A PSA 7 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card #311 just ended on Ebay a couple of days ago at over $30,000. However there are a few things about this card that set off some alarms. It all started when I noticed that the top black line of the border extended out ever so slightly on each side. Should this be like that, I asked myself? So I went to Google Image Search to see if I could find a few examples of an authentic Mantle rookie. I only saw the extended border on one other- a card that looked identical to the one on Ebay from elitesportscards.com (could it possibly be the same card??). There was one that was restored by Fantasy Masterpieces & another nice one seen on the USAToday website. On these examples, I noticed that the top border mentioned above did not extend out. I also noticed a few other discernable points of difference: Mickey Mantle's arm at the lower left is 'whiter' on the Ebay card. Also the line of stars just above the signature- I can understand the uneven spacing & sizes since they were probably originally done by hand, but why is the line of them so wavy on this card? And what happened to the black border around the yellow Yankees logo rectangle?? I do not consider myself an expert on cards by any means, but take a look for yourself & see what you think.

Tom

Bidding has begun on Ted Hake's Americana & Collectibles Auction #189. This latest auction begins closing on August 29th (Items #1-1010) through the 31st (Items #1011 and up). Be sure & check it out!

Just a short few lines to kick off the ReproAlert Blog. I'll be using this to talk about recent repros & fake collectibles & antiques spotted on the internet & other venues, & other subjects related to collecting in general. Your comments are welcome.