<< <i>If we're talking about a decade plus from now, man, so much can happen. Markets can crash. Comets can hit. Those who have the money and want high end Mantles will pay for them within the years between now and when the boomers die, because if you have the resources and want Mantle-X for Y-money, you're gonna pull the trigger instead of waiting so, so long for a possible dip in prices. Heck, I could meet any number of tragedies between now and the possible though immensely unlikely Mantle Crash, so I'm gonna enjoy the cards now
Even if such a wild dip occurred, speculators will likely recall the cards' historical value and snap them up, then gradually raising prices again. >>
People will sell their cards in the future because of the simple reason that there are things more important to them, e.g., medical bills to pay for, kids' college tuition, other "real" world things. That's why these cards will turnover, and why pop reports are important. There always need to be a supply of people who believe in the player and his cards to sustain the value. The 52 Mantle will probably continue to keep it's value and go up because like the T206 Wagner, it has entered the realm of iconic card. The 51 Bowman will probably do just fine because it's his key rookie. However, will the other Mantle's hold up? There are tons of 86 Jordan's, but you can arguably say that he is the greatest ever. He is the Babe Ruth of basketball. His name will never go away. However, has Mantle really been the greatest ever at anything? He was very, very good, no question, but the greatest? Highly doubtful. Will over time, will his cards become like Honus Wagner? You know his T206. You know he was a pretty good player. However, you ask any nonsports fans under 30, who's Honus Wagner, and 99% will give you a blank stare. You ask them who's Babe Ruth, and I would guess at least 50% would still know him. In the years ahead, will Mantle become like Wagner, with the big difference being that Mantle having roughly 100X the # of cards that Wagner had during his playing days?
Saying all of that, there have definitely been a lot of younger Mantle fans who have posted in this thread. So who knows? There are definitely a lot of reasons to like him as a player and a person, and that's been shown by his numerous fans.
A few years back, I collected the Topps Mantle reprints, and still have them somewhere--it was a neat little set, and at the time, such reprints were not yet commonplace. To a certain extent, the Mantle worship escapes me, particularly in light of what has come to light of his personal life--not that he ever tried to hide it, but the media certainly went out of its way to protect Mantle and hide his personal life from those who worshipped him. Also, as somebody who grew up in the midwest, it's annoying to me how any season that didn't result in a championship for a team from the northeast is essentially forgotten.
All that said, however, the original cards themselves were all very nicely done by Topps, even the reprints. So I can't fault anybody for seeking out these cards, and whether or not they want to pay the Mantle markup is their business. But if I had thousands of dollars to throw around on vintage cards of HOF players, I'd rather collect somebody like Frank Robinson, or Al Kaline--somebody whose cards are somewhat less ubiquitous, and lacking the Mantle markup.
I'm 39 and have every Mickey mantle card except the 53 bowman and 52 topps mantle. Mickey was my father's favorite player and got me into him young. He was one of the greatist to play the game. Even if he wasn't the best by playing in New York in the height of their glory years made him a legend. Everyone has at least heard of him and know who he played for even if you are not a baseball fan.
Turn 40 this year..I bought my first Mantle cards only a few years ago..I couldnt afford vintage back when I was a kid. Here are a few of my prized Mantle cards. I especially like the 69 white letter signed.
I'm 34 and have one Mantle in my collection....and it was the first Mantle I ever purchased. I started collecting in late 1985/early 1986. My Dad quasi collected with me. I think I was more into it than he was, but he liked it because it tied him back to his childhood and it was a way he could spend time with me. His favorite player growing up was Mickey Mantle, as was my uncle's who named his dog Mickey. My Dad told me to not buy the newer cards coming out, but to instead focus on the older cards (I wish I had taken the advice! Although we did buy a lot of older cards too) My father and I had gone to the baseball HOF Induction in 1987, and I knew we would be returning in 1988 again. I saved my money all year long to save up to buy a Mickey Mantle. I went to the card show in Cooperstown in 1988 (I was 10 years old) and bought my first Mickey Mantle. A 1966 for (I think) $36. This was an absolute ton of money for a 10 year old.
At 10 years old, I said at the time that one day I would own every single Mickey Mantle card. Unfortunately, I am still at a total of 1. It's a project I would still love to complete, as it takes me back to collecting with my Dad (who has since passed), but my HOF autograph collection has taken precedence.
