What would you do?

[Enfuego]

As many said before, the Mantle will always be there for as long as the hobby is alive and kicking. You have devoted alot of time, effort as well as funds to build your collection and I don't think flipping it for just one card (especially a low-grade) would be a wise decision. This is just my opinion, at the end of the day, you are grown and will do what best suits you. Hope this and all other opinions help you in your decision.

[kamikidEFFL]

Thanks for the responses again guys

[Big Ben]

I have flipped sets and cards in the past. Certainly not on the magnitude of what you are contemplating. If I trade a set, I like to get at least 3-4 quality cards in return. A lot of times, I look at trades like a stock portfolio in that I like to diversify with the cards I get in return. That is just me though... As many have stated on here, collect what you like. Just curious though. How many Gehrigs are involved in this potential trade?

[rjackson44]

Please keep the set

Just buy his '51 Bowman RC at a fraction of the price and keep the '34 set. That's what I decided to do with Mantle, but I never saw the '52 as a the white whale that many do either.

[kamikidEFFL]

I hear everyone and I just think being able to own a 52 mantle be something amazing. I mean growing up seeing that card that was the card to own. I don't know if down the line I'll have a chance to own one again. It's tough choice but I think everyone has made valid points. Yes I can rebuild the Goudey set or start a new set after. I can complete it and keep it then save up the money to buy a mantle. There is a lot I can do and I think I am leaning towards completing the set and down the line sell it to purchase the 52 mantle and hopefully a few other really nice pieces that one day I could possibly give to my own kids.

[Eric72]

Whatever your decision is, keep this one question (along with everything else) in mind. Which do you prefer, quantity or quality?

I realize that a case could be made, either way, as to which holding could be considered, "quality."

Perhaps when you determine if the quality of a '52 Topps Mantle you can afford by parting with the partial set you've accumulated outweighs the "quality" of the set you are currently assembling, the answer to your original question will become clearer.

Maybe the core question is this: are you a, "set builder" or do you approach the hobby differently?

Best regards,

Eric

[MattyC]

If you'd like to make the Mantle quest a fun and challenging one, seek out one that has really great eye appeal to you, whether you dig a perfect blue background, a specific variation, centering, sharp corners, whatever you dig; it's true the card can be had and it is one of those cards where (for the many who love it) just getting one in the collection is definitely a joy, but especially sweet ones don't surface all that often.