A new record for a Mickey Mantle game-worn jersey was established Saturday night when a fresh-to-the-hobby jersey from the 1960 season sold for $5.24 million at Heritage Auctions.
The jersey surpassed the $4.68 million paid for a 1958 Mantle jersey in 2023, as well as the $3 million paid for a World Series-worn Mantle jersey in 2024, both at Heritage.
The home pinstripe Yankees jersey is signed by Mantle and inscribed “No. 7.” It has been matched to 13 images, including the 1960 All-Star Game.
Of those images, photo-match authentication companies MeiGray and Sports Investors have been able to find dates tying the gamer to the first 1960 All-Star Game (two were played that year) as well as three other MLB games in 1960 and an exhibition game in 1961.
Matches to two undated photographs at Yankee Stadium, as well as two photos of Mantle with teammate Roger Maris. Four additional photos believed to be from 1961 spring training round out the documentation for the jersey.
During those days, players often wore the same jerseys for many games, and, in some cases — seemingly including this one — multiple seasons.
The auction house said the jersey's consignor, who has opted to remain anonymous, acquired the jersey in the 1990s from the estate of one of Mantle’s teammates.
Notably, the jersey is in unaltered condition, according to Heritage — a rarity for a jersey from this era.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible content.