I think the hobby would still be about the way it is now. Maybe with a bit of a twist, maybe not.
There would probably be a different card taking the place of the 52 Mantle, and yes the 51B would be a bigger deal.
The things that make a "great" collectible.. Rare but not too rare. Just enough to be hard to find but not impossible for someone with enough money.
A very popular subject. Mantle fits the bill nicely.
A good story... The harbor dumping, Honus not wanting to promote smoking, the story makes the card just that much better, and if it's the reason the card is tough, so much the better.
A couple candidates for " That card if the mantle wasn't made.
The 52T Robinson. same series, iconic player, also played in NY, (Hate to admit it, but that matters a LOT)
54 Bowman Williams. Great player, tough card, and a bit of a decent story, although contractual disputes don't quite get us there...
59 Fleer Ted signs.. Pretty much the same.
Or, the "winner" might be
From one of the less known regional sets.
Or some variation.
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