[larietrope]

I collected cards when I was age 8-14 years old. All my cards are authentic, I know, I was there, being born in 1945.
I own no graded cards, I know all of them are the real deal. Of course to sell I'd grade, but I never intend to sell. MY family can one day should they decide.
Point is, my 1952 Mantle 311 was given to me by my uncle in 1957 when I was 10. That I hung onto it was because uncle gave it to me not because I ever dreamed what it would be worth someday.
Had companies been responsible enough to place the word reprint on the Mantle cards, (which they are, a reprint) we would not be bothered with the scam artists as we are. Condition would be the only criteria for grading.
A person buying an ungraded card today takes a risk. Some are willing to roll the dice. There are authentic cards out there that aren't graded.