1996 Topps Mickey Mantle Commemorative Mickey Mantle #2
Mickey Mantle · Topps · Insert / Commemorative Reprint
Player
Mickey Mantle
Set
1996 Topps Mickey Mantle Commemorative Reprint Set
Year
1996
Card #
#2
Condition Grade
PSA 8 (NM-MT) / PSA 9 (Mint) Potential
Category
Insert / Commemorative Reprint
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $20-30, PSA 9: $45-60, PSA 10: $150-200
Comparable Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $5 to $10 on eBay. PSA 9 examples recently sold in the $50 range, while PSA 10 gem mint examples can reach $175+ depending on the buyer.
Description
This is a 1996 Topps commemorative reprint of the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card. It features the classic color-tinted portrait of a young Mantle with the New York Yankees logo in the corner. The card includes a gold foil '1931-1995' commemorative stamp in the upper right corner, issued shortly after Mantle's passing to honor his legacy. The back features a tribute to his career highlights and the reprint designation.
Key Features
Features the 1952 Topps design, widely considered the most iconic baseball card image of all time. Includes the gold foil memorial stamp honoring Mantle's birth and death years which was a key part of the 1996 Topps Series 1 and 2 tribute.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. This is a legitimate Topps-produced reprint from 1996. Authenticity is confirmed by the specific gold foil stamp design and the glossy 1990s card stock which differs significantly from '52 cardboard. This is not a counterfeit of the original 1952 card, but a modern tribute.
Flaws to Note
Centering appears slightly heavy toward the left and bottom. Common for these reprints to have minor edge chipping on the white borders or micro-scratches on the gold foil stamp. Without higher resolution, surface looks clean.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card due to high volume of Mantle collectors. It is also suitable for COMC or low-value auction lots.
Selling Tips
Unless this card looks absolutely perfect (PSA 10 candidate), it is generally not worth the cost of grading as raw copies sell for less than the grading fee. In a listing, clearly state '1996 Reprint' to avoid confusion with the multi-million dollar 1952 original. Ship in a penny sleeve and top loader using eBay Standard Envelope for low-cost tracking.