1953 Topps cards are in the lineup with other notoriously condition-sensitive sets like the 1962 and ’71 issues. The red-colored area where the player’s name, position and team are located bleeds to the edge of the cards which makes them acutely sensitive to wear. Chipping and noticeable edge wear is a fact of life and collectors on a budget simply look for the best card they can afford. Despite the issues common to this set, it’s possible to find a nice-looking card and the 1953 Topps Mickey Mantle we have up for bid this week certainly fits the bill. Graded PSA 4 (VG-EX) it presents much better and will prove to be a worthwhile addition to anyone’s collection of Mantle cards or that mid-grade set they’re working on. When handling lower grade cards, we are always cognizant of eye appeal. It’s a huge factor when selling. Collectors can be a fussy bunch but they are also value conscious and choose to ‘buy the card, not the holder’. What makes the ’53 Topps Mantle so attractive is that it’s a really nice looking photo of a very young Mick and just the second Topps issue ever created. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful baseball cards ever, the watercolor image of Mantle peering over his shoulder translates well to cardboard. While 1952 Topps Mantle cards even in low grade have become almost too expensive for most collectors, other early Mantle cards are quite attainable and could be destined for future growth. We find the ’53 set to be one of the best the hobby as ever known and, of course, Mantle is the key card. The market for vintage Mantle cards is as strong as ever and every auction proves, it shows no sign of slowing down.
