The official Mickey Mantle Pickup Thread. All Mick, all the time!

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by Tyruscobb

Mantle's cards have become so expensive that the market has relegated me to collecting non-mainstream issues.

Here is a 1961 Nu-card Scoops #422 that I recently purchased. It checks all the boxes for me: (1) Playing days' card; (2) aesthetically pleasing; (3) issue from a legendary year - 1961; and (4) affordable.

I'm happy with this $57.00 purchase.

The non-mainstream cards are some of the best cards. Nice pickup.

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by whiteymet

Anyone here win this Mick in the latest REA auction?

https://bid.robertedwardauctions.com...e?itemid=80369

I'm with Chris. That seems pretty high. But I guess with the recent explosion of Mantle cards (and all cards in general), maybe it wasn't too bad?

[AustinMike]

There's a post or two going around about Type I photos. Instead of posting this there, I thought I'd give some love to the Mick thread and post this here. Plus, it looks like the Brooks thread has more posts but Mick has more views . Need to increase Mick's totals.



The first photo shows two team issued Type I photos. It's interesting that the smaller one had the background "photoshopped."

The second photo is of a wire photo showing Mick playing 2nd base. He played second base once in his major league career.

[AustinMike]

Another Mick photo. I doubt that it is a Type I, but I thought it interesting. It's 5" by 4-1/4".

[TUM301]

As usual more great Mantle items, Mike really like the early Mick photo one of his best images I M O.

[pokerplyr80]

Picked up a few signed Mantles recently

[clydepepper]

1968 Topps 490- Super Stars EXMT plus 325.00.jpg

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

The non-mainstream cards are some of the best cards. Nice pickup.

Bestdj777 / Chris --- You have spoken accurately, my friend. Speaking from collecting experience during years Mickey was playing, we (my neighborhood buddies and myself) all looked forward to trying to get any Mickey Mantle gum card offered by Topps, in particular his regular standard issue.

Be that as it may, with my discovery of mail order firms such as Wholesale Cards Co. and The Trading Card Company, I was able to procure nearly every mainstream Mickey Mantle I wanted. Those I did not have I purchased at the early baseball card conventions I was privileged to attend. A favorite example was a beautiful centered visually mint 1957 Mickey for, my memory escapes me; it was either one dollar, or two dollars. Believe me; I'm not bragging---that was the going rate in the summer of '73 at the Midwest Sports Collectors Convention in Troy, MI. Does that connote to "easy-peasy"?

It does. However, the organized hobby was just beginning to pick up steam, so "easy-peasy" is not accurate. I feel "ground floor opportunity" best summarizes the matter.

There was a noteworthy exception. There always seems to be. The vaunted 1952 Topps Mantle had eluded me. I had enjoyed meeting Mr. Larry Fritsch at the '72 Midwest, my first show. Shortly after Christmas, 1972, I wrote to Larry. He knew I was serious and sincere in asking for his help. Within a few days, he sent me a very friendly type-written letter. He was pleased to inform me he did indeed have a mint 1952 Topps Mickey---his last one, at that moment. He admitted his price was high, at $25, but he would hold Mickey for me for (either 2 weeks or a month) whist I made up my mind. I put the matter to my dear widowed mother. She read the earnestness in my face, and decided to sacrifice that $25 for me to buy what was then the card of my dreams. True to his word, Larry held that Mantle gem for me. It looked "perfect" to me. Technically, it was centered a bit off to the side and down by the same amount, but the colors were exceptionally vibrant and strong, the picture registry was flawless, and no print spots whatsoever. I was very happy and satisfied. I thanked and hugged and kissed my dear Mom profusely. I knew she wasn't made of money, and this was a sacrifice for her.

As I matured in my baseball card and coin collecting pursuits, I found myself gravitating towards some of Mickey Mantle's regional / food issues -- all non-mainstream. They typically were well-designed with a great photo, and invariably seemed to have a very interesting background story that spelled "hard to get right from the get-go". EVEN IF the regional / food Mick was plentiful, finding one in what we would term "high grade" was often, sadly, the quest for the impossible. As Rob Lifson described them, they tend to have a built-in rarity. These were the original chase cards. You had to buy the product to procure your prize.

