Telling the difference between an authentic vs replica

[Enfuego]

So a bit of a back story, my sister knows how much of an avid hobbyist I am when it comes to sports cards. Her and her husband came by to visit and surprised me with a gift of a 51’ Bowman Mantle and 52’ Topps Mantle as well. Now automatically I knew my little sister has not hit the lotto, nor does her husband invest in NFTs or what not, so instantly I assumed replica. Now I thanked them for the generous gift and after they left, I began my intense research on the 52’ primarily.

My research led me to believe the card Ashley got me is a type 2 variant of the Mantle and after watching various YouTube videos on fake mantles and searching the internet, I went down the “what to look for” and everything checks out!

My last resort was to hope someone who owns or is a Subject expert can assist in what it is I can do to solidify my suspicion that these cards are in fact replicas and I can just hang them up as collector’s pieces


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[swarmee]

I grew up in DeLand and know a vintage card and autograph collector that lives there that could check it out for you. Send me a PM.

[Enfuego]

Originally Posted by swarmee

I grew up in DeLand and know a vintage card and autograph collector that lives there that could check it out for you. Send me a PM.

PM sent


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[drcy]

Post images.

[Enfuego]

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[Enfuego]

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[Enfuego]

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[Enfuego]

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[ocjack]

The '52 looks like it was cut from something and the '51 looks like it was soaked in water.

Not to mention all of the other really bad indicators of "not real."

Sorry. But it is the thought that counts.

[Enfuego]

Originally Posted by ocjack

The '52 looks like it was cut from something and the '51 looks like it was soaked in water.

Not to mention all of the other really bad indicators of "not real."

Sorry. But it is the thought that counts.

What do you mean “cut from something” and please elaborate on your findings


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[Yoda]

On the '52 Mantle, shouldn't the yellow box with the Yankee logo be totally enclosed by black ink? The bottom of the box clearly isn't.

[Enfuego]

Originally Posted by Yoda

On the '52 Mantle, shouldn't the yellow box with the Yankee logo be totally enclosed by black ink? The bottom of the box clearly isn't.

That is the type 1 variation you’re thinking of. Topps made 2 different versions, and I believe this is the type 2 I have


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[ocjack]

The '52 doesn't have one straight edge. The bat-wing corners are obvious and if you put a ruler to any edge, it would be wavy. So, "cut from something". Also, the Yankees logo is muddy. Check out the print quality on a graded version from Ebay.

[Enfuego]

Thank you


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[RL]

https://allvintagecards.com/how-to-s...-topps-mantle/

[egri]

On the Bowman, I’m not a fan of how the red ink on the back is blurry around the edges. On mine, the printing is very crisp. I’m far from an expert on the set, but that’s a red flag to me.

[Orioles1954]

Both fake. Seen a million of these. Paper stock looks Xeroxed, artificial aging.

[rjackson44]

Both horrible fakes

[JustinD]

Don’t want to be a spoilsport but the info is correct. These are both hand cut color copies.

[John1941]

The centering is way too good to be real.

[Snowman]

These are both definitely fake. These creases and wrinkles are dead giveaways. The paper loss from the crease damage is more flaky looking than aged looking. Go look at a creased mantle that's in a slab and examine the paper wear you see on it and you'll immediately see the difference. Also, look at the 51 Bowman paper stock on the back. There are two different paper stock colors on yours. You'll never see that on an original. There are many other ways to tell real from fake, but these don't even come close. Still a kind and thoughtful gesture though from your sister though

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by ocjack

the '51 looks like it was soaked in water.

Vintage Topps and Bowman cards that have been soaked in water don't have a "look" though. They are indistinguishable from cards that have never been soaked.

[Leon]

Yeap, we live and learn! I have bought some fakes unintentionally in my day. Not a fun exercise.
.

[ahmanfan]

You have a Type 3: Printed at Home and beat up intentionally 😎

[ALBB]

reminds me of old story...young relative claims he found 52T Mantle from a family collection...tells the story of " card is NM...my grandfather got it in a pack....in 1952 ..and immediately put it in an 8 pocket "plastic sheet " as a kid..and its been sitting there ever since

[Exhibitman]

You ever notice how these finds are never Sibbi Sisti and Walt Dropo?

Opinions on a chat board from scans are sketchy at best, even if well intentioned. These "are these incredibly valuable cards I randomly acquired from a non-hobby source actually genuine cards" threads could be resolved readily by the OP for a few bucks' investment: buy a microscope and common card from each set from a genuine source and compare them in hand. If they look the same, send the mega-cards to a grading company. if not, you have your answer.

[bmattioli]

Arod has the same Avatar on FB although both cards are fake..