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Would like opinions on this authenticated Mickey Mantle signed ball

I list this as a learning experience for me. I came across this ball that has authentications from JSA and Beckett (I can't make out the JSA number). To my eye, this looks like one of the Florida "Mickey Mautle" forgeries. Without giving the crooks too much ammo, what am I missing?

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Permalink Reply by Fuddjcal on January 11, 2014 at 11:39am

keep training the eye, you'll get it soon enough...This ball you posted is a beauty, IMHO. Don't know what you're missing?

Occasionally, the "n" will be "u" like (all the fakes are) and the "c" will appear "i" like in many of the florida fakes. Mick's "c's" sometimes appear "i" like but still have a curvature no one can duplicate except the Mick. This one has a little bit of that.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Taylor Williams on January 11, 2014 at 11:57am

Thanks for the reply! I appreciate the help!

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Permalink Reply by Erich Jerozal on January 11, 2014 at 12:41pm

The M`s in florida forgeries also look different than this does. Like Fudd said. The C will look like an L or an I a lot of times.

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Permalink Reply by Randy on January 11, 2014 at 12:57pm

100% authentic as the others have already stated

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on January 11, 2014 at 1:51pm

sorry, that is not even close to a florida forgery. this ball is 100% authentic.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on January 11, 2014 at 2:00pm

Taylor,

This is a classic example of a Mantle signed ball, but I can see why you're concerned. Some of the forgeries look close enough to be confusing to new collectors. The proportions of most forgeries are off, especially on the M's, and they're not as smooth and flowing.

Message Christopher Williams if you'd like, and ask him if he'd be kind enough to post some Mantle ball forgeries here. He and other members can show you what to look for.