Is there any way to tell if this 1954 Mantle Red Heart is authentic?
 

I have an opportunity to buy this 54 Red Heart Mantle for an extremely good price. However I can't decide if its authentic or not. The seller said he found it in his grandfather's house when he passed, along with many other vintage cards and he's looking to sell them. What's your thoughts?

I can't tell you about its authenticity, but I will say the first thing that someone else will undoubtedly say. The uniformly rounded corners are a big-time concern.

That's exactly what I noticed first, that and the centering is near perfect. And it is the classic "I found it" story

That stood out to me, too. Do you have it in hand or is this an online situation?

The very white edges and the alligator like appearance of the back surface strike me as odd...

It is online and these are the best pics he sent. I figure it's a too good to be true situation unfortunately. He was asking $250 then he lowered it every few days till it was $100. I offered him $50 and he said ok

$50 is a high price to pay for a fake. I would offer $5 as a novelty card.

Absolutely, that's why I came here to ask people more knowledgeable than myself. I think I'm gonna pass on it. Everything about it just seems off. Oh well would been a nice deal

How does the seller want you to pay? If using regular PayPal you are covered for the most part.

Haven't discussed it yet, I just asked if he was willing to take 50 and I told him I needed to do a little research first. So I came to the experts. But if I did take I would only do Goods and services. But he also offered no guarantee it was legit, kind of as-is deal

Then run away.:)

Yeah, I'm gonna pass on it. Thanks for the advice everyone.

3 dollar bill.

Good plan to go the other way.

What are the "many other vintage cards" that he found? A Mantle rookie, a couple Babe Ruths and Ty Cobbs, and a Joe Jackson? :rolleyes:

To me it is the WHITE that comes out on damaged spots; not what real stock looks like
99% NG

Mike Drop

Zero chance it's legit.

Bad photo reproduction matches other RPs (left hand is a giveaway) perfectly. Not only is it an aged RP, it's not even a good one.

Add to that the uniform rounds, odd tear, perfect centering and same ol' regurgitated Grampa story.

Zero chance.



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I've owned several of them in my day. Raw, they always almost stay sharp in one form or another. Walk away.

very fake