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I have a 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle MVP #475 that my dad gave me about five years ago. My dad had two of the same card and gave me one and my brother one. However, I noticed that when the cards were side by side that my card was missing the black line that separates the red color from the white border. My dad stated that he believes that all of his cards were obtained by him when he was a kid. My dad stated that he is sure these two cards came directly from a Topps bubble gum pack he would have bought from the local five and dime store when he was about 8 or 9 years old. I have kept my eyes open every time I go into a card store and search on Ebay and have not seen any other 1961 Topps cards without the black line. I have spoken to several card dealers in the area and they state that they have never seen this. Could you please help me identify what the card is? A misprint, variation, printing error, special issue, etc?

If it is something rare I would like to get it graded. I would prefer to get it authenticated and graded on-site at a card show or something of that sort. Are there any card shows that your company would have a booth at where I could get this card graded or authenticated while at the show. I am contemplating traveling to the National Sports Collector's Show in Chicago 2013. I am hesitant on sending it through the mail. Could you please give me any info you have on how the process of on-site grading works and if I could get this card on-site graded. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


MANTLE FRONT

MANTLE BACK

(06-21-2013, 04:19 PM)jeffv96masters Wrote: [ -> ] Not sure how you uploaded files but both your images show nothing even when I try inserting them.

Go back and edit your post and hit the "insert images into post" tabs. If no images show then upload them to photobucket and copy over.


Jeff

Thank you very much! I got the images properly downloaded now. Please let me know what you think of the card!

Ok. Thanks a lot! If it is indeed authenticated as a misprint...do you think that the value is worth significantly more?

Went to the National and got it authenticated and graded at BGS. It is authentic and VG-EX 4.5. Pop 1. It is now recognnized in the Pop Report as "MISSING BLACK INK". Thanks for the previous info.

Nice card man! Congrats on the good grade and authentication! (I'd be happy with a 4.5 Mantle lol)

Somewhat reminds me of the 1974 Topps Jesus Alou where the upper left states his Outfield position in black ink or is found blank. It's recognized as a corrected error. I think an understanding of the printing process for the 61's would give a good clue as to whether it was a print or design error. If the border was printed first and then the Mantle image follows, it could be simply that the border was never printed before Mantle's image was laid down. Printing error or not, the right Mantle collector will find the card very desirable.