The ironic thing, however, is that in the past 24 years since I have purchased that card raw, it really hasnt increased in value. I see one on ebay now that is probably in similar condition for a BIN of $49.95. I think the 10 year old who bought that card in Cooperstown in 1988 got ripped off! However, I wouldnt trade it for the world. It would probably be the one thing I would save in a fire.
I'm 39 and I collect Mantle. His cards will always be in demand. They define the 50's and 60's baseball card era. I'm too lazy to explain my rational, but I've summarized from the previous posts below:
<< <i>Give me Gretzky, Lemiuex, Jordan, Henderson, Ripken, Clemens, Rice, Montana, Marino, Brady, Shaq, etc. >>
I agree, but with the appropriate $$, all of those are easy to find/buy in high grade. Heck, most you can still pull from packs for <$100. Also, cards were already considered "valuable' and an investment by the time these came out, whereas the mantle cards were toys.
Why his cards will always be in demand, last decade, next decade, 2050, etc.:
<< <i>Younger generations appreciate not only legendary talent, but also the mystique of earlier eras. >>
and
<< <i>Even if he wasn't the best by playing in New York in the height of their glory years made him a legend. >>
and
<< <i>As to why Mantle costs more than so many other stars of yesteryear, I suppose his immense popularity and iconic stature, due to the zeitgeist simply embracing/anointing him, the big market, the title-winning teams, the fact he was a poster boy of sorts, it all comes together in a perfect storm. >>
My personal reasons for collecting him:
<< <i>There are very few of the existing collector base who saw Babe Ruth, Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb and the lists goes on and on. Micky Mantle and baseball cards are synonymous and over time it is my belief that the crop of collectors chasing his cards is not going to decline and his higher graded examples for sure will continue to rise in value. >>
and
<< <i>Not to mention, if you're a collector who's interested in the investment potential of your collection - there's no safer investment than high grade Mantles. >>
I am 46 and don't get the Mantle craze, I have none but would like to own 1 or 2 just because. My father who loved sports, baseball #1,said that Ted Williams was the greatest hitter ever and told me to collect him.Of course i didn't listen and loved watching Pete Rose and that Big Red Machine play and i collected all the Reds from 1953 to 1980 and finally stopped. I think the Mick craze comes from N.Y. Yankees fans from generations and he looked like the All American hero but listening to older folks my guess is that Mays, Aaron, Williams and Clemente were better at that time...
I'm 31 (and Matty C's little brother so maybe my opinion is tainted hahah) but I would love to someday get a few Mantles. I was very much into collecting in the 80's and 90's and even though basketball is my first love, Mantle cards always were the crown jewel of the hobby in my eyes. As CSC said, Mantle cards just inspire a sense of awe. 52 Topps, 51 Bowman, 56 Topps, 58 Topps...these are just absolutely gorgeous cards that any collector can appreciate.
Prices on Mantles will never go down because for whatever reason, they speak to a wider range of people that cross many generations. Why his cards dwarf Aaron, Mays and the like in value might not make as much sense to some that only look at the players performance but there is no denying that Mick symbolized more than just baseball.
I'm 40 and to me Mantle is representative of the golden era of baseball (and America). I have 8 of his cards. I also have other players that fit into the same era - Clemente Mays Aaron and the 1956 Topps Brooklyn Dodgers card...
Collecting all things Pittsburgh.
Completed my Clemente Basic Registry (2007 - 2014)!
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40 years old and don't care much about collecting Mantle cards.
Well, I do have a 1968 Mantle purchased in order to finish the set, but I don't not chase them. I believe his cards are overpriced, probably because he was a Yankee. I'd take other players over him, not in my all-time top 10.
It's just like Jeter. A very good player, future HOF, and too many people talk about him and card prices are also inflated. I'd take a guy like Chipper Jones over him any day.
Never lived in New York. Never thought he was the best player of his generation. Never wanted to spend an entire weeks paycheck on cards. Though I do like the stuff from the 50s, there are plenty of great options of things for a fraction of the cost of Mantle cards
For Yankee fans and for people who think he was better than Williams, Mays, Aaron, I can understand paying a premium. For others who have the funds and want to collect everything, I can understand why they wouldn't pass his cards like I do
I think just the opposite. I think that we are gradually learning more about the numbers of baseball. We are learning about the value of things like walks and hitting into double plays. We are learning statistics like OPS and OPS+. We are learning more and more about the game sabermetrically. As we do this, we will actually gather a greater appreciation of Mantle and his accomplishments. The hidden numbers actually support Mantle as the best player of his generation. And this, with the great fandom and support that the Yankees will continue to generate, will keep a healthy interest in Mantle cards for years to come. Will they continue to rise? Who knows? But, I do believe they will continue to hold their position as the #1 non-rookie non-short print card in the sets that they are in.
