Mantle Poppage w/ scans

vintagefun · June 17, 2015 7:55AM

A few weeks back I bought a small collection. Mostly mid-80s-early-90s, that while I had almost zero interest in, I was kinda forced to take on if I wanted to buy the Mantles. No biggie. Price was right and I knew there were a few flipable cards, and I got a solid offer on a pair of 'em, which I accepted. I sent the 3 Mantles off to PSA on a 10-day and my grades popped last night. I have about 160 into these 3 cards total including shipping and grading fees.

I was quite pleased with my grades. In fact, 3 of my last 4 cards subbed have come back with a half-point, which seems way more the exception than the rule.

Here they are raw:

Here are the grades:
Grade Description
GOOD+ 2.5 1962 Topps 200 Mickey Mantle
EXCELLENT+ 5.5 1966 Topps 50 Mickey Mantle
EXCELLENT 5 1965 Topps 350 Mickey Mantle

Personally, I thought the 65 was nicer than the 66, but as can often be the case, sometimes technical grade vs. eye appeal don't match.

But overall, I expected them to be tough on Mick's so I had anticipated the 3 grade sum to be between 11-12, so pulling a 13 was pretty nice.

Hopefully they'll be in hand by Friday.

Now comes the dilemma...In the past I have not been a big buyer of Mick, except for the RC. Not because I don't like him, but I've always had a hard time justifying the opportunity cost of buying a Mick vs. some of the RCs and wax that better fit my collection and budget. Now that I've landed these at a pretty nice cost, I'm not sure I want to let them go...but keeping them may "force" me to fill the gaps. Ugh. Can't really lose either way I guess.

Thanks for reading.
Jim

LarkinCollector · June 17, 2015 8:01AM

Well done

That 65 is a head scratcher, unless there's something not obvious from the pics (including the original thread), I would have guessed an easy 6.

Dboneesq · June 17, 2015 8:13AM

Nice pickups Jim.

My guesses were
1962 - 2
1965 - 6
1966 - 5

I know you said 2 of them received half grades, but I didn't want that to sway my guesses.

KEEP 'EM and fill in the gaps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kingbeeswax · June 17, 2015 8:21AM

My guesses were close with just the 1966 I thought would be a 5. Very nice cards. The 1962 was my first Mantle I ever owned

orioles93 · June 17, 2015 11:05AM

Nice cards. You did well with only $160 into them. Those 3 should bring around $400 total.

MrNearMint · June 17, 2015 11:16AM

I thought the 65 was between 6-7.

Mantles are always nice in any grade!

DanBessette · June 17, 2015 11:58AM

Awesome score, congrats! I say keep them! If you want to sell any, sell the 62. Keep the nice mid grades.

slum22 · June 17, 2015 1:01PM

Jim,

Congrats on getting those Mantles. Looks like you scored a great deal on them. If I were in your position, I would sell the 62 (because I prefer cards with better corners) and keep the 65 and 66 Mantles (which both look sharp by the way). I got my first Mantle last year and I will look to add more over time. Like you, I have lots of collecting interests but I look forward to adding more as I go. Good luck with whatever you decide. If you decide to sell the 65 or 66 I am sure you will get lots of interest for them.

ThoseBackPages · June 17, 2015 2:40PM

Still loving that '62!

CENTERING!!!!

ETA: cannot WAIT to see them in the new holo-flips!!!

jmaciu · June 17, 2015 8:33PM

Way to go Jim!! The 65 an 66 are definitely high-end for their respective grades.

kingnascar · June 18, 2015 4:08AM

Those are cool cards. The 65 looks better than it's grade.

MantlesMantra · June 18, 2015 4:16AM

Those are all lovely examples.

I would send in all 3 for a review at least twice.

Stone193 · June 18, 2015 4:28AM

Very nice cards.

vintagefun · June 20, 2015 8:10AM

Thanks for the kind words boys.

Arrived today. Looks like I'm keeping em, and will look to fill the gaps over time. My first priority for Mickey though is completing the Bowman run, which will be one of my focus areas for National.

I actually really like the 62. Though I wish I could've seen it when it still had its corners.

charrigan · June 20, 2015 9:40AM

Very nice cards, Jim. Cool experience.

slum22 · June 20, 2015 12:24PM

They look great Jim. Congrats again. Do you have any of his Bowman cards yet?

tsalems1 · June 20, 2015 12:35PM

Nice job Jim.

That 1965 looks great for the grade

DanBessette · June 20, 2015 1:17PM

<< <i>They look great Jim. Congrats again. Do you have any of his Bowman cards yet? >>

If I'm not mistaken, I think he landed the 51 RC!

Mantle Poppage w/ scans

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