By some minor miracles and the grace of God, He enabled me to track down several of these Mickey Mantle chase cards, and were you to ask me, what are your favorite Mickey Mantles, a bunch of the regional / food Micks and one Topps test issue come to mind first (the 1969 Topps Super).

I love my gum cards of The Commerce Comet---most assuredly so; I recognize our hobby would be missing its foundation without the gum cards. The key point is that they're great cards AND AVAILABLE. Nevertheless, my Mantle regional / food gems are definitely the highlights of my Mickey Mantle collection, for by stark contrast the regional / food gems are not available, save for run of the mill examples, or as I like to put it, looking like the inside of a goat's stomach. In all raw honesty, it is a humbling privilege to own each of them, particularly in view of understanding more of the plethora of obstacles and difficulties that stood in the way of a collector trying to acquire a nice specimen. I refer to the year the item was issued during Mickey's career, on to this day. Wasn't a piece of cake then, and definitely not-so today.

I beg your pardon Chris. I hope you don't mind me elucidating most vociferously on your positive words regarding the matter of Mickey Mantle's non-mainstream cards. Long ago, I stepped out of the ordinary, and began my escape to the rare, the exciting, and the unusual.

Mantle gum cards have been in the stratosphere for years and years, whilst the regionals are under-appreciated, and grossly to obscenely undervalued.

That's my hot-dog pack's worth. ---- Brian Powell

[maj78]

Most recent pickups:







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[cardsagain74]

If anyone thought their Mantle collection was complete, it's not true.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363379316454

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by cardsagain74

If anyone thought their Mantle collection was complete, it's not true.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363379316454

Great centering and eye appeal!

[Republicaninmass]

Dont believe I've posted this, and dont have a chance to share it often.





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[LincolnVT]

Recently got this. Pretty clean.

[Vegas Cards]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

Dont believe I've posted this, and dont have a chance to share it often.

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Really amazing grouping. If you don't mind me asking, do you keep those out displayed? It would make me smile every time I saw them if they were at my house. I'd love to hear a little more about how you put these together if you have time to share.

[Vegas Cards]

Originally Posted by maj78

Most recent pickups:







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Great cards. You've really been on a tear from what you've shared. Are you most of the way through the '50s?

[maj78]

Originally Posted by Vegas Cards

Great cards. You've really been on a tear from what you've shared. Are you most of the way through the '50s?

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, most of the way through the 50s...think it’ll just be that ‘52 Topps that will be out of reach for me!

[Vegas Cards]

Originally Posted by maj78

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, most of the way through the 50s...think it’ll just be that ‘52 Topps that will be out of reach for me!

I feel you. For me, it's the '52 Topps and the '51 Bowman. In the meantime, plenty of great copies shared here. At least I can look

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by Vegas Cards

Really amazing grouping. If you don't mind me asking, do you keep those out displayed? It would make me smile every time I saw them if they were at my house. I'd love to hear a little more about how you put these together if you have time to share.

Thank you very much. I appreciate looking at the picture, and one day I will enjoy remembering I owned them!

No I don't. Aside from my neighbor, who I met THROUGH N54, and the boards, I don't have anyone to share with.

I've been collecting the 1952 set in signed and unsigned form for over 20 years.

[bobsbbcards]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

Aside from my neighbor, who I met THROUGH N54, and the boards, I don't have anyone to share with.

Well, that's pretty amazing! I can't imagine bumping into someone on the boards and then finding out that my kids trick-or-treat at their house.

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by bobsbbcards

Well, that's pretty amazing! I can't imagine bumping into someone on the boards and then finding out that my kids trick-or-treat at their house.

I know right? When he sent me his shipping address I fell off my chair. 6 houses down from me. granted I've only been here 7 years

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[maj78]

Originally Posted by Vegas Cards

I feel you. For me, it's the '52 Topps and the '51 Bowman. In the meantime, plenty of great copies shared here. At least I can look

Yes, how could I forget the ‘51 Bowman. Those are fun to look at too, but doubt I’ll ever own one - ha!

