The 1952 Topps Mantle is Overpriced and Over-hyped

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

Being the most iconic card of one of the most iconic sets of all time certainly helps. While unusual it's not the only example. I remember a thread from a few years back in this very subject, second year cards worth more than rookies. Most other examples were due to the popularity of the issue or condition sensitivity (Thurman Munson).

And yes Matt that 51 Mantle won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I do personally feel the card is undervalued and have considered adding another. Even if I do, I will keep this one too.

Right, but compare it to the 52T Mays, also a second year card and while of course popular, not remotely in the same price class as Mantle. Not a high number, but Mantle being a double print makes up for a lot of that. I think it's hard to explain objectively. It's just one of those things.

[pokerplyr80]

True, I have no idea when it started, but at some point collectors decided that was the card to have. I'm sure similar arguments could be made about the t206 Wagner. He has cards issued earlier, and others that are more rare.

They're so iconic that many not in the hobby have heard of them. Perhaps similar to that stamp with the upside down air plane. I have never collected stamps and probably never will, but I've heard of that one. And if I was only going to buy one, that's the one I'd want.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Go for it.

Inverted Jenny
Nature of rarity Invert error
No. in existence 100
Face value 24 US¢
Estimated value US $1,593,000

[Jetsfan]

I’d personally take one, so much so that I’d even be happy with one centered 60/40

Adam

[pokerplyr80]

Well in this case it's the one I'd want but can't afford.

A better comparison may be the Star 101 and 86 Fleer Jordan. Not quite the same because of how the star cards were issued, but it came first and is much more rare. The Fleer is much more popular and is also referred to as a rookie card.

But whatever the reasons, the 52 Mantle has cemented its place in the hobby. I love mine, and it will always be the centerpiece of my collection.

[Peter_Spaeth]

The third year Jordan Fleer card is definitely overpriced and overhyped.

[Republicaninmass]

Cant beat even a low grade Mick

[MattyC]

Gotta shout out Ted whenever he posts that signed Mick! God that is an awesome piece bro well done yet again.

[profholt82]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

The third year Jordan Fleer card is definitely overpriced and overhyped.

That I agree with. It's because there hadn't been a major mass produced NBA set for a number of years prior to the 86 Fleer, so it became a big deal. But it's as if collectors just pretend that the Star sets don't exist. I recall back when Beckett began putting out the basketball guide in the early 90s that the Star sets were always listed. So I'm not sure why that brand has become so forgotten nowadays. But yeah, multiple years of Jordans came out in Star before that 86 Fleer set.

[darwinbulldog]

Originally Posted by profholt82

That I agree with. It's because there hadn't been a major mass produced NBA set for a number of years prior to the 86 Fleer, so it became a big deal. But it's as if collectors just pretend that the Star sets don't exist. I recall back when Beckett began putting out the basketball guide in the early 90s that the Star sets were always listed. So I'm not sure why that brand has become so forgotten nowadays. But yeah, multiple years of Jordans came out in Star before that 86 Fleer set.

In Mantle's case though the rookie card is cheaper. The '84 Star Jordan sells for at least twice what the '86 Fleer goes for in the same condition.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

True, I have no idea when it started, but at some point collectors decided that was the card to have...

There was a copy which sold at auction for $3,000 around 1980. It was a mainstream news story which greatly increased the popularity of baseball card collecting.

This was a tremendous amount of amount of money for a card which was (at that point) less than 30 years old. It sent many people scrambling to find their childhood collection, visions of dollar signs dancing in their minds.

The hobby took a meteoric rise throughout the 80s, with this card being top-of-mind for many new collectors. That "first impression" has proven to be quite a lasting one.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by Eric72

There was a copy which sold at auction for $3,000 around 1980. It was a mainstream news story which greatly increased the popularity of baseball card collecting.

This was a tremendous amount of amount of money for a card which was (at that point) less than 30 years old. It sent many people scrambling to find their childhood collection, visions of dollar signs dancing in their minds.

The hobby took a meteoric rise throughout the 80s, with this card being top-of-mind for many new collectors. That "first impression" has proven to be quite a lasting one.

The interesting thing is $3000 adjusted for inflation in 2022, would be a touch over $10,500, which nowadays, cannot even afford you a 1952 Mantle, even in its worst condition.

[brian1961]

Friends, I hunted and hunted for this little hobby relic. My dear son loaded up the return letter I received from Larry Fritsch in answer to my inquiry if he had a really nice 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle available for sale. Though the letter does not specifically state "1952 Topps", trust me, that was the card. I saved it as a souvenir. Sure wish I had that virtually incomparable Mantle back, but my wife and I are happily living in a nice house. My son is married now, but he kindly helped me get this letter on here for those of you who might be amused.

--- Brian Powell

[Peter_Spaeth]

What a great document.

[Exhibitman]

$25 in 1973...if my father had bought 10 of them...

[profholt82]

Originally Posted by brian1961

Friends, I hunted and hunted for this little hobby relic. My dear son loaded up the return letter I received from Larry Fritsch in answer to my inquiry if he had a really nice 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle available for sale. Though the letter does not specifically state "1952 Topps", trust me, that was the card. I saved it as a souvenir. Sure wish I had that virtually incomparable Mantle back, but my wife and I are happily living in a nice house. My son is married now, but he kindly helped me get this letter on here for those of you who might be amused.

--- Brian Powell

That's wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

[Foo3112]

Thats a neat little letter. I love how he called $25 "steep". Minimum wage was $1.60 in 1973. Today, that's the equivalent of $10.50. $25 Back then (1973) would be comparable today to $164 (2022).

Thats so crazy. Goes to show that buying a 52 Mantle is always a good decision. Even with cards going down (but many still above from what they were just two years ago), the Mantle still continues to climb. Unfortunately, it's one of those cards that if you are saving up for, by the time most acquire the funds, the card rose in value again making it almost unattainable.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by brian1961

Friends, I hunted and hunted for this little hobby relic. My dear son loaded up the return letter I received from Larry Fritsch in answer to my inquiry if he had a really nice 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle available for sale. Though the letter does not specifically state "1952 Topps", trust me, that was the card. I saved it as a souvenir. Sure wish I had that virtually incomparable Mantle back, but my wife and I are happily living in a nice house. My son is married now, but he kindly helped me get this letter on here for those of you who might be amused.

--- Brian Powell

That is great, Brian. Thanks for sharing.
.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Eric72

There was a copy which sold at auction for $3,000 around 1980. It was a mainstream news story which greatly increased the popularity of baseball card collecting.

This was a tremendous amount of amount of money for a card which was (at that point) less than 30 years old. It sent many people scrambling to find their childhood collection, visions of dollar signs dancing in their minds.

The hobby took a meteoric rise throughout the 80s, with this card being top-of-mind for many new collectors. That "first impression" has proven to be quite a lasting one.

I'm not sure if it's the same one, but the shop I hung out at then bought a very nice one for about that much around that time. They had it framed on the wall for a while.

I don't hate the card*, and wouldn't pass one up if the right opportunity came along.(and yes, all you elitist "money is everything" guys for me that would require a miracle)
Is it a cool card that people have decided is THE card? Sure.
I just look at it as a card that's readily available to anyone with enough money. Checkbook collecting doesn't excite me.

What is more cool to me is having a collectible that is more special for reasons other than just being worth a bunch of money. Things that are often a bit obscure, usually too much for them to have a very high value. And my favorites are ones I found and saw what was special about it.

*Seriously, how can you hate a card... I probably like all of them a bit more than I should.