In the vast universe of baseball memorabilia, an extraordinary gem has emerged – a distinctively altered 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that has set the collecting realm abuzz. This exceptional piece, currently up for grabs through eBay seller Greg Morris, showcases a deviation from the norm, believed to have been part of a vintage scrapbook creation. Despite its faded glory and far-from-pristine state, its uncommonness has garnered significant interest from both seasoned collectors and passionate enthusiasts alike.
Having been authenticated by Beckett Grading, this Mantle card bears the marks of extensive trimming, which have effectively eradicated a substantial part of its iconic background, leaving only slivers of its bottom and right borders intact. The visible signs of wear and creases on the remaining segments hint at its former glory before undergoing the drastic makeover that set it apart from its peers.
Turning the card over reveals a different set of challenges, with adhesive residue masking a large portion of the original text, indicating a bygone era where the significance of the card as a collectible was perhaps overlooked.
Classified by Beckett as Authentic/Altered, this peculiar piece made its way through the hobby’s intricate web, having been previously authenticated in 2017 before finding its way into Morris’s possession through a collection he acquired from another auction house.
In a market where even low-grade Mantle cards can fetch impressive sums, this unique “Half Mantle” stands out due to its singular alterations. As the auction progresses, this variant holds the potential to command a price reaching into the tens of thousands, a testament to its rarity and the enduring appeal of the legendary Mickey Mantle.
While this card stands alone in its uniqueness, it is not the sole modified Mantle card to attract attention. A similarly adjusted version was showcased by CSG/CGC the previous year, boasting a slightly better condition but still missing substantial portions of its original border and sporting a “skinned” back.
Despite its unconventional appearance, the heated bidding war surrounding this card underscores the timeless allure of Mickey Mantle, demonstrating that the legend of the baseball icon continues to captivate hearts, even when presented in atypical forms. Enthusiasts keen on unraveling the final selling price of this exceptional Mantle card are urged to stay tuned and witness the thrilling culmination of the ongoing auction.
