Whale Harpooned
mattyc_collection
Posts: 2,127 ✭✭✭✭✭
Way, way, way back when, at the beginning of my Mantle collecting days, I remember one day saying to myself, "I may never see a centered 1957 Mick. And if I do, what the heck are the odds of it having a good image?"
That was about twenty years ago.
And then this card comes along.
It just blew me away at first sight. Cut to 4AM last night, and my last bid held.
I've owned some nice ones, but nothing close to this specimen.
Do I wish it was in a 6 or 7 holder with some unseen flaw? Sure. That would've been easier on the wallet.
Yet the door swings both ways, and so I am grateful it was not in a 9 or 8.5 holder...yet 
Instagram: mattyc_collection
17
Comments
your last bid held? you dont use sniper ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_players_from_Panama
It was an Auction House, no sniping the way we can on eBay.
Instagram: mattyc_collection
by the way that is some sweet card
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_players_from_Panama
sweet card...congrats
Wow! That is about a good as it gets centering, image etc... Well played. Congrats.
Beautiful card and centering!
Thanks so much. Felt like a kid again going to sleep with such anticipation. Couldn't stay up til auction close.
Instagram: mattyc_collection
beautiful congrats!!
I need 1 for my set but it wont be that nice I'm sure
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Stellar pickup!
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
Nice score...great example.
if i had had a mickey that would be the card!.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_players_from_Panama
That is one awesome looking Mantle card and one I would definitely be proud to own.
Congrats on a great pickup.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
DM23HOF...
Outstanding card! For comparison purposes...here is my psa-8.5. You have an excellent shot at a bump to an 8.5!
Congrats Matt. That is some sexy cardboard right there.
Brian
great looking mantle
Glad to see your bid held - I know when we signed off texting around 1 am it was still up in the air. If anyone can find a dead centered 57 Mantle it is Matt!
I am just going to wait for Monte to get tired of his 57 Mantle
Wow!!! not just a whale but a freaking Dinosaur. Congrats on the pickup, that is truly impressive.
Vintage Rookies
Wow. Times two.
http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/
Ralph
That is an 8.5 if I've ever seen one. Incredible card!
Nathanael
Nice
Merry Christmas
woah baby !!!
awesome Nicest I have ever seen
1948-76 Topps FB Sets
FB & BB HOF Player sets
1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
Awesome pickup as always Matt!
Really appreciate the nice words and the ability to share it here. The wife and kids just cannot fully comprehend my joy today— only fellow collectors who know the utter brutality of centering and image on that particular card! Cannot wait to do a proper scan against a black background.
Instagram: mattyc_collection
Holy centering! well done
Can't wait to see the scan with the dark background. Of all of the years of Mantle's I have collected the 57 is the toughest to find centered no matter what the grade. Add focus issues and print issues and this card is a unicorn.
Beautiful. Congratulations, Matt!
Groundskeeper...it is his rookie card.
Matt, You have a wonderful eye! That card is no exception. Congrats on another wonderful addition to your collection.
I collect: 80’s Rookies and 86 Fleer Basketball
P.S. Merry Christmas to you and your brother!
I collect: 80’s Rookies and 86 Fleer Basketball
I absolutely love that card. Congrats.
That's what makes this place cool! Congrats on a well placed harpoon.
Kevin
Kevin
That's a heluva nice looking Mantle.
That card is...AWESOME. Congrats, Matt!
The joke here is that ghost image is on every example of this card - a groundskeeper was retouched out of the background of the photo. And because this same groundskeeper was probably never on a card before or since - it's his rookie!
Really amazing 8 and 8.5 examples shown. I'd love either but it is true, the 8 has centering that seems technically perfect.
I don't post too often anymore but check in from time to time. If there is one thing that can get me typing it is a CENTERED MANTLE. I don't think i have ever seen one that well centered. I have a creased up PSA 1.5 that was the best I've seen until this one. I haven't measured pixels but who needs to...that thing is as 50/50 all around as a '57 gets. great focus too. Great pick up brother, I knew you would land it when you texted it to me.
And a very Merry Xmas to you as well Matt!
Matt...
What auction house had this card up for auction? I hope you receive the bump it deserves! I measured my 8.5 with a 1/100 ruler...and it came up 52/48 both side to side and top to bottom on the centering. I harpooned my Moby Dick in a Heritage Auction back about 2013. Merry Xmas and enjoy the card...I see it is already on your CU site.
Monte
Matt,
Thanks and to you as well!
Monte,
The auction house was Sirius. I had lost a great 62 and 58 in their auctions in the past, so did not want to walk away empty on this one!
Instagram: mattyc_collection
Matt...
I wasn't aware of Sirius,,,so thanks for the heads up. I will have to follow them now.
Monte
What a personal Christmas present! Congratualtions...and Merry Christmas, of course
Had heard of Sirius but never followed until he texted me that night during the auction. Was rooting for him to win that one - such a great card and will just wait for the next sweet 57 Mantle centered. Merry Christmas everyone!
KC
It doesn't get much better than that. Congrats on the pick up.
I love centered cards with great images too. Need I say any words about that 58 Mantle.