'52 Topps Mantle PSA 1 or '51 Bowman Mantle PSA 4

[Johnny630]

Keep the 52 Topps Mantle, save some cash to buy a 51 when the US economy goes into resession. IMO Those are always the best time to buy high end cards.

[savedfrommyspokes]

I am in the exact same position.....I have a lower grade 52 Topps Mantle and am missing the 51 Bowman Mantle to finish my 51 set. The 51 B set will just have to remain unfinished until I can save up enough to find the Mantle to finish it. The only thing I would trade my 52 Topps Mantle for is a nicer copy.

[marvymelvin]

Here is the picture I promised. It is nicely centered with no stains, tears, holes, or paper loss. I appreciate the discussion. Thanks for all of your thoughts.

I purchased it a number of years ago ungraded from an oldtimer whom I trust and whom had owned it for 30+ years. I just had my 50th bday so I guess I am an oldtimer now too. It was perfect timing as the going price for this card in this grade has gone up, alot. I had some fun money and I thought now or never.

After hundreds of hours if inspection and consultation with alot of helpful people, measuring, close inspection of edges, color, UV light inspection etc, no alterations were found. I felt confident in it. I figured I shouldn't buy/own one, even if slabbed, without an intimate knowledge of how to spot fakes, alterations etc.

Anyway, here it is. I am reluctant to post photos of it. Shortly after I bought it, a person/dealer posted the exact same card on the front page of his website, stating "buying" and "I just bought this card for...." (The original owner sent him a photo just prior to me purchasing it.)

Yes, no big deal, I know. But it did become a big deal for me when someone questioned the validity of my story of how I aquired the card because they saw it on the dealers website. My integrity is important to me. I asked the dealer/owner of the business/website, via email, more than once to take the picture down. No reply. Hmmm.

[stlcardsfan]

I would hold onto the '52 Topps. Too difficult to replace. Has the '51 Bowman's value increased as greatly as the Topps since you bought it? I doubt it, and I doubt it will in the future.

[pawpawdiv9]

Dude, I get that graded. I thinking this may grade a 1.5 with the centering. A hopeful 2 at best.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Dude, I get that graded. I thinking this may grade a 1.5 with the centering. A hopeful 2 at best.

Pretty sure that it is already in a PSA slab.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Pretty sure that it is already in a PSA slab.

Yes not only does the pic show a slab but the OP said it was a PSA 1.

[irv]

I'd say it was graded correctly at a 1 based on what I have seen.

It's a nice card regardless but ultimately the decision is your's and your's only.

Personally, I'd keep it based on what has already been said in here.

I know if I ever got rid of mine, I would regret it for a very long time.