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How does one spot a fake Topps Mantle Rookie?

Can anyone tell me what to look for in distinguishing a fake '52 Topps Mantle from an authentic card?

Comments

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,098 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Anything outside a PSA, GAI, Beckett, or SGC holder.

    I am not sure myself how to spot a fake, that is why I would NEVER buy one that is not in one of those holders.

    Shane

  • A761506A761506 Posts: 1,309 ✭✭✭
    I have written a guide on the subject that I usually have available for sale on eBay for $9.99 (to cover my costs). Your simple question requires a very lengthy answer, which you will need pictures to refer to in order to understand exactly what to look for. I know of at least 7 different counterfeit variations of the card, and each is different. There are 2 different variations of the real card.

    If you set up your account on here for private messages, send me one and I'll reply with the guide address. I do not want it floating around on a message, as I normally charge for access, and it just wouldn't be fair to the other people who pay for access to it.

    If you're looking at buying an ungraded one on eBay, you're wasting your time. A legitimate one surfaces about once or twice a year, and even then, you never know for sure what you're getting. The card can only be purchased in graded form, from a reputable grading company, unless buying it in person.
  • jrdolanjrdolan Posts: 2,549 ✭✭


    << <i>Anything outside a PSA, GAI, Beckett, or SGC holder. >>


    A '52 Topps Mantle in a Beckett holder would make me blink twice and think very hard. Dr. James might put his own #311 in a Beckett holder (just because he wouldn't dare be caught using PSA) but I can't imagine who else would. You do want the option of selling it for a good price someday!
  • stevekstevek Posts: 29,041 ✭✭✭✭✭
    <<< Anything outside a PSA, GAI, Beckett, or SGC holder.

    I am not sure myself how to spot a fake, that is why I would NEVER buy one that is not in one of those holders. >>>

    Just to add to these good comments. Only buy from a VERY reputable dealer. Even with a graded card in a holder on ebay, MANY times these really are just scans from another auction - the seller doesn't even have the card.

    Personally - I follow these mentioned rules for all expensive cards. On say a $20 card sometimes I'll take a shot at getting a bargain on an ungraded card from a low feedback seller. But I'm not going to take a chance and get clipped for a few thousand bucks just to try to get a bargain. In my opinion, you are not going to get a "bargain" on expensive baseball cards, especially a 52 Mantle.
  • so the answer is ...you know its a fake if it's on ebay & not slabbed & a private auction.
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