Lot # 2388: 1961 "I'm For Mantle" and "I'm For Maris" Stadium Pin Set - Newly Discovered!

Newly discovered, complete set of two rare and highly desirable stadium pins sold at Yankee Stadium during the historic home-run duel between Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961. Universally recognized as among the great classics of all baseball celluloid pins, this is just the fourth set of these rarities we have ever had the privilege of offering! As the race to break Babe Ruth's single-season home-run record escalated in 1961, fans were divided over who they wanted to win. With the purchase of one of these buttons, fans could pledge their allegiance and show public support for the star of their choice. Each pin is identical in design and features a portrait image of the respective star, with the Mantle pin reading "I'm For Mantle" along the top, and the Maris pin reading "I'm For Maris." The lettering along the base of each pin reads "60 In '61." These pins probably did not appear for sale until around the All-Star break, and the fact that they were specific to the 1961 season meant they were only available for a very short period of time. Both are extremely rare today and are highly prized by Mantle/Maris and pin collectors. Each pin measures 1.75 inches in diameter and displays normal oxidation on the reverse. Both pins are in Excellent to Mint condition. This is an outstanding offering of these newly discovered 1961 Mantle and Maris pins, which are rarely found together as a pair. Total: 2 pins.