1957 Topps Mickey Mantle #95 fake/reprint?

[Forrester]

Hi guys. I am new to this forum but not collecting. However, I have little experience in 50s vintage cards. I found a deal that's seems a little too good to be true. A guy on Facebook wants $150 for this Mantle. Says he got it from his grandfather:

My question is does it look real to you guys or does it look like it might be a fake/reprint. I normally only buy graded but ...

Thanks in advance. I appreciate the insight!

[ALR-bishop]

Welcome aboard.

All of his cards, including this one, have been reprinted by Topps but there are notations on the fronts or backs to make that clear. His 52 and 53 cards have certainly been counterfeited. Not sure about 57 and I think a bigger and better scan would be needed to be sure without the card in hand. If it is legit and the scan is accurate as to condition, it would be a great deal. Are you in a position to eyeball the card in person ?

[Forrester]

I am waiting for a response from him asking about better scans/pics or if we could meet. He is 2 hours away.

[ALR-bishop]

Good luck in your quest. I have heard rumors that the card can be found with the ghost man in the back almost completely airbrushed out, but have never seen such and would be real wary if I did. If that guy was not in the picture it would be one of my favorite Mantles

[Forrester]

Still waiting ... from that scan I can see the ghost ... but that guarantees nothing. Thanks again. I will post as soon as he responds.

[Forrester]

This is what he sent back: ... And he says he cannot meet me because he is on disability and cannot drive but I could go all the way to his house ...

[Ribbens]

If this is the guys name it is fake

[Forrester]

That is not the guys name. It is a "couple" on facebook.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

There are a lot of '57 Mantles out there. Just sayin....

[Forrester]

So you think it is legit then? There appears to be very little reprints/fakes from the research I did.

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by Forrester

So you think it is legit then? There appears to be very little reprints/fakes from the research I did.

I would stay away. There is no reason to buy a 57 Mantle from a guy you don't know yet met on facebook, especially when the guy sends you a picture of it in front of a sketchy knife. The card might be legit but I wouldn't risk it. There are too many red flags--no scan, won't meet you, too good of a price, etc.

[paleocards]

None of my '57s have the Topps' copyright in black on the back right-hand edge. They all are in the same dark blue as the stats. I'd pass...

[ALR-bishop]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

There are a lot of '57 Mantles out there. Just sayin....

But, not at $ 150

If you decide to go for it via the mail, you could pay via paypal by credit card with whatever credit card company you have the best relationship. If he screws you get your credit card company to reverse/cancel.

Not sure what that will do to you relationship with paypal so be sure you do not have money in your paypal account...., maybe if you can show fraud was involved it will be ok with them in the long run. Others may have more experience with that scenario or recommend not going that route.