<< <i>I think just the opposite. I think that we are gradually learning more about the numbers of baseball. We are learning about the value of things like walks and hitting into double plays. We are learning statistics like OPS and OPS+. We are learning more and more about the game sabermetrically. As we do this, we will actually gather a greater appreciation of Mantle and his accomplishments. The hidden numbers actually support Mantle as the best player of his generation. And this, with the great fandom and support that the Yankees will continue to generate, will keep a healthy interest in Mantle cards for years to come. Will they continue to rise? Who knows? But, I do believe they will continue to hold their position as the #1 non-rookie non-short print card in the sets that they are in. >>
I am pretty disgusted by the lack of interest by the younger members on the board with baseball history in general. I am also in my early 30's and even though I never saw Mantle play, I have great appreciate for him and everyone of his era. It seems like this attitude of minimal appreciation for the past is pervasive in society in general.
I am 60 years old, collected as a kid, and started back seriously at age 28 or so. I am a Mantle collector. Here are my observations:
1. People have said for 30+ years that Mantle cards won't hold their value because he was overrated compared to others of his generation. How are the prices holding up, guys?
2. Mickey Mantle was not the best player of his generation. Players like Williams, Aaron, Mays, Clemente, Banks, and Musial were also super. They didn't play for the Yankees like he did. Mantle was on a lot of World Series teams; the other great ones of the era didn't get that opportunity.
3. Part of the appeal of Mantle was/is that he had a catchy name.
4. The HBO one-hour Mantle biography is a must-see.
5. It doesn't matter whether you like Mantle or whether you think he is overrated; his cards are always going to be more popular than the others of that era.
6. The 1952 Topps Mantle card is truly iconic and will always be more desirable than the 1951 Bowman. (I have the 1951 Bowman in PSA 5, but I don't have the 1952 Topps.)
7. As someone said in an earlier post, there are some truly beautiful Mantle items (cards and memorabilia). For example: 1959 Bazooka, 1960 Post Cereal, 1952 Topps, 1953 Topps, 1953 Bowman, etc.)
8. The last years of Mantle's life and his admission that he was not a role model but was a drunk added to the love he received because we all appreciated his humiity. Remember when he went before the cameras not long before he died and those things?
9. I still get a little weepy when I watch the HBO biography.
10. Joe DiMaggio was great, but I'll never have the love for him that I developed for Mantle over the years.
These are just my opinions, so please don't beat me up for being ignorant, old, senile, drunk, etc.
Always looking for Mantle cards such as Stahl Meyer, 1954 Dan Dee, 1959 Bazooka, 1960 Post, 1952 Star Cal Decal, 1952 Tip Top Bread Labels, 1953-54 Briggs Meat, and other Topps, Bowman, and oddball Mantles.
Thinking as you do Steve, I'd hope that would be the case then maybe I could swing a '52 Topps Mick; but I doubt that'll be the case. Wish I had been old enough to collect his '52 T in the early 80's when several hundred for one was a ripoff price. Now just 40, and love collecting all his other cards; only a '54 and '55 Bowman to go (other than a '52 topps.) Maybe one day!
I get it, in 40 years, people not even born yet will want 1952 Mantle cards or his cards in general.
That was the question.
I don't recall people saying for the past 30 years his cards would tank.
I'm simply saying that in 40 years time I don't see the buyers.
<< <i>I just want to see opinions on whether Mantle will stand the test of time and whether 40 years from now when all of the long time Mantle fans are gone, whether his cards will still be this popular. >>
Shheeesh! In 40 years time, yes, there will still be people looking to collect cards of the Mick. Do people: collect Ty Cobb items? Babe Ruth? Jimmy foxx? Christy mathewson? Etc. When was the last time they played? So, when it comes to cards of the Mick - there isn't going to be a lick of difference. Get back to me in 40 years and if you're right, ill happily buy dusty old mantles for pennies on the dollar, even in comparison to todays prices.
Comments
(bottom not trimmed, just reflection...)
