PSA 9 52 Topps Mantle sells for $5.2M

[Seven]

Originally Posted by packs

The problem with this card is that it has two lives. There is the public life among outsiders who view this card as an iconic "grail" (which is a status I don't think many advanced collectors would agree with) and then there is the collector view who still see the card as iconic but also vastly over priced.

As Mantle-age fans exit the hobby there may be a reckoning ahead for the 52 Mantle.

If I didn't already have one I'd start making plans to buy the 51 Bowman instead. It is Mantle's actual rookie card and in my opinion a far superior image. The value seems stable as well or perhaps even primed to rise being it's an actual rookie card.

So I partially agree with this theory, in the sense that I think as the Mantle Age fans exit the hobby, more Mantle's,from all years, both raw and graded, will become available.

As the name and Icon obviously imply, Mantle is my main collecting draw. He was my Dad's favorite player. We started collecting together. I'm 26, Mantle died before I was born, but he's the reason I collect. Sure I've branched out to other Area's of vintage, but The Mick, is the main focus.

As it for being a "Grail" I think among the Post War section of the Hobby it would probably be, "The" Card to own. I do think it's a beautiful card but I would also agree that his 51 Bowman Issue is better.

Also his 52 Bowman Issue gets neglected by the guys that are dropping millions on his 52 Topps. I love his Bowman Issue from that year, and I look forward to owning one eventually.