Questions about rarity of Mantle Inscriptions
 

Hi,

PSA recently authenticated an inscribed Mantle ball for me (# AH12875).

I'm curious about the rarity of the inscription - Seems like from the pool of available examples, his inscriptions were all over the board, with "No. 7" being one of the more "common".

Are certain phrases more desirable in the industry than others? The ball I have is personalized to "Bill", which is obviously not a rare name, but I have not seen a "Keep Hopin" like this one before. Any thoughts would be appreciated. The ball itself is pretty banged up and the auto has been shellacked, but I do enjoy it. Thanks

I've seen a couple of "fun" Mantle inscriptions from the days of him doing the autograph circuit while being a bit drunk.

My inscribed Mantle:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bcf3526d_z.jpg

When Mantle was with upper deck. He would sign Merry Christmas happy Hanukkah, Best wishes and a few others like no7 hof and mvp at Department stores over the holidays.

I have a “Happy Birthday to Jon” UDA Mantle ball.

I think what the OP is looking for is how rare his "Keep Hopin" inscription is. Your ball is the first I have ever seen with that particular inscription and I have been buying and selling Mantle inscriptions for over a decade. But considering the personalization and condition of the ball I don't believe the ball has significant value. It is probably in the $400 range.

That is great to know, and what I was after. Thank you! I am glad to know the Keep Hopin inscription is not one that's seen every day.

I prefer this one...:D

My Favorite Mantle
 

Lol

I guess that is your ball currently at Goldin...Nice ball!

Hilarious

No, not mine. My photo comes from an auction years ago. Maybe the same ball I don't know.