Lot # 2448: Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris Dual-Signed Baseball - JSA

Official American League baseball (MacPhail) signed in black ink by both Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Mantle's signature occupies the sweet spot, while Maris' signature appears on a side panel. Mantle/Maris signed baseballs have always been highly prized by collectors and remain the most desirable dual-signed ball in the hobby, with the exception of a Ruth/Gehrig example. They are also rare. Despite the duo's fame following the historic 1961 season, balls signed by the pair are much scarcer than one would imagine. The primary reason is the fact that Maris passed away in 1985, just prior to the "signing-show boom." Unfortunately, the high demand for Mantle/Maris signed balls, coupled with their scarcity, has resulted in countless forgeries over the years. Given the large number of problem "Mantle/Maris" balls circulating in the hobby today, sophisticated collectors have come to truly appreciate how rare and desirable authentic examples, such as this, are in today's marketplace. The ball displays scattered spots of moderate toning but is otherwise in Excellent to Mint condition overall. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.