Recognizing a Legit 1952 Mickey Mantle

For over three decades, Triple SSS Sports Cards has been selling investment-quality vintage cards. Triple SSS Sports Cards has cards for some of the biggest names in sports history, like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card with an inventory of third-party graded cards. This card is one of baseball’s most valuable and more iconic cards.

Given the iconic status of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, it is frequently counterfeited. Identifying a real ‘52 Topps Mantle from a fake one requires a good amount of knowledge about the original card.

There are two versions of the original that was made: a type one and type two Mantle. While the version does not affect the card's value, it does affect what you should look for. There is a pixel missing on a type one card at the bottom left corner of the border. This gives the corner a rounded look. Meanwhile, the stitches on the baseball on the back point to the right, and the “s” in DiMaggio’s are in line with the “h” on the right on the back.

Type two ‘52 Mantles have a missing pixel in the upper left background. This has left a small white spot on the otherwise blue background that is easily spotted. The border around the Yankees logo on the front is also lighter than on type one, and the border near the top of the card slightly overlaps with the vertical borders.

A lack of these characteristics indicates that you have a fake ‘52 Topps Mantle, but their presence does not automatically mean you have an authentic one. Fake versions of cards have slightly different colors, tints, or hues; they are made from thinner cardstock and have no signs of wear or have artificial wear patterns. If you are unfamiliar with care collecting, the best option is getting a ‘52 Mantle that is graded, so you don’t risk purchasing a counterfeit.