Here are a few things you must know about the 1951 Bowman Baseball Set before you make the actual purchase.
- The cards from the 1951 lot can be easily identified by the unique and distinct coloring of the words. While the word “Baseball” is printed in red, the rest of the texts are in blue.
- As for the rookie cards in the set are of the high number series (#232-#324), which makes them rarer and even more challenging to locate.
- While printing the cards, Bowman used artists to colorize the black and white photographs of the players.
- While the front of the card features a nameplate, the reverse contains details of the player.
- There was some speculation that the 1951 Bowman set would only have 252 cards. But it was later decided to add 72 cards to the original production.
What Makes 1951 Bowman Base Complete so Special?
Almost all baseball card has got something unique. It is the same with the 1951 Bowman baseball set, partly with the inclusion of Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle rookie cards. As of now, the Mickey Mantle rookie card from the 1951 Bowman set is the most sought-after card in the history of the game. Considering it was his first appearance in Major League Baseball, it can be expensive. However, you may look for lower grade variants, which can be acquired at a price of $3000-$4000.
Final Thoughts
The 1951 Bowman Baseball set easily walks into the top 10 all-time favorite baseball sets list. With some of the big names from the 1930s and 1940s walking into the limelight of their career, it was time for the likes of Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Nellie Fox to step in.
For you to buy the set in near-mint condition is unlikely unless you have the money. Under the circumstances, you can try to build a mid-grade 1951 Bowman set, for which you will have to devote some time and effort. It will be a time-consuming effort but worth giving a shot. Or else, if you are keen to buy online, try gfg.com. The site does have some of the finest collections of vintage-era baseball cards. Other than baseball cards, the site also provides you with a platform to buy vintage football cards at a reasonable price. Eventually, you will have a piece of rare history once you are done.