In the bubbling cauldron that is the world of baseball memorabilia, every now and then, a gem emerges. That gem, in this instance, comes in the form of a Die-Cut 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card – one like no other. The card has found its way into the capable hands of eBay seller Greg Morris, triggering a flurry of excitement among collectors and enthusiasts alike who are ravenous for such rare treasures.
What sets this Mantle card apart from the rest is its peculiar transformation. Beckett Grading, the authority on card authentication, has given its seal of approval to this altered Mantle card. Traces of extensive trimming are evident, signaling the removal of large chunks of the card’s iconic background. Only faint echoes of its once proud bottom and right borders remain, serving as a poignant reminder of the card’s former glory before it underwent this dramatic metamorphosis.
Flipping the card over reveals yet another layer of intrigue. Adhesive residue has claimed a sizeable portion of the original text, indicating a less-than-ideal handling of the card in its past life, possibly uninformed of its future value in the realm of collectibles.
Dubbed as Authentic/Altered by Beckett, this Mantle card has an unconventional journey through the realms of baseball card collecting. Despite receiving its authentication back in 2017, it has now found its way into the possession of Greg Morris through a strategic purchase from another auction house, adding to its mystique and allure.
In a world where even subpar Mantle cards can fetch substantial sums, this “Half Mantle” stands out for its one-of-a-kind alterations. The ongoing auction has piqued the interest of many within the collector community, speculating that this unique variant could potentially fetch a price tag in the tens of thousands, a testament to the enduring appeal of Mickey Mantle even in its unconventional state.
This card is not a solitary anomaly in the Mantle card universe. A previous instance of a similarly modified Mantle card was featured by CSG/CGC last year, displaying a slightly better state but still bearing the scars of significant border removal and a “skinned” back.
The spirited bidding war surrounding this unorthodox Mantle card serves as a potent reminder of the timeless charisma of the baseball legend, demonstrating that the allure of Mickey Mantle transcends even the most unconventional of presentations. For those captivated by this remarkable piece, the auction’s progression promises to be a riveting spectacle, with potential buyers eagerly awaiting the final hammer drop to determine the card’s ultimate fate.
