1952 Bowman Mantle authenticity

[jfandel3]

Hey guys, I'm working on a Craigslist deal and would like to get your opinions before I make a purchase. I don't have much experience with the 1952 Bowman set so I just want to make sure this Mantle is authentic. What do you all think?

[RCMcKenzie]

A 1952 Bowman Mantle is a well known commodity, not unlike an ounce of silver or gold. I would not buy an ounce of silver or gold on craigslist. Your best bet is to look on ebay for a no reserve auction from a known dealer offering a card graded by sgc bvg or psa. You can't really get a "good deal" on any Mantle card in my opinion. You can only hope to pay a fair going rate.

[Matthew H]

It looks real, but Craig's list makes it fake IMO.

[drc]

The top and bottom borders have funky cuts. Otherwise it looks pretty good.

[glynparson]

look authentic, and I have bought real cards off craig's list regardless of the reputation. For the record I have also been offered fakes including a few faked holdered cards on craig's list. I would never say 100%real from a scan though

[Paul S]

I'd never buy a 52B Mantle raw unless I could see it in person (or from someone of good reputation). All my cards are raw, but I tell you I would be the first to holder that before selling.

[GoldenAge50s]

That card looks WAYYYYY too good to be on Craigslist! Proceed w/ EXTREME caution!

[D. Bergin]

Yeah, make sure they actually own the card. Could very well be a scan of a good card that could get replaced with a fake card..........or no card at all.

[jfandel3]

Thanks for your input everyone. The seller isn't a card collector and is offering a good price on this card that I really need. I don't believe EVERYONE on Craigslist is trying to rip someone off but I'm always cautious, just as I am on ebay. I had an idea to have him put the card up on ebay as a Best Offer auction and I could buy it there so I'm covered by eBay buyer protection. Do you guys have any ideas similar to this for me to cover my rear-end just in case?

[drc]

Have him take a photo of the card with a quarter on it or next to it, or otherwise in different setting, to show he physically has the card in hand. Unless he's a photo-shop wizard, this would show it's not a stolen scan.

With the quarter example, he may just assume you want the second photo so you can judge its size. You can tell him you've seen reprints in different sizes, and that's why you want the second photo.

If you know he physically has that card, you should feel safer.

[CW]

Even if real, card looks to be faded (very weak color for that card).

[Paul S]

Stay away. He's not a card collector and yet he has that card? By magic? By happenstance? He puts it on Craigslist? Oy vey! I should only sell my own that way.

[paulcarek]

'52 Bowman collector here. Card definitely looks real to me, but as everyone has said, make sure your guy actually has it.

[ZernialFan]

Agree with Chuck W. I've got one and that card has very weak color. Be careful.................

Charlie

[jfandel3]

Thanks for the warnings everyone. That's exactly what I came here to hear.