In the world of baseball memorabilia, collectors and enthusiasts alike are abuzz over a one-of-a-kind item that has recently surfaced – a die-cut 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card currently up for auction. Unlike any other Mantle card seen before, this particular piece has undergone significant alterations, making it a rare and intriguing find for all those passionate about sports history and collecting.
Listed by eBay seller Greg Morris, this distinctive Mantle card has caught the eye of many due to its unconventional appearance. Authenticated by Beckett Grading, the card has been extensively trimmed, resulting in the removal of a large portion of its original background, leaving only traces of its bottom and right borders intact. The visible wear and creasing on the card hint at its past glory before it underwent its transformation.
Challenges also lie on the back of the card, where adhesive residue covers much of the original text, suggesting a lack of understanding of the card’s future value at the time it was altered. Despite these modifications, Beckett has labeled this piece as Authentic/Altered, recognizing its unique journey through the realm of baseball card collecting since its authentication back in 2017.
Recently acquired by Morris from a collection purchased from another auction house, this “Half Mantle” card has sparked significant interest in the collecting community. In a market where low-grade Mantle cards can fetch impressive prices, this modified version stands out for its distinctive alterations, making it a rare and potentially valuable piece for the right collector.
Although similar adjusted Mantle cards have surfaced before, like the one showcased by CSG/CGC last year, each one carries its own unique appeal and story. Despite its altered state, the active bidding on this unusual Mantle card underscores the enduring allure of the baseball legend himself, proving that Mickey Mantle’s iconic status transcends even the most unconventional presentations.
As the auction for this striking Mantle card unfolds, collectors and enthusiasts are eagerly watching to see just how much this unique piece of baseball history will ultimately sell for. With its rarity, distinctive alterations, and the allure of owning a truly one-of-a-kind relic from the world of sports memorabilia, this die-cut 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card is set to make waves in the collecting community and beyond.
