Over the past year or two the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle has risen exponentially in value and is clearly one of the hobby's truly "hot" cards. Near mint examples have eclipsed $500 000 as of late with examples graded AUTHENTIC reaching as high as $16 000. The card is one of the hobby's most desirable and widely-recognized inside and outside the hobby. This example is a particularly special one because its eye appeal far exceeds the technical grade. Initially graded AUTHENTIC by another grading company we were unable to find the alteration so we submitted the card to PSA for evaluation. Their assessment was "AUTHENTIC - ALTERED STOCK." Our assumption is that at some point a collector attempted to remove the ink stain at the top of Mantle's cap. Despite the grade however the card presents extremely well. Centering is far above average for this card and the color is bold and bright. Several light creases traverse the card surface from top to bottom and additional ink smudges are visible on the reverse. Overall however this is an extremely attractive card for the grade one of few "affordable" examples that present this well.