1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311

For me, the tape residue is an eye appeal killer.

Tape, OC and well loved and for all the damage his face is minimally obscured. While many wouldn’t touch a card in this condition, these iconic cards in this shape have such a charm and aura to them.

It's pretty apparent. Everyone sees the same- tape stains, scuff mark, broken paint from creases, off center... It is a 52 Mantle, so that's cool, I guess...

The tape stains are big and the first thing I notice. The creases and other surface issues don't help either. This is the type of card to buy just to own a 52 Mantle but on a budget.

Juiced scan here. Creases through the face are so hard to ignore from an eye appeal perspective. Similarly, of course, the tape stains.

Tape and paper loss

Okay… you have to think about how collectors used to handle their cards. Even though the tape is an eyesore, the vibrant color and decent centering still give it a certain charm! But if you have to have sexy time in the dark, she’s not hot. This card hit a lot of branches falling out the ugly tree.

I hate tape (I understand it especially the way were when we were kids. Extra shame as the card itself has good color and a nice image and the face POPs but the tape and so much of it is to much for me. And do not turn the card over or you will see so much paper loss. BUT it is a Mantle and the Holy Grail at that

I'd love to see where this guy was kept with the tape, maybe in a scrapbook or album, or on a wall. The image is still there and that blue is still humming.