1951 Bowman Mantle - authentic?
 

I am not an expert in 51 Bowman, but I know many here are. Any thoughts on the authenticity of this example?

Bad.

Not a chance this is real.

FYI, it looks like someone rubbed it in coffee grinds and then intentionally bumped the corners into something. Cards just do not age like this.

Thanks, guys. Suspicions confirmed.

51 b
 

might be OK

Anytime I see the "crackle" effect on an ungraded card it's an immediate "no".

With the cost of these blue chip cards now, there is NO CHANCE I would risk purchasing raw unless it was from a trusted dealer that would agree to refund the purchase if it was found to be fake by a third party grader.

Good one...
 

...Thanks for that , we all needed it...

..

Might not ?

I'm not an expert, but the second I saw it I thought it looked bad.

Fake

Fake, and not a good one. If you can't tell the difference immediately, then you probably should not be considering a raw card of that magnitude.

"Anytime I see the "crackle" effect on an ungraded card it's an immediate "no"

Dead giveaway, every time.

Great info, I've never seen the "crackle effect" before but see exactly what you are talking about. Reason #7439 why I absolutely love this site.

I'd also like to add my two cents if I may.....

Much like the main reason we're all here (lol), I almost exclusively collect raw cards from this era and earlier. I am by no means an expert, and certainly cannot afford cards of this magnitude. However, I have found one tried and true test that has worked for me thus far..... (please hold your laughter.....) The good ol' fashioned smell test, literally.

I'm fairly certain every single card I own that's pre-1960-ish has a distinct smell. Like an antique book, old, kinda musty but very distinct smell. If it were a cologne it would be called "le magasin d'antiquités"

Some cards are stronger than others, but they all tend to have it. Just my personal experience and again I am by no means an expert :cool:

I love the aroma of the old cards too!

Maybe it was dipped in butter-nut coffee. He did endorse it…….. :D