'52 Topps Mantle PSA 1 or '51 Bowman Mantle PSA 4

[marvymelvin]

So lets say (hypothetically) I have a nice 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 1 with good eye appeal, and lets say (hypothetically) I have a complete vg-ex 1951 Bowman set minus the Mantle.
Would I (or you, if you were I) trade the 52 Topps Mantle PSA 1 for a 51 Bowman Mantle PSA 4? All things considered equal value wise, i.e. both cards are each currently valued at an even $7000.

[pawpawdiv9]

Pic of the cards please.
Are you sure of the assessment of your 52?
A PSA 1 just sold in LOTG for 8,610 for comparisons sake.
http://loveofthegameauctions.com/1952_Topps__311_Mickey_Mantle__HOF____PSA_PR_FR_1-LOT14538.aspx

[irv]

PSA 1's come in many different forms so we'd need to see pics.
This is a nice one but has a terrible back.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-Mickey-Mantle-311-PSA-1-PR-PWCC-/142694729441?hash=item213944c6e1%3Ag%3AqpcAAOSwJKx aiff~&nma=true&si=rlb6%252FD0TN3laz%252FE45%252BBnOsRAU%252BI%253 D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

This is another PSA 1, which is a lot different from the other.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-SETBREAK-Mickey-Mantle-311-PSA-1-PR-PWCC-/401494243446?hash=item5d7aebf876%3Ag%3AF80AAOSwHrV ahxOQ&nma=true&si=rlb6%252FD0TN3laz%252FE45%252BBnOsRAU%252BI%253 D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Mine would likely also grade a 1 but I doubt it would sell for anywhere near the prices those 2 cards got.
Too many variables without seeing pics.

[GasHouseGang]

I think if I was trying to complete the 51 Bowman set, I'd have to make that trade to finally complete my set. Of course you may regret it at some point, but at the moment if the values are the same, it would make sense, so I would do it. Especially if the 4 is like many I've seen, that look more like 6's.

[marvymelvin]

I will post pics of my 52 Topps Mantle later today when I am near a scanner. I am not going to post pics of the 51 Bowman Mantle because it is not mine (yet). I am comfortable with value equity so I am not as much needing thoughts on that. Although I do appreciate that too.

I have had the 52 Topps Mantle for a number of years. I am not super wealthy and I dont imagine I will be in a financial situation ever to purchase either a 51 Bowman Mantle or another 52 Topps Mantle in the $7k-$10k price range. So was struggling a bit with the decision, and am hoping for a lively discussion of your thoughts on which card is the strongest investment looking forward, which card would you personally value/enjoy the most as the center piece of your collection, etc.

I realize each person will have a different opinion which is great and what I am interested to read. I am looking forward to the discussion.

[MCoxon]

I will post pics of my 52 Topps Mantle later today when I am near a scanner. I am not going to post pics of the 51 Bowman Mantle because it is not mine (yet). I am comfortable with value equity so I am not as much needing thoughts on that. Although I do appreciate that too.

I have had the 52 Topps Mantle for a number of years. I am not super wealthy and I dont imagine I will be in a financial situation ever to purchase either a 51 Bowman Mantle or another 52 Topps Mantle in the $7k-$10k price range. So was struggling a bit with the decision, and am hoping for a lively discussion of your thoughts on which card is the strongest investment looking forward, which card would you personally value/enjoy the most as the center piece of your collection, etc.

I realize each person will have a different opinion which is great and what I am interested to read. I am looking forward to the discussion.

I think the tradeoff comes down to:

1) The #1 iconic post-war card (and maybe hobby card), albeit in a low grade

2) A chance to have a top 3-4 iconic post-war card, that if it's a nice centered 4 could have good eye-appeal, all while completing your set.

If you like completing a goal and to have no loose ends, I'd go with the '51 Mantle Bowman (especially if strong-eye appeal)

If you value having a true icon, the definitive post-war card, I'd go '52 Mantle Topps

[pawpawdiv9]

This is where theres 2 views-
As for collecting only- its the 52, no doubt hands down. Centerpiece for most folks.
But from your words, your looking as a investment.
No one can foretell the future. Who is to say maybe one day the 51 surpasess and gets recognized as the true RC.
The 52 is your investment egg for now, I would think.
One question is, once you complete the 51B set, what is next for collecting? Are you keeping it or selling it?
For me, I have both, graded 2. And everytime I open the safe, my eyes always go to the 52. The image alone is breath-taking over the 51.
I am not persuading you to select one way or another, it your decision and collect as you may but I would not combine collecting & investment into one.
No, I did not stay at a Holiday Inn nor am I a financial advisor.

