Thoughts on 1953 Mantle Topps card

[larietrope]

We all lust for the 52 Mantle Topps but where does the 53 Mantle Topps card stand among the 54 and up cards ?
Thanks.

[cincyreds24]

I personally think it's one of the best looking of his cards. I was debating over this or the 52' bowman and thought the 53' was more appealing with the good colors. Not to mention you don't have to spend a fortune to get a nice looking one.







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[MattyC]

The 53T is enormously popular among collectors and widely desired. It's absolutely a "Tier One" Mantle card, among all his basic issues. In fact it's the favorite of all among some guys I know. Add to that how rarely it surfaces in a strong state. The centering is routinely miserable. The spotlight is on it all the more lately, with the rookie and the 311 so hotly contested, and accordingly soaring in cost by the day. With the watershed sale of the Empire State Collection's 8.5 grade 53T for nearly 100k, and the PSA 8s flirting with the $50,000 barrier now, that spotlight is only brighter.

I have to mention that specimen shown above is so fantastic; great job finding that jewel. I can't see the cause for the qualifier on my phone. Deep, rich color and rare centering as well. Props.

[Bestdj777]

I love the 53 Topps, particularly compared to the 53 Bowman. I just hate that nearly all of them are so poorly centered. I am not a huge centering guy, but most of these are something else...

[jmb]

I'm a big fan of the 53T Mantle. Traded my Ryan rookie for one back in the early 80's. I also think the 52B doesn't get enough love. It's a great card too.

[pokerplyr80]

I'd say it ranks right up there with the most iconic post war cards. Aside from the 51 and 52 Mantle, and a few key HOF RCs like Clemente, Aaron, Mays, etc. Personally I think it's one of the best looking post war cards as well, and was the first Mantle I picked up when I got back into collecting.

[irv]

Surprised at the grade on this one, considering the left border.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-TOPPS-8...gAAOSwnipWbFKQ

Also, and sorry for another question, but what is 19 watching mean as opposed to 19 bids?

I have never purchased anything from E-Bay before, so is it some kind of list that you sign up to?

[Bestdj777]

Irv, 19 watching just means that 19 people are following the auction. People can choose to watch auctions by hitting a button on the auction listing. People watch for a variety of reasons. I have watched auctions to: a) return and bid after I do some research; b) see what a card ultimately sells for; or c) track whether someone lowers the starting bid on something after it doesn't sell. It's an indication a card is interesting to some people but not an indication that a card will ultimately sell.

[HRBAKER]

I have always like the card but on some days I am struck by how odd a likeness it is of him to me.

[CW]

Originally Posted by irv

Surprised at the grade on this one, considering the left border.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-TOPPS-8...gAAOSwnipWbFKQ

I can see how that might look bad, but it's actually just a factory "rough cut". It wouldn't be considered damage. If it's common for a set then the grader will not downgrade a card for a factory rough cut. Some collectors steer clear of rough cuts, while others like the look of them. You will at least know that edge hasn't been trimmed.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

Irv, 19 watching just means that 19 people are following the auction. People can choose to watch auctions by hitting a button on the auction listing. People watch for a variety of reasons. I have watched auctions to: a) return and bid after I do some research; b) see what a card ultimately sells for; or c) track whether someone lowers the starting bid on something after it doesn't sell. It's an indication a card is interesting to some people but not an indication that a card will ultimately sell.

Thanks for the explanation.

Originally Posted by CW

I can see how that might look bad, but it's actually just a factory "rough cut". It wouldn't be considered damage. If it's common for a set then the grader will not downgrade a card for a factory rough cut. Some collectors steer clear of rough cuts, while others like the look of them. You will at least know that edge hasn't been trimmed.

Understood, but it does make me question why factory cut, off centre cards are graded for much less, as they are also factory cut, but I assume they those are more common than a rough edge/border?

Appreciate the info.

[jmb]

Beautiful 53 and 57 Jeff.