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Have you ever dreamed of owning a unique 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, distinctively die-cut? A one-of-a-kind Mantle card is up for grabs, unlikely to break auction records for its condition but certainly capturing attention for its rarity.

Listed by eBay seller Greg Morris, this peculiar rendition of Mantle's famed 1952 Topps card has undergone an extreme makeover, presumably for a 1950s scrapbooking project. Authenticated by Beckett Grading, the card has been trimmed significantly, removing almost the entire background and leaving just fragments of the bottom and right border. Prior to its transformation, the card shows signs of being cherished, evidenced by surface wear and creasing.

The card's reverse side is far from pristine, marred by paper residue that obscures most of the original text, suggesting that its former owner never anticipated its future value.

Assigned an Authentic/Altered grade by Beckett, this card's journey through the hobby isn't new, having been authenticated in 2017. Morris acquired this intriguing piece through a collection bought from another auction house last month.

While the market has seen its share of low-grade Mantle cards fetching significant sums, this "Half Mantle" stands out for its distinctive alterations. Currently on auction and drawing considerable interest, this Mantle variant might even reach a five-figure bid despite its condition.

This isn't the first time a Mantle card with such drastic modifications has surfaced. Last year, CSG/CGC highlighted a similarly trimmed Mantle card, albeit in slightly better condition, lacking much of its original border and featuring a completely "skinned" back.

Despite its unconventional appearance, bidding for this miniaturized version of the Mantle card is active, underscoring the enduring allure of one of baseball's greatest legends, even in the most unorthodox forms. Follow the ongoing auctionto see how much this extraordinary Mantle card will ultimately fetch.