any guess on how many 52 mantles exist??

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

How many raw ones have you seen in the last 15 years? I think I've seen a total of 1

I've seen one raw one amongst just the people on this thread, lol.

Honestly one in 15 yrs? I have not paid attention, but quite a few. Granted a good percent of those were likely slabbed after but only if someone was planning on selling. I admit that I have bought tons of slabbed cards, but never put in a submission once.

Not everyone needs to use those services. If I like a card and do not plan on sellng I will keep it raw because I like it better. Many people are like that. I hate the ugliness of PSA holders, like the black surround of a SGC and feel that Beckett slabs are the most presentable of all. Saying that, I prefer the raw best.

I would grade if I was selling, but until then it waits. I have talked to many collectors, especially the long timers that are more than happy not grading. It's a reason I hold very little faith in population reports.

A true number of survivors will always be conjecture and opinion. I have a different opinion than most, but I do not feel the Mantle is rare at all other than in pristine form. Any card that can be found in multiples of 20+ any day of the week on ebay is not rare.

[Republicaninmass]

Not everyone needs to use those services. If I like a card and do not plan on sellng


As you mentioned All those people in retirement communities with Mantle's in their closets would plan on selling and need the money. My 90 yeard old grandmother knows the value of baseball cards through tv and the Internet.


I agree that people saved Ruth and Mantle anything, but I just cant see that many people collecting expensive baseball cards, still having them and not knowing about them. The last big find of 52s was 1986, almost 30 years ago! Any "new to market" or "recently found" Mantles would have so much hype around it, we'd be the first community to hear.

[JustinD]

Difference in generational perspectives.

In a less selfish generation they do not sell items like this even if they know the value unless desperate. If you did your retirement planning right, you pass items like that to children or grandchildren or it is found later...much like 7 examples of an actual incredibly rare card of Ty Cobb you kept in a paper bag in your junk room.

It's fine to have a differing opinion. I know mine is different than most and I am comfortable with that.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by JustinD

Difference in generational perspectives.

In a less selfish generation they do not sell items like this even if they know the value unless desperate. If you did your retirement planning right, you pass items like that to children or grandchildren or it is found later...much like 7 examples of an actual incredibly rare card of Ty Cobb you kept in a paper bag in your junk room.

It's fine to have a differing opinion. I know mine is different than most and I am comfortable with that.

I am right there with you on your opinion on the 52 Mantle and graded cards.

I did however recently send in my first submission that was for cards I intend to keep. I bought a higher end complete 59 Fleer Ted Williams set. I like to look at and fondle my cards on a regular basis so I did it to protect the cards from myself. I am one of those guys who can ding all 4 corners just putting them in a penny sleeve.

[Republicaninmass]

To quote ocean's 12


"I'll be bouncing my last check"


Understable about genrational differences, but many of the elderly I speak to have gone through great lengths to help their children already. From simple tuition, to foreclosures and bankruptcies, it seems like grown ass adults are leaning more and more on their parents. It doesnt bother me either way, I hope many are discovered. It might correct the pricing trend. Although I think the signed ones are extremely limited, I can always hope!