Quote:
Originally Posted by Delray Vintage
I have seen 1952 Topps prices double in the past 5 years. I am the beneficiary since I have a PSA 6 which I bought for 18k. I am just wondering why this dramatic rise? I know it is always supply and demand. It seems collectors are holding them, as the REA auction did not have a quality mantle for sale this year. The 51 Bowman PSA 8 is going crazy at Memory Lane. Is this just all those wealthy Yankee fans who must have the early Mantles? Just wondering what you guys think. Will the bubble burst or will price rises continue at higher grades?
Bob
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Logically one would think the Mantle shouldn't be so expensive. It was a double print. The Eddie Matthews is far, far scarcer, yet worth only a fraction.
The key to remember is that the Mantle transcends the hobby. It's a symbol of value and rarity. It's an American icon, right up there with Coca Cola and Norman Rockwell. There are many who seek this card for its notoriety, and as an investment.
So while the card has a larger population relative to other high numbers in the 52 series, there is also a much larger group of people who want it, to the exclusion of the other cards in the set. Some might buy the Mantle and nothing else, just to say they've got one. So the ratio of available Mantles to interested buyers is significant, hence the higher price.