I actually like his 51 Bowman card, a lot...but, here's my analysis.
His true rookie card? The 51 Bowman. Not much to debate.
But...
His more desirable, more iconic, better looking, better investment card? The 52 Topps. The most important card, in the most important post-war set.
Look at some of the greatest players in history, and their "rookie" cards versus their "best" cards...not always the same, actually often different...
Cobb- T206, Cracker Jack
Joe Jackson- T210, Cracker Jack
Etc.
To me, "rookie" cards started mattering more in the 60's & 70's (and beyond), whereas 50's and pre-war, it's a more complicated formula, which leans towards rarity & beauty, which equates to desirability, and ultimately value.
Incidentally...PSA has graded 1888 51 Bowman Mantles...vs 1502 52 Topps Mantles. So, actually, even though it was "double printed"...there's less of them out there. Just sayin'.
Last edited by MVSNYC; 11-06-2017 at 09:26 PM.
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