FS? & Need advice 1953 Bowman Mickey Mantle
 

I purchased this card last night from a deal on CRAIGSLIST of all places...and of course I am wanting to sell it, but I also need you the experts on 54 to give me some advice about the condition. I have never purchased a raw 53 Bowman before as I don't want to get burned with it being trimmed, so you know I got a good deal on it. It is an absolute stunning 53 Bowman with amazing eye appeal. I do have this SGC 5 Mantle and it measures just slightly longer than the SGC slabbed Mantle. I contacted SGC to question its authenticity. SGC informed me that not all 53 Bowmans are cut the same. I guess what I'm wanting to know is that the case with 53 Bowmans? I noticed that all my 53 Bowmans are different sizes! I plan to get this one graded, but if anyone is interested I'm interested. The corners are nice with hardly any tip touches. The edges are better than the corners. The only flaws are that it has less than 1/4' indentions along the black borders on both sides on the front only which you cannot see unless you tip card under good light. The cardboard also has a wave to it...BUT No stains, no creases and beautiful smooth clean surface front and back. If I could get some advice about the cuts on the 53 Bowmans It would be greatly appreciated! Also, PM me if you want to make an offer! I may consider and offer....

There are definitely size differences in the '53 Bowmans - sometimes up to 3/16". FWIW, it looks good to me.

Thanks!!!! Good to hear!

At first glance it looked ok. When I see the raw card up next to the graded card, the raw card looks to be a bit skinny on the right border. There isn't enough extra border on the left side to offset the lack of right side border.

Also, I noticed that the bottom left side edge, extending approximately an inch up from he corner, seems to be cut at a slightly different angle than the rest of the left side edge above.

Unfortuntely, the card looks trimmed.

Thanks for the input! It measures slightly longer vertical than the SGC, but identical to my other 53's horizontal. No issues in my mind whatsoever horizontal.

It looks like the card, if measured, would be a bit wider at the top vs. the bottom. In my opinion, the only original corner remaining is the top left.

The raw card is more in focus than the slabbed card.

I've noticed that before on images of some of my cards. In my case it turned out to be the angle that I held the camera. If not straight overhead, it looks wider a the top than the bottom. I'm pretty sure that's the story with this image, but an actual measurement will confirm it's just the camera tilt.

That's a beautiful card and not an easy one to get in such great condition AND raw! Nice find JJCollects.

KC

edges
 

I have had several PM's regarding the lines along the edges. I have scanned the edges to show that the lines are indeed straight with toploader indicating no evidence of trimming in regards to top and bottom corners edges