Options
Seeking advice from Mickey Mantle collectors
SpinFadeSplash23
Posts: 909 ✭✭✭
I am looking to buy a nice gift for my father this Christmas and wanted to get a head start on the search. Looking to purchase a PSA Mantle, 1956 or earlier. Can anyone offer recommendations? Hoping to stay under 5k. Thanks, Joe
Joe
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
0
Comments
1953 in a 5 and a
1956 in a 6.
You should be able to get nicely centered cards and still have money left over.
Best of luck and show us what you decide to buy.
Edited to add: You could also add a '54 Red Heart in a 6 or a 7 (a card that I think is real nice looking) and still keep it under 5K.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
I like the 56 in a 6 idea, could be really difficult to find a 53 with a nice red corner in a 5 before Christmas.
The next focus will be on the '57 Mantle #95, so just steer clear of that one.
Or if you must, just ensure your documented sale of a 7 surpasses your $5k budget.
Just reimburse yourself the difference out of the petty cash drawer.
-Member #10,138
"Remember, there is no 'I' in Group"
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
The obvious. At the moment and still surprising, one can still land a solid '51b in a 1 or perhaps a 2 for around that budget.
If mainstream is his sorta thing, the 53b (in a 7) and 57t (in a 7-8) are great action shots of the Mick.
If he's more of a headshot kinda guy, go with a nicely centered 58 or 59t. Might still be able to get a 7 in these years.
If he's more of an under-the-radar kind of guy, I would echo Doug's sentiments and roll with the Redheart, as the design is simply gorgeous. Or maybe even consider an OK Today. That's a cool looking card, imo. Simple design, somewhat obscure and from the ol' home state.
But youve got til Dec. and when it comes to Mantle cards, you have to be patient for your eye appeal but if your gut tells you to jump on it, do it. Competition is fierce. And nicely centered cards with even a somewhat decent price tag get gobbled up instantly. Heartbreak can come in mere seconds.
And last but not least, if he's a display kinda guy, consider looking at lower graded centered examples and roll with a 53 - 59t run or something vs the one and done thing.
Whichever way you roll, stick with a selection that has good eye appeal vs. the sticker. And if you happen to stumble across a '53 Yamakatsu, stop what youre doing and call me immediately.
Best of luck!
I am looking to buy a nice gift for my father this Christmas and wanted to get a head start on the search. Looking to purchase a PSA Mantle, 1956 or earlier. Can anyone offer recommendations? Hoping to stay under 5k. Thanks, Joe
First I want to say I hope all 5 of my kids grow up to be just like you. Second, the first rule of the Modern Sports Card Buying Syndicate is don't talk about the Modern Sports Card Buying Syndicate!
Kevin
Kevin
1958 and 1959 in a 7 can both be had for $2000-2500 and would be nice examples - going to an 8 puts you up in the $4000-5000 range.
Good luck with your search and I echo the sentiments of hope my kids get me Mantle cards when I get older!
KC
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
spread them out to a child or a wife and i bet their eye goes to the 53.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
aconte
Only buy graded too. I think you already know that but just thought I would mention it. Good luck! You have time but if you are picky like me, when you see the right one jump on it or someone else will.
Thanks for honoring us with such a question for your beautiful quest to gift your dear father a Mickey Mantle.
The choices you've received are all very good. I guess I'm wondering which Mick would most "floor him", based upon his age and what he collected as a kid. Great as the Dan-Dee and Red Hearts are, he might be unfamiliar with them.
The card with the most pizazz would likely be the 1956 Topps. Given all the characteristics of that gorgeous card, my choice would be that one. Going with Topps might get him a card he once owned as a kid a long time ago.... Or one that he saw an older boy own a long time ago, but wish he owned. There's a lot to be said for a card with those kind of memories and associations.
The 1953 Topps and Bowman are fabulous cards all day long. However, the '56's dual portrait - action photo has more eye candy, and you will probably be able to select a higher grade with your working budget, than the '53 Topps / Bowman choices, which at this moment are worth more money.
