It has been my experience over several fields of collectibles that rare and significant (in this case, the significance derives from the fact that it is Mantle) wins out in the long run. In coins, see the six-figure values attached to colonials and territorial gold when 15 or less are known. That was definitely not the case in the early '90's. Same with cars: '71 Hemi Cuda convertible (about 12 made; worth seven figures, and not considered a very good combination at the time of its manufacture due to the awesomely heavy 426 hemi motor, coupled with the heavier weight of the convertible and less stiffness in that body style--cowl shake, anyone?); and '67 L-88 Corvette (with the very radical, race-only 427--just 20 made, and who knows how many survived? Not even known of by many Corvette enthusiasts of the time; now $3-$4 million dollars all day long).
Similarly, Shelby's Daytona Cobra Coups, an aerodynamic design by Pete Brock in the sixties, were obsolete race cars by the late '60's to early seventies, and someone bought all six for $12,000--Shelby was glad to get rid of them, Now? 22 million dollars apiece, per Automobile Magazine.
Thinking a little outside the box may get you miles ahead in the long run--it's your chance to take!
Best of luck in collecting,
Larry
Last edited by ls7plus; 10-07-2016 at 04:16 PM.
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