1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311

My self-proclaimed approach for judging eye appeal is to prioritize centering, but there's a large difference between how much the slightly low centering on this card/example will hinder its overall appearance relative the much more negative effect of having a similar degree of offset in L/R off-centering or in image tilt. Also, as others have opined, the back isn't going to anchor the eye appeal on this one bit for me. The strength of this example is that the famous image of Mickey and its lovely blue background are clear and minimally affected by the surface condition and yellowed discoloration relative to its actual extent - which is much more prominently evident along the white borders. Those stains, particularly in the way they have extensively yellowed the card's once pearly white borders is admittedly the main drawback for me, and that keeps this card in the "yes, it's less-than-stellar, but I'd also LOVE to have it" category.

Very good color. Some very light soiling in the background. Centered a bit low. The card presents well.

wow like the front has some surface wear spot and toning. But color are so strong and 3 of 4 borders are nice and bold but the bottom is a bit low and the borders are not as bright as could be and the back is more than i like

I am predicting one impressive EyeQ+ score for this Mick! My kind of card, as per my profile I am not one who is bothered by back damage. The all-important oceanic blue background is intact here, with no "whitecaps" from wrinkles, creases, or abrasions. Just some mild soiling in the paper grain. His image is bold and commands the eye. Side centering is great. Tilt is minimal. And that leaves only the heavily shifted bottom centering as a flaw that impacts eye appeal, to me. Very good appeal overall is where I land, as staring at this one a while has been enjoyable.