How much should I spend on a 1952 topps psa 1 Mantle?

[ALR-bishop]

I collect all Topps and Bowman sets, so I needed Mantle cards to complete sets. Since I like to collect hobby recognized variations with my sets, this unfortunately required 2 of the 52 Mantles.

I have some gold (not coins) as a diversification investment, but cards are just a hobby for me, albeit in some cases an expensive one.

I personally get a kick out of the debate about the value of the 52 Mantle card and how much some folks get so worked up about the rookie card thing. I do agree that it usually seems people who disparage the 52 Mantle card don't have it

Also agree that some of the Topps Mantle cards( not the 52) are among the rarest in the hobby, much more so than the T 206 Wagner. But they are from obscure sets with little recognition or following.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Putting the debate to one side, I do find it odd that SGC labels the 52T his rookie card, when clearly it is not.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Id rather have a PSA 1 graded authentic nicely centered mantle with non noticeable trimming and otherwise clear card or even have a small spot or two versus a destroyed super wrinkled PSA 1 card..

[PolarBear]

One thing for sure, people who own a 52 Mantle seem to have a deep emotional investment in it.

I rarely saw that level of emotional investment with coins. Those people generally didn't care what other people's opinions were.

Ok, so, debate aside, I'd take the card with vibrant color and creases over the dull, washed out card.

I'd still rather have a 51 Bowman though, and keep the change.