When it comes to Mantle, is it better...

[bswhiten]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

I went for quantity. I got the low grade but presentable examples of everything I could, with some ragged cards and some nicer samples here and there when nothing that met the above criteria was available. To each his own though.

+1
And I am doing mostly oddballs now since his base cards are so plentiful at mid grade. All Mantle's are awesome! Good luck!

Ben

[AGuinness]

I think that part of the benefit of collecting anything is the decision-making process, figuring out your priorities and adapting. Even if you're unsure of what you want (quantity vs. quality), dive in and see what happens. More than likely, you'll quickly find out if you made the choice that's right for you, and if not, adjust.

[jchcollins]

Totally your preference. Sometimes quantity is quality, and sometimes it's worth it to sacrifice to get that one really cherry card you've wanted for a long time. Difficult decision with Mantle more than most since in comparison to his comps, his dollar value in the vintage card game outshines everyone regardless and likely will for the foreseeable future.

My first Mantle base card (as a kid, I was about 11) was an absolutely destroyed, waterlogged 1965 Topps #350 that the kid down the street traded me. It was still in it's toploader and had been dropped in the toilet or in a lake or something, and literally still had water in it. If you had tried to take the card out, it would have disentigrated into a zillion pieces of mush.

The nicest Mantle I've ever had (that I really couldn't afford, which is why I don't have it still...) was probably a 1959 Topps #10 PSA 7.

Right now I make do with a lower grade but presentable '56 Topps that I've had since I was about 14, and a (nicer looking than the grade) PSA 5 '62 Topps #200...which you've seen, as I think we discussed over on the pickups thread. Your '61 is a very nice card!

[Sportscards1086]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Totally your preference. Sometimes quantity is quality, and sometimes it's worth it to sacrifice to get that one really cherry card you've wanted for a long time. Difficult decision with Mantle more than most since in comparison to his comps, his dollar value in the vintage card game outshines everyone regardless and likely will for the foreseeable future.

My first Mantle base card (as a kid, I was about 11) was an absolutely destroyed, waterlogged 1965 Topps #350 that the kid down the street traded me. It was still in it's toploader and had been dropped in the toilet or in a lake or something, and literally still had water in it. If you had tried to take the card out, it would have disentigrated into a zillion pieces of mush.

The nicest Mantle I've ever had (that I really couldn't afford, which is why I don't have it still...) was probably a 1959 Topps #10 PSA 7.

Right now I make do with a lower grade but presentable '56 Topps that I've had since I was about 14, and a (nicer looking than the grade) PSA 5 '62 Topps #200...which you've seen, as I think we discussed over on the pickups thread. Your '61 is a very nice card!

I have my eyes on a nice 1957 PSA 4 here in town for about 400. It's centered pretty well. If I end up pulling the trigger, I will post a pic.

The nicest one I've had was a 69 in BVG 8 and a Stand Up in a BVG 7


Post a pic of your 56 jchcollins!!

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by Sportscards1086

Post a pic of your 56 jchcollins!!

Here 'tis. Lower right corner would likely keep it at an A or 1, but dig that centering... I've had it since about 1990.

[Sportscards1086]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Here 'tis. Lower right corner would likely keep it at an A or 1, but dig that centering... I've had it since about 1990.

That is a pretty one and well centered!!!

[Sportscards1086]

Here's my 57 I got today...

[Sportscards1086]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Here 'tis. Lower right corner would likely keep it at an A or 1, but dig that centering... I've had it since about 1990.

Leave it raw.

[MattyC]

Originally Posted by AGuinness

I think that part of the benefit of collecting anything is the decision-making process, figuring out your priorities and adapting. Even if you're unsure of what you want (quantity vs. quality), dive in and see what happens. More than likely, you'll quickly find out if you made the choice that's right for you, and if not, adjust.

Well said, sir!

[MarcosCards]

My comment to the OP is that you’ve received some excellent advice here. Also, you’ve presented photos of some wonderful Mantles in your collection!

By the way, I just noticed, for the first time, that in the photo on the ‘58 All Star card, Mickey’s uniform has a stain on the right knee. Very cool. If he really strode into a pitch when batting right handed, the violence of his swing would cause his knee to make contact with the dirt.

[Sportscards1086]

Originally Posted by MarcosCards

My comment to the OP is that you’ve received some excellent advice here. Also, you’ve presented photos of some wonderful Mantles in your collection!

By the way, I just noticed, for the first time, that in the photo on the ‘58 All Star card, Mickey’s uniform has a stain on the right knee. Very cool. If he really strode into a pitch when batting right handed, the violence of his swing would cause his knee to make contact with the dirt.

Thank you.

Good point about the knee. Never thought of that...lol