In the realm of baseball memorabilia, collectors and enthusiasts constantly seek out rare and unique items to add to their collections. One such treasure that has recently surfaced is a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, currently up for auction on eBay. What sets this particular card apart from the rest is its remarkable alteration, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece in the world of sports memorabilia.
Listed by eBay seller Greg Morris, this altered Mantle card has garnered significant attention due to its unconventional appearance. Authenticated by Beckett Grading, the card has undergone extensive trimming, removing substantial parts of its original design and leaving only fragments of its bottom and right borders intact. The visible wear and creases on the card serve as a reminder of its former glory before it underwent such drastic modifications.
While many collectors value cards in mint condition, this “Half Mantle,” as it has been dubbed, presents a unique opportunity for those drawn to the rare and unusual. Despite its altered state, the card’s rarity and the allure of owning a piece of baseball history have made it a sought-after item among collectors.
The back of the card also tells a tale of its own, with adhesive residue covering a portion of the original text. This alteration hints at a time when the card may not have been perceived as a valuable collectible, leading to its unconventional transformation.
Beckett has classified this Mantle card as Authentic/Altered, acknowledging its unique journey through the world of collectibles. Although authenticated in 2017, the card recently made its way into Morris’s possession through a collection acquired from another auction house, adding to its mystique and provenance.
In a market where even low-grade Mantle cards can fetch impressive prices, this altered version has captured the interest of many due to its distinctive alterations. As the auction progresses, the bidding war surrounding this variant is expected to escalate, with potential sale prices reaching into the tens of thousands.
While this particular altered Mantle card may be a rarity, it is not the first of its kind to surface. A similar version was showcased by CSG/CGC last year, featuring comparable modifications but with slightly different characteristics. The unveiling of these altered Mantle cards only adds to the intrigue surrounding the baseball legend’s collectibles.
The enthusiastic response to this altered Mantle card underscores the enduring fascination with Mickey Mantle and his legacy in the world of sports memorabilia. Whether it’s the allure of owning a truly unique piece or the admiration for the legendary athlete himself, collectors and enthusiasts will be closely watching as the auction unfolds to see the final price this remarkable card commands.