Did any of you notice any unusual Mickey Mantle cards at the 2015 National? Please elaborate.

IndianaJones

Did any of you notice any unusual Mickey Mantle cards or coins at the 2015 National Convention? If so, please elaborate. Thanks. ---Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)

judgebuck

Brian,

I won't say unusual, but I did see a 1953 Stahl Meyer in PSA 7. Pretty impressive considering most are graded 1 or 2 and with a mark.

David

begsu1013

you mean something like this, indy?

52 star cal mantle

DanBessette

So freaking cool!

begsu1013

there is a ted williams avail, dan that's asking $400 OBO....

edit: and in outstanding shape!

and

double for $349 OBO

IndianaJones

Thanks for the interesting replies, guys. I was groping for the right word to describe what I wanted you to tell me you saw at the National; "unusual" may be interpreted several ways.

The Star-Cal Mickey Mantle is a honey; I have always loved that photo. Twenty-five years ago, it was one of the choice Mantle items to get. Tough to come across then, tougher now. However, today, with a nice eBay listing such as the one you kindly put up for us, you can really zero in on the quality of the piece. With Star-Cals, it's the cracks. Decals are tough, 'cause they're "time bombs" when it comes to the vital condition factor of cracks. Be that as it may, I could enjoy that evocative image of Mickey several times a day. Back in the day, I would never buy one I saw listed in an SCD ad because most of the dealers you just could not trust when it came to accurately and truthfully describing the card/item's condition. When I would pump them with my typical "20 questions" on an item I was frantic to buy, they'd assure me over and over what a great card it was. Then, when I got the card, it was usually very nice, except for one or two glaring problems that "they failed to mention". I know there's some guys who rant and rave over how third party grading companies have ruined the hobby, but I'm here to tell you that they saved the hobby and took it to a higher level. Prices went up, of course, but it just proved that if the given item was genuine and its grade affirmed, collectors will definitely pay boo coo for the right card or coin.

David, you also hit the nail on the head. A 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle in PSA 7 is a wonder card---a stark, gleaming strong white whale! I have to ask you, and I hope you will not hold back, how much did the card stand out to you, since, as you rightly said, nearly all Stahl-Meyers grade PSA 1 or 1 with a dreaded qualifier?

I am curious, however. Was the 53 Stahl-Meyer Mantle PSA 7 for sale, or simply being shown by someone? The reason I ask is that the 1953 in a PSA 7 NEAR MINT is a unique card. There has only been one graded, and it is part of the #1 set on PSA's SET REGISTRY. I won't say who owns it, but back in about 2005-06 that magnificent set was won for big, big bucks in a Mastro Fine Sports auction.

Well, I best go, for now. Kind Regards, Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)

judgebuck

Brian,

The Stahl Meyer was in a case with others of the set at the Mile High booth. I believe the gentleman there told me that the cards were going to be in their October auction. The others were 8s and 9s, I believe. I don't know if they are to be sold separately or as a set.

The Mantle really was a beauty. I was stunned when I saw it because I had never seen one graded higher than 2.

David

RipublicaninMass

Not a card, but someone had one of those hideous mantle 'masks' that are super rare

bishop

IndianaJones

I recall seeing a Mantle mask at the big Philadelphia show at the packed George Washington Motor Lodge in 88. It looked like it was the worse for wear, perhaps cracked a little here and there. My vague memory of over 25 years past is that Mantle's face was by then pretty worn. However, Bishop's specimen looks top notch. The printing is clear as a bell, and quite the opposite of hideous. Furthermore, the substantial wooden frame / holder is most appropos---well done, bro.

Begsu1013, I was in a hurry to respond and did not even look at the price of the 1953 Star-Cal Decal Mickey Mantle. (Is the issue from 1952 or 1953? Mick's wearing his 1952 uniform, based on the shoulder patch. So, ??????

Wow, what a beast of a price---$77,777.77. Did you see this piece at the National? Or were you just chiming in with a current eBay listing of an exotic Mantle befitting of the discussion? Wonder where he came up with his price, aside from Mick's uniform number? I noticed the gorgeous away shot was taken at Comiskey Park, as the stadium's arch designs may be seen in the background. Makes sense, since it was produced by a Chicago-area firm.

David, I thought you'd get a huge kick out of seeing a high-grade Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle in person. That particular set is spectacular. A "knock your socks off" item. The owner would certainly maximize his profits if he and Mile High decide to sell the cards individually. Of course, they may decide to offer them both ways---individual cards and set concurrently, and may the highest price win. This is a rare opportunity for Mickey Mantle and/or postwar regional / food collectors. The last time a high grade Stahl-Meyer Mantle sold was in the 2011 annual Robert Edward Auctions, lot 853. A then recently graded 1954 came up. Most of the action occurred the final night. The card hammered for $20,000; with the buyer's premium the final bill came to $23,500.

Taking into account both the PSA / SGC POPs from all three Stahl-Meyer Franks sets, there's only five Mickey Mantles that have graded out EXCELLENT or better. As regal and breathtaking as that card is, five specimens is not much of a top tier supply. Really, it is still not very well known, for a number of reasons. As I have maintained, there are some PSA 1 Poors that I have seen on eBay that present exceptionally nice. Your 2 MK is a honey. I know you'd prefer it without the "MK", but at least you have the satisfaction of knowing the factory put the stamp on the card, which is part of the issue's story. That is such a cool card.

Back to the original discussion, did anyone attending the National Convention see any other exotic Mickey Mantle cards, coins, or other items? Condition? Prices? Any comments or wisdom from dealers / owners selling them?

--Gotta go. Best regards, guys. ----Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)

bishop

There is some odd ball Mantle stuff starting on page 3 of this thread

Text

IndianaJones

Thanks Al. I well remember that thread with all those Mickey Mantle goodies.

I guess I was specifically asking about what kinds of exotic Mickey Mantle cards / coins were seen at the 2015 National, with any comments heard from dealers, prices, and any not so trivial information. Then again, if that stuff is not on the want list of our readers, they probably didn't notice. HOWEVER AL, IF THE TOUGHER MANTLES ARE PRECISELY THE ONES ON THEIR LIST, THEY PROBABLY WON'T RESPOND LEST IN DIVULGING WHAT THEY KNOW, THEY MIGHT LOSE IT TO A COMPETITOR, OR WORSE, CREATE ANOTHER COMPETITOR! --Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)