[bswhiten]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

Another Mick photo. I doubt that it is a Type I, but I thought it interesting. It's 5" by 4-1/4".

Cool pickup Mike...have not seen one like this.

[sflayank]

We need whomever owns to put in registry

[bswhiten]

Jumbo slab mail.

[wdwfan]

Mantle collection is coming along. Picked the PSA up in December, got the 65 at a card show 2 weeks ago. Got the 62 in the mail today. It's one of my alltime favorite cards. It was the first vintage card I ever saw in about 1990. My cousin had one, and I tried everything I could to trade him for it. He never gave in. So glad I was able to finally land one. Really enjoying collecting the Mick. But it's hard to find them. Nobody wants to give him up, haha. Anyway, thanks for the look.

[judgebuck]

Love that Grape Nuts box. Not just Mantle, but two other HOFers! Love seeing (and collecting) Mantle stuff like this. David

[wdwfan]

I know there's no such thing as a "bad" Mantle. But this is pretty close. I'm guessing F-G condition. No creases, but paper loss on one edge and way, way, way OC. Thanks for the look.

[Marchillo]

Just arrived today. This makes 95 unique single signed hof baseballs for the collection. Even as a Sox fan this is my favorite.




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[brian1961]

Sincere congratulations on your beautiful autographed Mickey Mantle ball. Sure is a honey!!!!! I can see why it's your favorite. Wow---90 unique single-signed HOF balls--way da go!

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by bswhiten

Jumbo slab mail.

Two very nice items Ben. You know, with hurricane season brewing up, you may want to send those to a safer locale ... like Austin. We don't get hurricanes here.

[LuckyLuke]

Hello All,

I was offered this 1956 Mantle and it looks authentic to me but i have nowhere near the experience and knowledge on Mantle cards as many of you on these discussion boards. I would appreciate all valued input on its authenticity? Thank you.

[Marchillo]

Originally Posted by brian1961

Sincere congratulations on your beautiful autographed Mickey Mantle ball. Sure is a honey!!!!! I can see why it's your favorite. Wow---90 unique single-signed HOF balls--way da go!

Thanks. This was on my short list of must haves. DiMaggio is next. These pair well with Aaron, Mays , Teddy Ballgame among others.


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[vdad1981]

Originally Posted by LuckyLuke

Hello All,

I was offered this 1956 Mantle and it looks authentic to me but i have nowhere near the experience and knowledge on Mantle cards as many of you on these discussion boards. I would appreciate all valued input on its authenticity? Thank you.

Can you provide a clearer picture without the screw down?

[LuckyLuke]

HI there,

This is the best that i can get from the seller.
Thank you for all your valued input and time.

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by LuckyLuke

HI there,

This is the best that i can get from the seller.
Thank you for all your valued input and time.

I’d stay away.

[LuckyLuke]

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your input.
Is there something specific that you see on the card that raises a red flag?

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by LuckyLuke

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your input.
Is there something specific that you see on the card that raises a red flag?

The coloring looks off. It may just be the bad quality of the photos, but, the poor quality of photos is a red flag itself.

[JollyElm]

I would request clearer, larger pictures with a dark solid background. If he won't send any, that tells you all you need to know.

[maniac_73]

Picked this up from the board from Incugator. The mantle 54 bowman was one of my grails as I’ve always loved the design. Looks great alongside my Mantle PC. Nodest compared to most on here lol

[Jcfowler6]

Junk shop find of mine over the weekend.


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[wdwfan]

Picked up a couple more Mantles at the Dallas show yesterday. The 59T has a crease, but it has good eye appeal. Not sure I'll keep it with the crease. But these are my 2 Mantle pickups.

[Balloonhead]

All these cards are beautiful. This is my first post here and my first Mantle (hopefully not my last) - I picked it up at a small card show in Raleigh. I was so excited I was shaking and followed it up with two poor purchases.





