Question regarding M101-5 'The Sporting News'

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Posted By: nolemmings (Todd)

The m101-5s are often found blank backed- in fact, over the past year, I believe there have been about as many Ebay auctions for blank backed m101-5s as TSN ad backs (same cannot be said for m101-4s).

I'm generally leery of blank backs, because they have been reprinted and are easier to fake if you don't have to worry about the backs. I recall hearing that some Famous & Barr reprints were circulating years back, but have not seen one (fake, that is)personally.

Although others might disagree, I believe that the m101-5 reprints have more noticeable space between the photo and the frame than do the originals. Also, the reprints are thinner--almost translucent-- at least the Fritsch reprints are, and usually are a little whiter, although that can certainly be doctored.

The Johnson card you're considering looks completely legit--nice pick up. Todd