In the world of baseball memorabilia and card collecting, one item stands out among the rest, drawing the attention of eager collectors and enthusiasts alike – the die-cut 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card currently up for auction. This particular card, unlike any other of its kind, has sparked interest and curiosity due to its distinct alterations from its original state. Listed by eBay seller Greg Morris, this unique piece has a story to tell, despite its less-than-mint condition.
Authenticated by Beckett Grading, the Mantle card has undergone significant trimming, which has effectively removed a large portion of its iconic background, leaving only slivers of the bottom and right borders remaining. The visible signs of wear and creasing on the card give a glimpse into its history as a once-cherished collectible before it underwent its drastic makeover.
Turning the card around reveals another layer of its altered journey, with adhesive residue masking parts of the original text on the back. This alteration hints at a lack of awareness regarding the card’s future value as a sought-after collectible in the baseball card hobby.
Given its unique trajectory in the collecting world, having been authenticated in 2017, the card recently found its way into Morris’s possession through a collection acquisition from another auction house. With a track record of low-grade Mantle cards fetching notable prices in the market, this “Half Mantle” variant is generating buzz for its one-of-a-kind modifications, potentially commanding a significant sum as the auction progresses.
While this modified Mantle card may seem like a rarity, it is not the only one of its kind to surface in recent times. A similar adjusted Mantle card, showcased by CSG/CGC last year, shared a resemblance in its altered state, missing essential parts of the original border and sporting a “skinned” back.
Despite its unconventional appearance, the active bidding activity surrounding this distinctive Mantle card underscores the enduring appeal of the baseball legend himself. It serves as a testament to the continued fascination and reverence for Mickey Mantle, even when presented in such non-traditional forms. Curious collectors and enthusiasts are urged to keep an eye on the auction’s progress to witness the final sale price of this remarkable and one-of-a-kind Mantle card.
