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I saw this graded card being auctioned, and when I looked at the bottom of the back, thought it looked like a case of someone erasing or bleaching off the word "REPRINT" on the bottom of the back. But after looking at the card closer, it seems to have the qualities of a real card. So now I'm just not sure. I've included scans of the front and back, plus an example of a reprint back so you can see where the word reprint normally appears. What do you think? Real?

David Maupin

I can't give you any clear insight into the authenticity of the card, but the placement of that bleached area is crazy suspicious. I would be very wary from the get-go, as it could very well be the work of a 'talented' card doctor. Doesn't mean it's fake, obviously, but it is very concerning, especially for a high-dollar card.

Does not look like the reprint issue to me, it appears authentic as far as I can tell from the images. Altered or stained, but authentic.

Maybe sunbleached from being left upside down under other cards for a while? Or some weird lighting effect from the way the picture was taken. Possibly bleached the bottom border on the front and that's why the back was discolored in the same location.

Card looks authentic:
1) Gray stock correct
2) Printing correct
3) Reprints and counterfeits wouldn't be printed 95/5 centered.

It was also submitted at the same time as other mid-grade 50s Hall of Famers which are also real: 51 Bowman Williams, 54 Topps Banks, 53 Bowman Color Mantle/Berra.

John,
The things you mention is what changed my mind that the card looked real. I just couldn't figure out why it would have that bleached out area on the bottom of the back.