The most grossly overrated card of all time...

[brian1961]

..."lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."

Jason, I'm right there with you on the grossly overrated status of rookie cards.

After 10-15 years of the organized adult hobby (69-84), collectors started to enjoy and hence created the category of rookie card collecting. Dealers immediately sensed this, and were naturally more than willing to jack up their current prices for rookie cards. I mean, they were plum pleased to take advantage of the situation. As they marked up the prices, collectors just assumed that meant they really were more important, which was kinda stupid. The only exception was the argument of Mickey Mantle's rookie card.

Those who owned the Bowman could never convince the owners of the '52 Topps which card was more significant. If they had just shut up and been content that the 51 Bowman was naturally important in and of itself, regardless of which one was recognized as the official rookie. But no, they wanted all the marbles. Truth will out, collectors love them both, but the 52 Topps is the most significant and valuable of the two. ---Brian Powell

[Peter_Spaeth]

71 Munson. Second year card of a non HOFer. Please.

[Peter_Spaeth]

PS 51B Mantle is a smallish card with not much eye appeal to commend it and a relatively unattractive image. It has picked up recently, but I don't see it ever approaching the 52T with good reason.

[GregC]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

PS 51B Mantle is a smallish card with not much eye appeal to commend it and a relatively unattractive image. It has picked up recently, but I don't see it ever approaching the 52T with good reason.

I agree that the 51B will never touch the 52T but strongly disagree on the opinion that it lacks eye appeal. The pose, blue sky and clouds, the random telephone pole in the background...such an idyllic image. IMO it is grossly underrated.

[bn2cardz]

Originally Posted by GregC

I agree that the 51B will never touch the 52T but strongly disagree on the opinion that it lacks eye appeal. The pose, blue sky and clouds, the random telephone pole in the background...such an idyllic image. IMO it is grossly underrated.

I actually prefer the 51 and 52 bowman. I know I will always be in the minority on that, and I may still never own them because when it comes to spending that amount of money I find prewar cards I still prefer.

I do agree that no Mantle (or even any post war card) will take down the 52 Topps Mantle in regards to popularity. It is an iconic card, whether I agree with the reasons or not.

[rats60]

The answer to this question has to be the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan. At its peak it was 1500.00. I've sold them as high as 1200.00. It is still 850.00 for NM. The 1968 Bench is 160 NM. In the mid 80's these cards were equal in price. The are both from the same year in low series (Ryan-2nd, Bench-3rd). Bench is arguably the greatest catcher of all time, Ryan is a very good pitcher, but not really elite.

[MattyC]

The aesthetics are the very height of subjectivity. I know many guys who adore the 51B image. Very tranquil pastel background. Those puffy clouds. Both are great cards and great images, IMO.