1952 Topps Mantle; Worth It In Any Condition?

[HappyJack41]

Originally Posted by MattyC

When one accounts for the large amount of crackouts and crossovers, there are probably around 1300 or so graded by SGC and PSA. It is simply specious logic to try and disparage the hobby's most desired postwar icon by citing that number-- because the demand simply dwarfs it. Hence the prices examples fetch.

There could be five of a card on earth; if no one wants it, it's worthless. Like the card or not-- most do love it, and most do want one. And the relationship between the number of Mantles and those who want one is such that prices are what they are. If that relationship was the same as the UD Griffey, the card would cost the same as the Griffey. Sheer supply is only part of the equation, and focusing only on part will fail to give an accurate, complete picture.

Then a whole separate discussion is the difference between an average looking example and a beauty. Of all the examples extant, how many are off centered, tilted, or otherwise suffering in the eye appeal department? The rather fierce competition for the better looking specimens in turn makes it a desired piece, even in rough condition-- it becomes what some call an, "I just want to own a copy" card. The CJ Shoeless was like that for me-- an icon I could not find or afford in great shape, but was just overjoyed to even own a beater.

As to the future, no one knows-- but as a collector in his 30s, I can say that I and the probably twenty or so collectors I know between 30 and 35 all love and pursue the card. Our children already know how much it means to us, and all the reasons why, and some of those children may in turn grow up valuing the card. The same way I value a Gehrig or Ruth or others I never saw play. Heck, I never saw Mantle play; that doesn't prohibit me or others my age from studying the game, and becoming fans of past players, and wanting to collect them. That does not even factor in how, to a baseball card collector, certain cards-- especially the 1952 Topps Mantle-- have an historical value and cachet to the collecting hobby, beyond being an early card representing a great player.

Collectors in their 30s have a few good decades left to support the card. As do collectors in their 40s. So over the next few decades many of us will be enjoying either the hunt for or ownership of a cherished card.

It was mentioned that the prices began to skyrocket in the 80s. That means we have a 30+ year trend in progress, of this card being quite expensive. That is quite a long history.

Ultimately, collecting is a deeply personal endeavor and no one is ever forcing anyone else what cards to buy. That's why I always question why some take a supercilious stance against cards others like, and how another man wants to spend his hard-earned money. A collector just needs to be happy with cards, that's all. If the owner of that PSA 1 card is happy, that's all that matters.

Spoken like a true biased owner of a 1952 Mantle.......lol, just busting your balls. In all seriousness at the end of the day collectors are just grasping at straws just to own an abundantly available card. Buyer's remorse almost always sets in when dealing with pieces of trash such as this example. Which is why they're CONSTANTLY right back up for sale soon after the collector "get's it out of his system". Seen it time and time again over the past 20 years in this hobby.