<< <i>
<< <i>Steve I don't think you can use the answers from this thread to forecast a lack of buyers in the future. >>
>>
I know David, that's why I used words like 'may' and 'if'
<< <i>If we're talking about a decade plus from now, man, so much can happen. Markets can crash. Comets can hit. Those who have the money and want high end Mantles will pay for them within the years between now and when the boomers die, because if you have the resources and want Mantle-X for Y-money, you're gonna pull the trigger instead of waiting so, so long for a possible dip in prices. Heck, I could meet any number of tragedies between now and the possible though immensely unlikely Mantle Crash, so I'm gonna enjoy the cards now
Even if such a wild dip occurred, speculators will likely recall the cards' historical value and snap them up, then gradually raising prices again. >>
People will sell their cards in the future because of the simple reason that there are things more important to them, e.g., medical bills to pay for, kids' college tuition, other "real" world things. That's why these cards will turnover, and why pop reports are important. There always need to be a supply of people who believe in the player and his cards to sustain the value. The 52 Mantle will probably continue to keep it's value and go up because like the T206 Wagner, it has entered the realm of iconic card. The 51 Bowman will probably do just fine because it's his key rookie. However, will the other Mantle's hold up? There are tons of 86 Jordan's, but you can arguably say that he is the greatest ever. He is the Babe Ruth of basketball. His name will never go away. However, has Mantle really been the greatest ever at anything? He was very, very good, no question, but the greatest? Highly doubtful. Will over time, will his cards become like Honus Wagner? You know his T206. You know he was a pretty good player. However, you ask any nonsports fans under 30, who's Honus Wagner, and 99% will give you a blank stare. You ask them who's Babe Ruth, and I would guess at least 50% would still know him. In the years ahead, will Mantle become like Wagner, with the big difference being that Mantle having roughly 100X the # of cards that Wagner had during his playing days?
Saying all of that, there have definitely been a lot of younger Mantle fans who have posted in this thread. So who knows? There are definitely a lot of reasons to like him as a player and a person, and that's been shown by his numerous fans.
Lou Gehrig Master Set
Non-Registry Collection
Game Used Cards Collection
All that said, however, the original cards themselves were all very nicely done by Topps, even the reprints. So I can't fault anybody for seeking out these cards, and whether or not they want to pay the Mantle markup is their business. But if I had thousands of dollars to throw around on vintage cards of HOF players, I'd rather collect somebody like Frank Robinson, or Al Kaline--somebody whose cards are somewhat less ubiquitous, and lacking the Mantle markup.
At 10 years old, I said at the time that one day I would own every single Mickey Mantle card. Unfortunately, I am still at a total of 1. It's a project I would still love to complete, as it takes me back to collecting with my Dad (who has since passed), but my HOF autograph collection has taken precedence.
The ironic thing, however, is that in the past 24 years since I have purchased that card raw, it really hasnt increased in value. I see one on ebay now that is probably in similar condition for a BIN of $49.95. I think the 10 year old who bought that card in Cooperstown in 1988 got ripped off! However, I wouldnt trade it for the world. It would probably be the one thing I would save in a fire.
<< <i>Give me Gretzky, Lemiuex, Jordan, Henderson, Ripken, Clemens, Rice, Montana, Marino, Brady, Shaq, etc. >>
I agree, but with the appropriate $$, all of those are easy to find/buy in high grade. Heck, most you can still pull from packs for <$100. Also, cards were already considered "valuable' and an investment by the time these came out, whereas the mantle cards were toys.
Why his cards will always be in demand, last decade, next decade, 2050, etc.:
<< <i>Younger generations appreciate not only legendary talent, but also the mystique of earlier eras. >>
and
<< <i>Even if he wasn't the best by playing in New York in the height of their glory years made him a legend. >>
and
<< <i>As to why Mantle costs more than so many other stars of yesteryear, I suppose his immense popularity and iconic stature, due to the zeitgeist simply embracing/anointing him, the big market, the title-winning teams, the fact he was a poster boy of sorts, it all comes together in a perfect storm. >>
My personal reasons for collecting him:
<< <i>There are very few of the existing collector base who saw Babe Ruth, Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb and the lists goes on and on. Micky Mantle and baseball cards are synonymous and over time it is my belief that the crop of collectors chasing his cards is not going to decline and his higher graded examples for sure will continue to rise in value. >>
and
<< <i>Not to mention, if you're a collector who's interested in the investment potential of your collection - there's no safer investment than high grade Mantles. >>
Prices on Mantles will never go down because for whatever reason, they speak to a wider range of people that cross many generations. Why his cards dwarf Aaron, Mays and the like in value might not make as much sense to some that only look at the players performance but there is no denying that Mick symbolized more than just baseball.
