In the ever-fascinating world of baseball memorabilia, where legends come to life through trading cards and memorabilia, a unique and altered 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card has emerged as a rare treasure for collectors and enthusiasts. This one-of-a-kind piece, currently being auctioned off by eBay seller Greg Morris, has taken on a new identity through dramatic modifications that set it apart from its pristine counterparts.

Authenticated by Beckett Grading, this Mantle card showcases extensive trimming that has drastically altered its original appearance, trimming away much of its iconic background and leaving only slivers of its bottom and right borders intact. The visible wear and creasing on the card hint at its past as a well-loved collectible before it underwent its unusual transformation.

Turning the card over reveals another layer of challenges, with adhesive residue obscuring parts of the original text on the back. This alteration suggests a lack of awareness regarding the future collectible value of the card, adding to its mystique and intrigue.

Given its unique journey within the hobby, the card was authenticated by Beckett back in 2017 before finding its way into Morris’s possession through a collection acquired from another auction house. While low-grade Mantle cards have been known to fetch impressive sums, this “Half Mantle” variation stands out for its striking modifications, making it a sought-after item among collectors.

This altered Mantle card is not the only one of its kind to surface, as a similar modified version was exhibited by CSG/CGC last year, boasting a slightly better condition but missing substantial portions of its original border and sporting a peeled-back appearance on the reverse side.

Despite its unconventional makeover, the active bidding surrounding this unique Mantle card highlights the enduring allure of the baseball icon, proving that Mickey Mantle’s legendary status transcends traditional standards of collectibility. As the auction unfolds, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to see how much this remarkable and distinctively altered Mantle card will ultimately sell for, solidifying its place as a rare and intriguing piece of baseball memorabilia.

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