A rare authentic GAI certed Mantle?
 

I am partial to the BB Immortals set signed so I got excited when this one popped up and then saw the GAI Baker cert but ... the autograph looks textbook perfect Mantle (unless I'm losing it at the ripe old age of 42).

Were these guys good at one point before certing all the crap forgeries?

Card and cert (which does not appear to be found entering it into their database) in question:

https://i.imgur.com/F9YAI4K.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/ze3XABf.jpeg

If someone slipped up and submitted an authentic Mantle autograph, they authenticated it just like all of the bad ones submitted that they authenticated.

This one is good whether they authenticated it or not!

Having their hologram on it does not help if reselling but if just collecting, it is authentic.

That's pretty funny and sad. It's priced appropriately for an authentic piece. It's just a shame it has that dog-doo company sticker on the back.

So I sent to PSA for encapsulation and it came back questionable authenticity. I don't know what's questionable about it. :confused: :mad:

Here is a better picture of it in hand before sending away.

https://i.imgur.com/6Tll3A3.jpeg

I certainly think it is authentic but what I think is irrelevant.

They are the accepted experts.

Unfortunately, the card basically becomes unsellable with the GAI sticker affixed and no certification from them unless you find a collector who thinks they know more than the experts and does not care if it is authenticated or not.

Even then, it is not extremely valuable as the card has no value other than the autograph.

If you are keeping it in your personal collection, you have to believe it is authentic or else it is worthless.

Exactly on all points. If this one is truly bad, I have to question a lot of authentic Mantle's out there sitting in any sort of TPA holders.

Can you remove the sticker? Maybe use a hair dryer to heat the sticker up and then peel off?

PSA: please submit again.

I'd just resend.

Yep that seems like it could have had some negative influence. :confused:

I'm sure they don't want to slab a signature with another company's logo/opinion on it. Just remove it - or cover it up with tape. May work.

acetone will bubble up the old GAI sticker. Youd have to dab it on and be vary careful not to stain the card, and it will leave a mark on the card, but you can try and remove it.

I sent the front image only to Beckett and they also said likely not genuine. Might be the best Mantle forgery I've seen but whos forging on a worthless card?

Somebody who has 1000 of them in a stack and can afford to mess up. Vs messing up on a playing days card and being out hundreds or thousands.

The same reason most fake autos in modern day are on 8x10 generic glossy photos. They're basically free and messing up doesn't matter.

Try the Out or Safe group on facebook. Group of several former authenticators for TPA’s. Post a photo and for $6 bucks you’ll know for sure…these guys are good. Read their bios


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I am by far no expert but I have seen plenty of Mantle autographs including many in person. And to me, that looks genuine. I would have no problem owning that.
Bob

No, for $6 you will have opinions from guys who probably haven't replied on this thread who might, or might not, have better knowledge.

Usually Shelly, Chuck and Jason, etc are pretty good with Mantle. They have not chimed in.

indeed sir.

My thoughts exactly. It does not fit into any forgery style I've seen and has a lot of positive attributes.

Any other opinions are greatly appreciated!

Proportionately more profit in it...