As a 10 year old starting to collect in 1984, rookie cards were definitely being hyped. My local card shop had Rose, Seaver, Brett, Yount RCs, etc. showcased. I don't remember exact prices, but my parents would give me $5 and I know those were out of my league. Even as a 10 year old, I was drawn to the older cards. That shop also had a Clemente RC and I do remember it was $100. I also remember buying some 1960's Clemente's with my $5 budget so I know RCs carried a pretty big premium back then.
My dad did end up buying me that Clemente RC in 1985 for my 11th birthday. Knowing my dad, I'm sure he negotiated and the card (which I still have) is not mint, but we didn't know about price guides back then.
It wasn't until around 1986-87 that I remember the rookie card craze getting out of control.
As for Mantle, the '51 Bowman is what I've always considered his RC.
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- Jason C.
***I've had 50+ successful BST transactions as both a buyer and a seller. Please feel free to PM me for references***
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