Better Investment: '51 Bowman Mantle or '52 Topps Mantle?

[scmavl]

I really like the '51 Bowman Mantle, as it's his true rookie card. Also, you can get a lot more card for the money (a PSA 3 for $2000-2500). I'd like to know which would hold better investment potential in the long run?

A '52 Topps, it would be a PSA 1 or A at best, whereas one could get a 3 (or better) in the '51 Bowman. However, the Topps is such an iconic card, I feel it may appreciate more or at least hold it's value better over time.

Thoughts?

[HRBAKER]

I have neither card currently. I would think that a PSA1 '52 Topps Mantle holds a very limited potential for appreciation unless it is a "1" only in technical sense and has the appearance of a much better card. In that instance though you are not going to buy it for PSA1 money most likely. I think that the Topps will always be the most iconic of the the two because you can't rewrite history at this point but you may have a better chance for appreciation as a percentage of investment with a clean looking
"3" in the '51B.

[VinTX]

all due respect to Jeff, I have to disagree. A PSA 1 will typically bring anywhere from 10-15% of what the card books for raw in NM, in the case of the '52 topps Mantle a PSA 1 is gonna go in the $3k range (actually seen a few go right around there and they looked like someone had crumpled it up and played office basketball with it.)

If you look at the value histories of the two, the '52 Mantle has seen significant 'growth' in terms of its value where the '51 Bowman has remained more stable. So from a purely investment standpoint with hope of future appreciation of value, I'd probably go with the '52. However, as a true collector its a crapshoot because both have their own 'mystique'

Just my two cents

[HRBAKER]

No offense taken, believe me. I may be all wet. What you are betting on is that there will continue to be an increasing number of people who feel the compulsion to own this iconic card so much that it will continue to drive the price even for a ragged out copy. Long term there "may" be more "rookie" card collectors that may drive the Bowman as much or more. There is no doubt that the '52 Topps will always carry a mystique that the Bowman will never approach. At some point IMO that may matter less than it does today comparatively. I have owned both cards in the past and if I had to pick one I would prefer the Topps. But if my choice were a PSA1 Topps or a PSA3 or better Bowman for the same coin and the PSA1 Topps looked like a derserving PSA1, I going Bowman.

[hunterdutchess]

I'd go for the 51, I believe the mystique of the 52 Mantle might fade a bit when the generation of collectors who were around when he played are gone, then his true rookie should gain greater value. But if a 52 is what you always wanted then go for it!

[mintacular]

52--big is better, it's all about the image that's all that matters. also i haven't looked at the pop report but i would guess there are many more 51 bowmans than 52 topps mantles so in that sense supply is always on the side of the 52 not to mention demand too....