I think if you can get a reasonably centered 1956 Topps PSA 6 that's got vibrant colors and exceptional picture clarity, without any noticeable print spots, especially on Mickey's face and cap, you will do well, even if it costs most of your budget. With this kind of card in an EX-MT grade, any self-respecting kid collector's eyes would have bulged out at the sight of pulling that baby out of a wax pack in the spring of '56!
You're a wonderful, respectful son. A brotherly hug to you, and a wish you get what you're gunning for.
Cheers, bro! ---Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
Haha, thanks for the kind words and great advice. My Dad is so frugal, he'll spend an hour clipping coupons to save $6. Over time, I've come to appreciate his lifestyle and the benefits of living below your means. It is a great lesson for everyone. I guess I want to see if I can "WOW" my Dad with something awesome that he would never buy for himself. Sort of how he would do for me when I was a kid and buy me wrestling figures or a bicycle. Role reversal time!
Honestly I think most of the old timers are just better with their money and in general don't spend what they don't have.
I bought my Dad an upscale bottle of Crown Royal that was about $120 and while he liked it he said next time just buy the reg Crown Royal. lol
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
....plus its kind of a big card that presents well if he put it on his mantle or table to look at....
You just said put his Mantle on his mantle.
i would agree with the 53 or the 56 Topps. My preference would be the 53. I love that card. Hope to own one one day. The 56, although a beauty as well, is not one of my favorites. Other favorites definitely include the 59, 60 and 61. I, along with most of the collecting world, also love the 51 B. You could get a low grade version of that card with your budget.
I guess it comes down to what card would mean the most to you and your dad. The Mantle from his birth year (if he was born between 51-69). If not, then maybe the Mantle from his HS graduation year, or the year he got married, or the year you were born.
....plus its kind of a big card that presents well if he put it on his mantle or table to look at....
You just said put his Mantle on his mantle.
i would agree with the 53 or the 56 Topps. My preference would be the 53. I love that card. Hope to own one one day. The 56, although a beauty as well, is not one of my favorites. Other favorites definitely include the 59, 60 and 61. I, along with most of the collecting world, also love the 51 B. You could get a low grade version of that card with your budget.
I guess it comes down to what card would mean the most to you and your dad. The Mantle from his birth year (if he was born between 51-69). If not, then maybe the Mantle from his HS graduation year, or the year he got married, or the year you were born.
I agree on the 53 if you can afford it with the 56 second. Either card has great eye appeal.
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
Nicest 1953 Topps
or 1951 Bowman
Cant go wrong with these 2 all day long.
Or get both in lower grades
Like PSA 4 1953 Topps and a PSA 2 1951 Bowman
Any more information or thoughts on your Dad, Joe? We need more on him to go on. How old is he? When did he begin collecting? Am I to assume Mickey was his favorite player growing up? Did he prefer Topps or Bowman? Did he ever mention a year of card that he particularly liked? Or, one that he wanted badly as a kid, but never got?
Best regards, Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
. And if you happen to stumble across a '53 Yamakatsu, stop what youre doing and call me immediately.
Best of luck!
Yeah, I remember the one that Brockel & Luckey had in their Fall auction last year.
I had my bids ready for it, but couldn't justify paying that much.
I knew it was gonna go high, but realize now 8k was a good deal.
http://brockelmanauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=6647
PS Still waiting to hear from Joe about the questions I asked regarding his father. Hence, not trying to help hy-jack this thread! You get us Mantle Maniacs going, it's hard to stop.
Guys, the reason I recommended the 56T over the 53T or Bowman is because the price of the earliest of the early Mickey Mantles has spiked in the past 2 years to such an extent that Joe may not be able to get much of a nice card for $5K. Remember, his father is not a collector, and his standards of what a nice card looks like, condition-wise, would likely be more prone to only being really impressed with a high mid-grade card. I agree there are some outstanding EX 5s in either of the 53s, but I just figured the cost has become too exorbitant to find one that's still fresh-looking. The chances of getting a great-looking 1956 Topps, given his budget, are much better. Hey, we all love the 53s, but the price tag ....
