A761506 on 1952 Topps Mantles

Gemmy10

I know you publish a guide. How good are you at identifiying the real thing?

A761506

I can tell a real one from a fake in two seconds if I'm physically examining it. From a picture, I can usually tell you as well because, unless a new variation of a counterfeit came out, I know what all the counterfeits look like and their characteristics.

Gemmy10

How did you get to be such an expert?

Gemmy10

If you are that good then you should start an authentication service (maybe you have)

A761506

No thanks on the business idea. I do it as a hobby, and I never intended for it to be more than that, however it revolved into this thing I do on eBay, which is one of the only ways to prevent people from getting ripped off, since eBay doesn't seem to care. People are odd though, I tried giving it away at first, but that was not feasible for me, especially since I wanted to distribute it nation-wide via eBay. Then I tried selling it for a couple dollars, and people were not taking it seriously and it lacked credibility. So I ultimately started charging $9.99 for it, and that has worked well because I don't get too many clowns buying it, the buyers are generally people who actually want to know the info, or the scammers themselves (which is kind of funny, because if they use their regular user name to purchase it, after they realize I've left them feedback linking them to it, they make their feedback private). Honestly though, any money I make from it is insignificant. I've had to deal with 2 different jokers trying to steal it, it's really much more of a hassle than it's worth, but ultimately, I still enjoy it.

As far as how I know all this, I've been runnng the guide for nearly a year now. I've seen just about every single 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle auction that has come and gone on eBay during that time. I have personally handled & examined nearly every variation of the counterfeits that exist. Plus, I know who the sellers are who are habitual scammers for this particular card.

Gemmy10

Thanks for your informative post!

<<Plus, I know who the sellers are who are habitual scammers for this particular card.>>

Isn't it tough when the scammers constantly create new eBay accounts?

lostdart58

<< <i>

Isn't it tough when the scammers constantly create new eBay accounts? >>




I would bet that 99.99% of 52 Mantle cards up for sale by new EBAY acoounts (especially the ones with private bidders and/or feedback) are
bogus cards....

pandrews

Gemmy10

Nice card for a PSA 3. It looks like a PSA 5 or 6. pandrews, do you own it?

pandrews

<< <i>Nice card for a PSA 3. It looks like a PSA 5 or 6. pandrews, do you own it? >>



no its not mine..

BugOnTheRug

A761,

A tip of the cap my friend to a wonderfully informative and professionally done site.

Thanks again!

BOTR

Davino

<< <i> >>



That is one nice "3"!

nightcrawler729

maybe eBay should just buy his guide and throw out people like this who are "selling for school" - he must be one lucky student, he sold one a few auctions ago that his cousin gave to him.

Mantle

lostdart58

<< <i>maybe eBay should just buy his guide and throw out people like this who are "selling for school" - he must be one lucky student, he sold one a few auctions ago that his cousin gave to him.

Mantle >>



I wish I had this BOZO's relatives. He sold another 52 Mantle about 6 weeks ago whcih he got from a cousin. This one came from his grandfather.

IJustLoveCards

the sad part is that while 707 has authentic psa graded ones his prices are a grade higher eg. he wants psa 5 prices for a psa 4. I guess its just wait until a real one comes up in an auction from a reputable seller. The auction house 15% buyers premium is a killer, and to think they (the auction houses) get 15% form the seller's side and buyers side.

If any auction house ever decided to auction off these items at a 5% fee to the seller and a 10% premium to the buyer, they would crush the competition, the old walmart model. It has worked for Berkshire Hathaway, and walmart, they must be doing something right. So when I see a decent card I have to realign my bid according to the final cost minus 15%.

nightcrawler729

Then there is tandaexpresscardshoppe, who sells a 1952 Mantle every week...(and some other vintage cards) - a little suspicious...

Mantle

lostdart58

<< <i>Then there is tandaexpresscardshoppe, who sells a 1952 Mantle every week...(and some other vintage cards) - a little suspicious...

Mantle >>



I believe that tandaexpresscardshoppe is the GODFATHER of scammers.

The guy has sent 100 cards to PSA (or some other grading company)and they have all come back EVID of Trim or Recolored. ...That is his story and he is sticking to it!!