[Bored5000]

As mentioned previously, PSA 1s encompass a wide variety of acceptability. You said your 52T had good eye appeal, so I would rather have the 52T Mantle than a '51 Bowman. Both are iconic, but there is a pop culture factor to the 52T that doesn't exist with the Bowman card.

I know it gets said on here all the time, but choose the one that will make you the most happy to have in your collection, not the one that you hope will be worth the most 10 years from now (since no one knows the answer to that). Some of my favorite cards are ones that are only worth $200-300, but I love them because I could never replace them if they were sold or lost.

You could possibly pick up a low-grade 51B in the future, but even a beater 1952 Topps Mantle has already climbed out of reach for many people. I always try to look at it from a standpoint of don't sell or get rid of cards that could not be replaced. IMO, you would regret trading away the premier post-war card.

[quitcrab]

Keep the 1952 and buy a 51. You may regret getting rid of the 52. It's so iconic.

[Johnny630]

Keep the 52 Topps Mantle, save some cash to buy a 51 when the US economy goes into resession. IMO Those are always the best time to buy high end cards.

[savedfrommyspokes]

I am in the exact same position.....I have a lower grade 52 Topps Mantle and am missing the 51 Bowman Mantle to finish my 51 set. The 51 B set will just have to remain unfinished until I can save up enough to find the Mantle to finish it. The only thing I would trade my 52 Topps Mantle for is a nicer copy.

[marvymelvin]

Here is the picture I promised. It is nicely centered with no stains, tears, holes, or paper loss. I appreciate the discussion. Thanks for all of your thoughts.

I purchased it a number of years ago ungraded from an oldtimer whom I trust and whom had owned it for 30+ years. I just had my 50th bday so I guess I am an oldtimer now too. It was perfect timing as the going price for this card in this grade has gone up, alot. I had some fun money and I thought now or never.

After hundreds of hours if inspection and consultation with alot of helpful people, measuring, close inspection of edges, color, UV light inspection etc, no alterations were found. I felt confident in it. I figured I shouldn't buy/own one, even if slabbed, without an intimate knowledge of how to spot fakes, alterations etc.

Anyway, here it is. I am reluctant to post photos of it. Shortly after I bought it, a person/dealer posted the exact same card on the front page of his website, stating "buying" and "I just bought this card for...." (The original owner sent him a photo just prior to me purchasing it.)

Yes, no big deal, I know. But it did become a big deal for me when someone questioned the validity of my story of how I aquired the card because they saw it on the dealers website. My integrity is important to me. I asked the dealer/owner of the business/website, via email, more than once to take the picture down. No reply. Hmmm.

[stlcardsfan]

I would hold onto the '52 Topps. Too difficult to replace. Has the '51 Bowman's value increased as greatly as the Topps since you bought it? I doubt it, and I doubt it will in the future.

[pawpawdiv9]

Dude, I get that graded. I thinking this may grade a 1.5 with the centering. A hopeful 2 at best.

[bnorth]

Dude, I get that graded. I thinking this may grade a 1.5 with the centering. A hopeful 2 at best.

Pretty sure that it is already in a PSA slab.:)

[Peter_Spaeth]

Pretty sure that it is already in a PSA slab.:)

Yes not only does the pic show a slab but the OP said it was a PSA 1.

[irv]

I'd say it was graded correctly at a 1 based on what I have seen.

It's a nice card regardless but ultimately the decision is your's and your's only.

Personally, I'd keep it based on what has already been said in here.

I know if I ever got rid of mine, I would regret it for a very long time.

[nkesterke09]

Keep the 52 and just buy the 51 when your ready.... My 2 cents...

-Nic

[TUM301]

Keep the 52 and just buy the 51 when your ready.... My 2 cents...

-Nic

I`m with Nic and it seems like most other "54`ers" on this question.

[MattyC]

If the 51B is really exceptional for its grade, with both great centering and sharp registration, then I would go with that very rare specimen of the 51B.

If the 51B has the usual eye appeal issues, i.e., blurry and off-centered, I'd say definitely stick with the 52T. That example is nicely centered and will be hard to replace.

Best option, as has been said above, if it is possible snag a 51B and keep both! :)

[Bestdj777]

No way I'd ever trade that for a 51 Bowman. Your card is exceptional for the grade and would cost a ton to replace. Your in a position now where, if you decided you had to have both, you could pick up a poor 51 Bowman for a reasonable price. If you made the trade and decided you wanted the 52 Topps, you're gonna have to shell out a ton of money for a poor one that won't look nearly as nice as your specimen.