Any more information or thoughts on your Dad, Joe? We need more on him to go on. How old is he? When did he begin collecting? Am I to assume Mickey was his favorite player growing up? Did he prefer Topps or Bowman? Did he ever mention a year of card that he particularly liked? Or, one that he wanted badly as a kid, but never got?
Best regards, Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
Brian,
Thanks for taking the time to assist me in my quest to shock my Dad, which has never been an easy thing. My father grew up in New York and attended a few Yankee games as a kid. His father, my grandfather, is a retired New York Police Detective who had some dealings with the Yankees. As a kid, my Dad loved hockey and baseball - hockey being #1 and baseball being #2. Two years ago, I got him a few really nice PSA GAG Line Ranger Cards and he loved them. My Dad is my hero and I am always comparing myself to him in how I live my life. Because of my grandfather's dedication (and obsession) with his job, I think my Dad didn't have a close connection with him growing up. As a kid, he made sure to have it with me - tossing the ball, feeding me rebounds on missed FT's, doing all the things a Dad should do with a kid - and I want to keep that connection strong forever. He was born in 1955 and is a proud, not obnoxious, New Yorker.
After all of the reading and advice, I have zeroed in on two cards - 1951 Bowman and 1956 Topps. The 56 is just gorgeous and it would match the theme of the first card he ever bought me as a kid - a 1956 Topps Ted Williams from a flea market. I just had it graded and it looks amazing for a PSA 4.
So to all of you Mantle collectors - let's try and not bid on any 56s for a few months!!!!
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
It's neither here nor there, but I was born the year before your Dad, and also came to love, of the four major sports, baseball and hockey. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago.
Best regards, Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
Edited to add: It's already over your budget and there is still a day left. Going to have to add the PWCC premium to this one.
Best of luck with your decision. Very anxious to see what dad is going to get. I'm sure he will be excited no matter which card you choose.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
And there she is! Not too many really know about it.
So obscure that i havent even seen so much as even a reprinted version of it.
Says a lot being a Mantle card and all.
I only know of 2 other sales.
One was private and commanded a hefty, hefty price.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
Biggest flaw to avoid in a '51 Bowman Mick is off-centered printing resulting in a blurred image. Centering will always vary, and premium centering will mean a premium price. Roller marks on it are very common -- mine has them, but fortunately not into his face, so I am pleased by the overall appearance. As far as wax stains on back, rounding, creasing -- that's all to taste, but the less those flaws are present, the larger your budget will have to grow.
You will encounter a similar weighing of quality vs. price in finding a '56 Mick to your standards -- good luck.
Hi Joe. Honestly, I do not care for this '51 Bowman Mantle because of the white print dot on the bill of Mick's cap and the roller mark at his shoulder that reaches up to the corner of his mouth, and finally the dot to the left of Mick's face. In each of these three instances, the defects are either on or near Mickey's face, so whenever your Dad looks at the card, there they are. However, I am not your Dad. The little defects may not bother him one bit. Even if he noticed them, he probably wouldn't say anything to you about them. You asked for opinions, so that's mine. I mean, the card is beautiful, but those pesky print defects are right on or near his head, and for me that's a downer.
Since it will be over your proposed budget, there's still time to reconsider. However, if deep down you want the Mantle rookie, this specimen is a beaute. As someone noted, the crisp picture registry and the colors are right on.
Wishing you well, bro. Best regards, Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
Thank you so much for everyone's opinions - Brian, Original, Doug and JMB.
IG: goatcollectibles23
The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
Also, there are different strokes for different folks. I would rather have a PSA 5 of a given card, that has nice overall touches of wear, etc. but is very solid, vs a 5 that really is a "9" from the front, but has noticeable paper loss, or a bad wrinkle or crease on the back. Others might feel just the opposite.
Best of luck with your search!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.