1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle #101

First glance and the crease makes me want to be in the B to B+ range but when the eye drifts a bit lower to that exquisite playing days mantle auto? Places perfectly to compliment the facsimile in the same style? How can the eye not be pleased.

Obviously, the historical significance of the piece transcends eye appeal and TPG grades as well. That said, on a curve against other 52B signed examples, this is at the better end of that spectrum. The auto is late 53 to 54. Without the main diagonal crease, this is A-, with it, we are in the B zone for eye appeal to me.

Potential was there and from a have to have this is one of them. From Overall Eye Appeal falls short. The card issues and creases hurt the cards appeal and the auto is well placed but not as legible or as bold as I would like

I love the auto but the crease thru the face would bother me.