The value of the 52 Topps Mantle card is not about supply (there are thousands). It’s not completely about demand (AH’s only get 20-40 bids typically). It’s more about being a hobby transcending asset with unparalleled total valuation, which grows its allure and people’s willingness to pay (A LOT) in every generation. I’ve never met or read about a collector who said in retrospect, ‘Gosh I’m glad I sold that dog’ but rather reflect, ‘Money aside, I really regret selling that.’
The 52 Topps Mantle could be perhaps at a total valuation of $350MM (taking total # of each grade from total POP reports x avg price sold for at those grades, plus $25MM est. for each PSA 10, factoring a hypothetical 15% total pop reduction from cross over). By comparison, the 1909 T206 Wagner’s total valuation for all graded cards might be approx $160MM.
With the SGC 9.5 being the highest selling sports card in history at $12.5MM, it continues to be one of the most recognized and celebrated King of Collectibles. And aside from buying one yesterday, buying one today is the next best thing.
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