1952 Topps Mantle - what would it grade?

[jayshum]

I have owned this 1952 Topps Mantle for about 20 years. I have never sent anything in for grading, and I'm not sure I want to get this card graded unless I ever plan on selling it. However, I would like to get opinions on what grade people think it would receive.

The pictures are the best I can do right now on my phone. Centering is pretty good, there is no surface wear and there is even corner wear. There are several creases on the front which can be seen in varying degrees in the picture. All of the creases are fairly light. The one in the top, middle extends down through his face and just past his chin, but can be hard to see past the hat when looking at the card unless it is held at a bit of an angle. The crease to the right in the blue is probably the most noticeable one on the card. The crease that comes from the bottom and extends through the a in Mantle is the only one that can also be seen and felt on the back of the card.

Let's hear some thoughts about what grade it would get.

[111gecko]

Nicely centered. A 1.5 but may get a grader on the right day with a 2.

[GasHouseGang]

Originally Posted by 111gecko

Nicely centered. A 1.5 but may get a grader on the right day with a 2.

I'd have to echo what Gary is saying. Probably a 1.5 with the amount of creasing seen in the scans.

[hcv123]

I was thinking the same thing before looking at responses. While the centering is unusually good the creases significantly detract from visual appeal and have a large bearing on technical grade. It would likely get a bit of a premium at whatever grade because of the centering. If you are thinking about selling, please contact me.

[thecomebacker]

Agree with the others. PSA 1.5 based on the number of creases.
But it will be considered a higher end 1.5 due to the nice centering and pleasing overall eye appeal.

[Gorditadogg]

Yes I agree it is a 1.5 or 2 with great visual appeal. I too would be interested if you are thinking of selling.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[stlcardsfan]

Looks like a solid 2 to me.

[judgebuck]

I agree. Looks like a 2 to me as well.

[jayshum]

Thanks for the opinions on grades. My thought was a 1.5 or maybe a 2, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't just being overly hopeful.

I have never sent anything for grading, and I don't think I will be sending this in, but am I correct that it would cost $1000 to get it graded since the value of the card is likely between $10K and $25K? From what I saw on the PSA site, that is what it looks like it would cost which seems crazy to me.

[irv]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Thanks for the opinions on grades. My thought was a 1.5 or maybe a 2, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't just being overly hopeful.

I have never sent anything for grading, and I don't think I will be sending this in, but am I correct that it would cost $1000 to get it graded since the value of the card is likely between $10K and $25K? From what I saw on the PSA site, that is what it looks like it would cost which seems crazy to me.

Yep, it is crazy. I have a rougher looking Mantle with front paper loss, which would take a grader all of 30 seconds to a minute to grade it either an "A" or a 1, but that will also cost me a $1,000.
Some have said it is for insurance/shipping purposes, but I would assume the same fee would still apply if one personally dropped it off and picked it back up?

[packs]

I'd wait for a big show (when there are shows again) and consign to an auction house onsite. The AH will have the card graded and you can skip all the red tape and make money rather than spend it to make it back.

[jchcollins]

You can have creasing like that with SGC and still get a 2 or 2.5; I've done it. I think the key though is how much the creases break the surface - are noticeably white on a colored background. If they are there but difficult to see unless you twist the card around in bright light, you are more likely to get a grade higher than Fair.

[Rickyy]

That's a real nice card. prices on these have just gone through the roof...as the high grade ones go up...the collectable grade ones like these are lifted up with it too...and the grading fees tag along.

Ricky Y