Which card is more iconic and desirable?
 

1951 Bowman Mantle or 1933 Goudey Ruth #53? Considering all things are equal.

I vote RUTH

I think Mantle since there are four different Ruth cards in the 1933 Goudey set.

Considering all things are equal, they are equally iconic and desirable.

In all seriousness, though, I can't decide -- they really are on the same level as viewed by collectors or hobbyists. Very close call, either way. It may depend mainly on your age, with the older crew being skewed towards Ruth.

If you're asking for personal opinions, it is the Ruth without question. I'd rather have a 52T Mantle than the 51B.

I think a 33 Goudey Ruth (any of the 4 variations) is more iconic. That said, I think the 51 bowman mantle has more upside, especially if the centering is good. So, as a collector, the Ruth. As an investor, the Mantle.

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Both iconic and desirable. Personally I would take the Mantle, I have the 51 Mays and they would make a great looking pair.

I'd take the Ruth.

Babe

Mantle

the ruth would be more universally desired...as it's perhaps the most desirable ruth card ever created ...esp for for the masses...and the masses prefer the 52 topps mantle.

It is definiely the Ruth. The 1933 Goudey Set is one of the Big 3 baseball sets and Ruth is the most iconic card in the set after Lajoie. Bowman cards have not been that popular. Even though its it Mantle's RC, it has never been that popular. The populations of 51B and 52T are similar, 2813 Bowmans graded by PSA vs. 2055 Topps, the demand is much lower for the RC.

For both iconic and desirable, the Ruth

I'd take Ruth but to me, this is the best pose. YMMV

I agree Leon.

I like the 1933 ruth 181 better:)

I've never liked any of the Goudey Ruths so for me definitely the Mantle.

Agree with Ruth, but I also go with #144.

For me it is the 51 Mantle by a mile over any Babe Ruth card.

Ruth. The 52 Topps Mantle (and Mays for that matter) tower over their 51 Bowman counterparts.

In size, yes. :D

Ruth. No question.

+1

+1

Haha, nice. :D

I gotta go Ruth. Such an iconic pose, and the ‘51 Mantle is in the massive shadow of the 52T

Edited to add, I assumed the one OP was talking about was the #144. That one is definitely the most iconic