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[Gorditadogg]

Originally Posted by Balloonhead

All these cards are beautiful. This is my first post here and my first Mantle (hopefully not my last) - I picked it up at a small card show in Raleigh. I was so excited I was shaking and followed it up with two poor purchases.





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Congrats! Nice start to your Mick collection.

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[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by Balloonhead

I was so excited I was shaking and followed it up with two poor purchases.

Come on, dude, we're all waiting. What were the two poor purchases??

[Balloonhead]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

Come on, dude, we're all waiting. What were the two poor purchases??

Ok. They were two cards I actually wanted - a 77 Topps Andre Dawson rookie and an 88 Fleer Reggie Miller. Unfortunately, I had my Mantle/Beer goggles fresh on and I didn’t take the time to look them over like I normally do. Both cards looked flawless at the time. The next day I saw the Dawson had two sharp corners, a soft corner, and a brown/dinged corner and it’s definitely way off centered. I’m not ready to talk about the Reggie Miller yet but the well known condition issues with the Fleer 88 set are well represented in the card.

The baseball card gods giveth and also taketh……at least I made some dealer happy……


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[Seven]

I'm very excited to add this latest piece into my collection. I had to pass on a raw version of this card when I was at the Philly Show in early June. I stalked out a few Auctions, narrowly missing out on an Authentic version of this card in a recent Goldin auction. I didn't want to allow this one to get away though.

I'm seeing the end of a steady climb that I've made over the past couple of years concerning my Mantle collection/run. My next big acquisition, after a little bit of saving will be his 1953 Topps. Once that happens, I'll turn my attention towards his cards of the 60's, as they are readily available at decent prices.

Once all of that is completed however, my journey will end there, at least for now. I will not be able to afford either the 52 Topps or the 51 Bowman anytime soon. My collecting interests will shift to something else, as both of the aforementioned cards won't be a possibility until I retire, most likely. And considering I have many, many more years to go on that front, it won't be anytime soon! I've spoken about this with older collectors and said this many times, thankfully Collecting is a Journey. Enough of my rambling here's the card:

[Vegas Cards]

Originally Posted by Seven

I'm very excited to add this latest piece into my collection. I had to pass on a raw version of this card when I was at the Philly Show in early June. I stalked out a few Auctions, narrowly missing out on an Authentic version of this card in a recent Goldin auction. I didn't want to allow this one to get away though.

I'm seeing the end of a steady climb that I've made over the past couple of years concerning my Mantle collection/run. My next big acquisition, after a little bit of saving will be his 1953 Topps. Once that happens, I'll turn my attention towards his cards of the 60's, as they are readily available at decent prices.

Once all of that is completed however, my journey will end there, at least for now. I will not be able to afford either the 52 Topps or the 51 Bowman anytime soon. My collecting interests will shift to something else, as both of the aforementioned cards won't be a possibility until I retire, most likely. And considering I have many, many more years to go on that front, it won't be anytime soon! I've spoken about this with older collectors and said this many times, thankfully Collecting is a Journey. Enough of my rambling here's the card:

It's easy to ignore the borders with his face and the pinstripes so prominent. Congrats on a great looking card.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by Vegas Cards

It's easy to ignore the borders with his face and the pinstripes so prominent. Congrats on a great looking card.

Thanks!

The portrait is really what sold me. Could the borders be better? Of Course. I do think that I might eventually upgrade the card, but for now it's enjoying its stay with the rest of the Mantles in my collection!

[brian1961]

James, Hey buddy, I agree with Vegas Cards. So many collectors put this enormous weight on centering / borders that what's inside gets left out. At the end of the day, these are picture cards, and your 1952 Bowman looks swell. Mickey's portrait and uniform are SO CRISPLY FOCUSED, I don't notice the borders. Honest. I believe you did A-OK, bro! Heartiest of congratulations. --- Brian Powell

[TUM301]

James I’ll second Brian’s thoughts, really nice image of Mick there and a card I’d welcome into my collection in a minute. Nice addition, enjoy it Sir 🍀🍀🍀