New collector here...

[clydepepper]

Hello Scott & Welcome.

Since I certainly wouldn't consider myself an expert (there are a lot of legitimate experts on this forum), I can only offer my own tastes when it comes to Mantle cards.

Check as many sources as possible to get an idea of the current market for any individual card and if it is in your financial 'wheelhouse', and the seller has a good track record, go for it.

The '51 Bowman has remained out of my reach thus far, as I prefer at least a mid-grade of PSA-5 for my collection.

I was able to pick up the other two you mentioned a few years ago for a price I could handle.

Lots of folks will grab even a 'beater' just to get on board, but that's not me. My Mantle cards are all for my permanent collection (however long that will be), and I only change them out when I see an upgrade I can afford.

Again, this is just my habits ; you should make your own...and good luck to you!

- and again welcome to an invaluable source and collection of hobby knowledge.

You'll need to search threads in the Postwar area of the site to get more pertinent information on Mantles.

-Raymond

[Harliduck]

Welcome!

Been here a while off and on and can tell you I've learned A LOT. One bit of advice that was given to me that paid off was using the Search function. I had tons of questions and needed some info and learned here that if it's happened in the hobby, it's been talked about ad naseum here. This site has enhanced my love of the hobby for sure...and has me better educated to boot...

[scdoc69]

Thank you all so much for your kind words and advice. I can already feel at ease here in this forum. Thanks again.
Scott.