What is the value of a 1978 75th anniversary World Series baseball that Mickey Mantle signed at a card show in 1979?

Answer 1

The Rawlings Official 1978 World Series Baseball was the first year Major League Baseball used a specially marked ball for the Series. It was the 75th Anniversary of World Series Play. The baseball as a collectible by itself is worth about $75.-$100. in excellent -Near/mint condition. Once the collectible baseball is signed the value of the baseball relies on the value of the signature. If the signature is of a less popular player the baseball will be of worth less than the price stated above. A Mickey Mantle single signed baseball could be worth between $400.-$1,500. The price will vary based on the condition of the baseball, as well as the signature, and the type of authenticity that accompanies the signature. Third party letters of authenticity from companies that did not witness the signing will sell in the $400.-$800. price range. Mickey Mantle was under contract with the Upper Deck company before he passed away, and baseballs with the upper-Deck hologram could sell as high as $1,500. Signatures that are not authenticated will sell at half the market value or less. A Mickey Mantle signature not authenticated could sell as low as $150. Even if you have the original ticket from the signing at the card show, without a reputable letter of authenticity the baseball will sell below $400. Mickey Mantle signatures are one of the most forged signatures in the hobby, and collectors will only pay top dollar for signatures that have been authenticated by a company they trust. PSA/DNA, and JSA (James Spence Authentic) are two of the top and most trusted authenticators. Collectors will pay more for signatures authenticated by either one. It may sound odd but in some cases PSA/DNA, and JSA authenticated signatures may sell higher than a Letter of authenticity from an unknown or less trusted authenticator that witnessed the signing even though PSA/DNA, and JSA did not. It's just a matter of collectors trust, and collectors will pay more for it. The 75th Anniversary World Series baseball might not effect the price as much as making it easier to sell to a collector at a higher price that might desire the way it displays the signature, or as a unique historic item signed. An Official American League baseball that is from the playing days of Mantle would be more desired. For more information on Mickey Mantle Autographs visit the link below.