<< <i>He hurt his knee early in his career on a sprinkler or something in center field. >>
Cali, yep you are correct:
It was in 1951, in the 2nd game of the WS. DiMaggio was playing CF, Mantle was in Right.
Before the game Casey told Mickey to take whatever he could out there because JD's heel
was bothering him, up comes Willie Mays and he hits a ball towards RCF and Mantle going for it
found JD standing under it so as he tried to stop hecaught his foot on one of the drains.
Mickey
Completed my Clemente Basic Registry (2007 - 2014)!
Positive transactions with oakesy25,jasoneggert,swartz1,MBMiller25,gregm13,kid4hof03,HoopGuru33,Reese3333,BPorter26,Davemri,CuseSteve
Well, I do have a 1968 Mantle purchased in order to finish the set, but I don't not chase them. I believe his cards are overpriced, probably because he was a Yankee. I'd take other players over him, not in my all-time top 10.
It's just like Jeter. A very good player, future HOF, and too many people talk about him and card prices are also inflated. I'd take a guy like Chipper Jones over him any day.
You are under 40, let's say 35. You 'invest' 10k in a Mantle card (s).
(I know he asked 'do you collect')
Because let's face it, that's what many people are doing/thinking.
You pick the card (s), 40 years from now, you are now 75 years old,
do you really think that their will be buyers for your Mantle card (s)?
To a generation that was priced out of collecting?
Make that generations.
One of literally 100's of thousands?
And do you also believe that it will appreciate at a higher rate of return
than say other 'hard' items? Or, at the least keep pace with inflation?
For Yankee fans and for people who think he was better than Williams, Mays, Aaron, I can understand paying a premium. For others who have the funds and want to collect everything, I can understand why they wouldn't pass his cards like I do
<< <i>I think just the opposite. I think that we are gradually learning more about the numbers of baseball. We are learning about the value of things like walks and hitting into double plays. We are learning statistics like OPS and OPS+. We are learning more and more about the game sabermetrically. As we do this, we will actually gather a greater appreciation of Mantle and his accomplishments. The hidden numbers actually support Mantle as the best player of his generation. And this, with the great fandom and support that the Yankees will continue to generate, will keep a healthy interest in Mantle cards for years to come. Will they continue to rise? Who knows? But, I do believe they will continue to hold their position as the #1 non-rookie non-short print card in the sets that they are in. >>
He's an icon.
1. People have said for 30+ years that Mantle cards won't hold their value because he was overrated compared to others of his generation. How are the prices holding up, guys?
2. Mickey Mantle was not the best player of his generation. Players like Williams, Aaron, Mays, Clemente, Banks, and Musial were also super. They didn't play for the Yankees like he did. Mantle was on a lot of World Series teams; the other great ones of the era didn't get that opportunity.
3. Part of the appeal of Mantle was/is that he had a catchy name.
4. The HBO one-hour Mantle biography is a must-see.
5. It doesn't matter whether you like Mantle or whether you think he is overrated; his cards are always going to be more popular than the others of that era.
6. The 1952 Topps Mantle card is truly iconic and will always be more desirable than the 1951 Bowman. (I have the 1951 Bowman in PSA 5, but I don't have the 1952 Topps.)
7. As someone said in an earlier post, there are some truly beautiful Mantle items (cards and memorabilia). For example: 1959 Bazooka, 1960 Post Cereal, 1952 Topps, 1953 Topps, 1953 Bowman, etc.)
8. The last years of Mantle's life and his admission that he was not a role model but was a drunk added to the love he received because we all appreciated his humiity. Remember when he went before the cameras not long before he died and those things?
9. I still get a little weepy when I watch the HBO biography.
10. Joe DiMaggio was great, but I'll never have the love for him that I developed for Mantle over the years.
These are just my opinions, so please don't beat me up for being ignorant, old, senile, drunk, etc.
Always looking for Mantle cards such as Stahl Meyer, 1954 Dan Dee, 1959 Bazooka, 1960 Post, 1952 Star Cal Decal, 1952 Tip Top Bread Labels, 1953-54 Briggs Meat, and other Topps, Bowman, and oddball Mantles.
That was the question.
I don't recall people saying for the past 30 years his cards would tank.
I'm simply saying that in 40 years time I don't see the buyers.
<< <i>I just want to see opinions on whether Mantle will stand the test of time and whether 40 years from now when all of the long time Mantle fans are gone, whether his cards will still be this popular. >>