Almost all of the stuff I wanted/bid on, and watched closely, in Heritage blew well beyond my higher-end estimates. Specifically, the E107 Wagner and Mathewson. I was the immediate underbidder on the Wagner and in the mix for the Matty, and I was motivated. But they both got to a price I felt was nonsensical and I let them go. It sucks when you think for months you will own something, but get left at the altar bid night.
Regarding the 1952 Topps Mantle, specifically mid-lower grades -- I generally agree that a rising tide lifts all boats. Plus, it seems that Mantle is particularly hot right now. That said, there are very many 1952 Topps Mantles available and I think that will impact the "rising tide". This past Heritage auction had 3, not including the signed one, and the next Heritage auction has 5, not including the one in the complete set. Memory Lane has a 3.5. REA had 3. There are over 25 different 1952 Topps Mantles on Ebay. 1952 Mantles are common, especially in sub-5 grades.
By contrast, high-grade Mantles are not common. Indeed, they are fairly rare. I think the rarity/common disparity will serve to push higher-grade Mantles, while he is especially hot, but put a lid on the growth of lower-mid grade examples.
Good looking, well-centered examples are an exception -- these, too, are harder to come by and I think they are the boats that will be lifted by the rising tide of high-grade Mantle sales.
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