1952 topps "rookies"

[pokerplyr80]

I think it started because even non collectors know the 52 Mantle and because it's so valuable they assume it's his rookie. I didn't realize that happens with the Mays as well. I don't think it will ever stop either but would assume anyone in the hobby realizes which cards are the true RCs.

[bobsbbcards]

When I was younger, I heard so often that the 1952 Topps Mantle was his rookie card that I became convinced that 1952 happened before 1951. I assumed it was only recently that years started occurring chronologically.

[ALR-bishop]

I was born in 1950 and distinctly remember 1952 coming after 1951. But why does anyone care if someone calls the Mantle 52 card a rookie card ? What is the accepted hobby definition of a rookie card ? Will exposing the 52 Mantle as a rookie card fraud decrease it's value relative to the 51 Bowman ?

Plus Bob is like me and was born old

[almostdone]

In my experience I've come to the conclusion that 99.9% of collectors know which Mantle is his rookie and which is not. The difference is that some people care about semantics much more than the rest.
Drew

[Rookiemonster]

When I was a kid and would frequent the cards show. I was told that 1952 topps was the rookies of both mantle and mays.this made me want those cards. I don't think I knew about 1951 Bowman being the true rookie for a few more years.thats when my interest turned to that. So it does create a want for the 52s
That might not have been as strong if not for "a rookie mistake"💥

As far as what if changing the designation.I don't know if it will change the value, but I believe it already has.

[Leon]

The '52 Topps might be the all time most collected set of baseball cards. It is also (arguably) better looking than '51 Bowman. Personally I have never thought the '52 Mantle was his rookie. It is the other characteristics that make the '52 more desirable and valuable. But it's not his rookie card.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

I remember when the "rookie" card became a big deal around 1979 or 80. I thought then as I do now, what difference does it make that it is someone's first card? They are printed in equal numbers for the most part with other cards, it is just a card, why should it be worth more than say his third year card?

Of course high numbers and short prints are another matter as far as value is concerned.