I have GOT to ask; who here actually OWNS a 1952 Topps Mantle and/or T206 Wagner?

Estil · April 8, 2007 9:11AM

I mean, these two are the Holy Grails of baseball card collecting, so I'm wondering who here is actually rich enough to own one of these two (or even a whole 1952 Topps set!!). Pics would be especially welcome.

And also the ones who have the "1952 Topps" of basketball and football, whatever those might be. I know the 1987 Fleer and Jordan RC are the "1952 Topps of basketball", but what about football? The Joe Namath RC perhaps?

pb19991 · April 8, 2007 9:24AM

I actually own a 1952 Mantle as well as a complete 1952 Topps set, the only catch is they are both from the early 1990's Topps reprint. there are collectors out there who own the 52's i know of a few but it's way beyond my financial capacity, unfortunately. I would love to be able to own some of the awesome collections that some of the guys like Don Spence and Jim Crandell have they are truly dedicated but exteremely wealthy individuals. unfortunately i only have the dedicated part down. Phil

XanaduNow · April 8, 2007 9:27AM

Not sure you're going to get too many responses. I'd be willing to bet that those around here who do own either a '52 Mantle or T206 Wagner probably enjoy the anonymity and privacy and wouldn't be interested in posting the fact on a public message board. I know I wouldn't.

Arthur

Estil · April 8, 2007 9:28AM

That doesn't seem to stop people from proudly posting their sports card/memrobilia rooms though. And indeed, I too could never afford a 1952 Topps Mantle; they start at $2,500, and that's for ones that look like a truck ran over it.

tennesseebanker · April 8, 2007 9:29AM

I know a couple of guys that post pretty often that have 52 Mantle's.
But unless they want to say who they are, I will respect thier privacy.

Beardown · April 8, 2007 9:46AM

Posted a pic of it yesterday also but always proud to show off my not so perfect example. I was lucky enough to trade/buy for mine and like you couldn't afford to replace it today either.

Griffins · April 8, 2007 9:54AM

There are at least 2 Wagners on the registry, and I'm sure several times that in Mantles.
I would think the " '52 Topps" of basketball would be '48 Bowman, or '57 Topps. '86 Fleer seems way too common in any grade to be compare to '52 Topps.

uniship · April 8, 2007 9:55AM

mine - but not for long

Estil · April 8, 2007 10:04AM

<< There are at least 2 Wagners on the registry, and I'm sure several times that in Mantles.
I would think the " '52 Topps" of basketball would be '48 Bowman, or '57 Topps. '86 Fleer seems way too common in any grade to be compare to '52 Topps. >>

Then explain to me why even Jordan's second year Fleer set (1988) w/ stickers is still selling for a cool $300 at BBCE?

And the first four Fleer b-ball sets weigh in at only 132 cards (and I think about a dozen stickers) too.

XanaduNow · April 8, 2007 10:05AM

<< 

<< There are at least 2 Wagners on the registry, and I'm sure several times that in Mantles.
I would think the " '52 Topps" of basketball would be '48 Bowman, or '57 Topps. '86 Fleer seems way too common in any grade to be compare to '52 Topps. >>

Then explain to me why even Jordan's second year Fleer set (1988) w/ stickers is still selling for a cool $300 at BBCE?

And the first four Fleer b-ball sets weigh in at only 132 cards (and I think about a dozen stickers) too. >>

Huh?

Arthur

stevek · April 8, 2007 10:08AM

I own a 1952 Topps Mantle in PSA 10 and a T206 Wagner in a PSA 8.

In my dreams.

Estil · April 8, 2007 10:10AM

<< 

<< 

<< There are at least 2 Wagners on the registry, and I'm sure several times that in Mantles.
I would think the " '52 Topps" of basketball would be '48 Bowman, or '57 Topps. '86 Fleer seems way too common in any grade to be compare to '52 Topps. >>

Then explain to me why even Jordan's second year Fleer set (1988) w/ stickers is still selling for a cool $300 at BBCE?

And the first four Fleer b-ball sets weigh in at only 132 cards (and I think about a dozen stickers) too. >>

Huh?

Arthur >>

He says the 1987 and 1988 Fleer b-ball sets are "way too common" yet they still command a pretty penny even as raw sets.

jimq112 · April 8, 2007 10:12AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< There are at least 2 Wagners on the registry, and I'm sure several times that in Mantles.
I would think the " '52 Topps" of basketball would be '48 Bowman, or '57 Topps. '86 Fleer seems way too common in any grade to be compare to '52 Topps. >>

Then explain to me why even Jordan's second year Fleer set (1988) w/ stickers is still selling for a cool $300 at BBCE?

And the first four Fleer b-ball sets weigh in at only 132 cards (and I think about a dozen stickers) too. >>

Huh?

Arthur >>

He says the 1987 and 1988 Fleer b-ball sets are "way too common" yet they still command a pretty penny even as raw sets. >>

That's the key. YOU CAN BUY THE FLEER SETS!

goose3 · April 8, 2007 10:20AM

I was going to pick up some 52 Mantles in low grade and "put them away" occasionally as sort of a savings for me and the family.....

Instead I fell in love with the 33 Goudeys and began looking for a Lajoie...

XanaduNow · April 8, 2007 10:21AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< There are at least 2 Wagners on the registry, and I'm sure several times that in Mantles.
I would think the " '52 Topps" of basketball would be '48 Bowman, or '57 Topps. '86 Fleer seems way too common in any grade to be compare to '52 Topps. >>

Then explain to me why even Jordan's second year Fleer set (1988) w/ stickers is still selling for a cool $300 at BBCE?

And the first four Fleer b-ball sets weigh in at only 132 cards (and I think about a dozen stickers) too. >>

Huh?

Arthur >>

He says the 1987 and 1988 Fleer b-ball sets are "way too common" yet they still command a pretty penny even as raw sets. >>

I'll admit, I am by no means a heavy hitter. In fact, I'm not even a light hitter. But the '86 and '87 Basketball sets could circle the earth compared to the Mantles and Wagners. Not to mention that there are enormous amounts of wax that haven't even hit the market yet.

Prices have plummeted on the Fleer's even in high grade as more and more material hits the market. And it ain't stopping here, either. I'd say the '86 Fleer Basketball set is like the '71 Topps baseball set of the basketball world, except without the condition issues.

Arthur

Estil · April 8, 2007 10:27AM

So what you're saying is that by the time I do get around to starting and finishing a Topps football set run (at least all 1980s and 1990s), perhaps the 1987 and 1988 Fleer (am I not doing those years right? I never did like the "double year" format, so I always refered to them by the second year; for example, I say 1987 Fleer Jordan rookie instead of 1986-87 Fleer Jordan rooke) will by then be say, under somewhere in the $100's for a nice raw set w/ stickers?

XanaduNow · April 8, 2007 10:29AM

<< So what you're saying is that by the time I do get around to starting and finishing a Topps football set run (at least all 1980s and 1990s), perhaps the 1987 and 1988 Fleer (am I not doing those years right? I never did like the "double year" format, so I always refered to them by the second year; for example, I say 1987 Fleer Jordan rookie instead of 1986-87 Fleer Jordan rooke) will by then be say, under somewhere in the $100's for a nice raw set w/ stickers? >>

No. But even if they're at $1000 they don't belong in the same sentence as the '52 Topps baseball.

Arthur

uniship · April 8, 2007 10:31AM

I believe virtually everything post 1980 will continue to plummet. In five years people will look back at today's prices and wish they had sold - the prices will be less than half of what they are today - maybe lower.

there was just way too much production.Text

Gonblott · April 8, 2007 10:59AM

Man if I could just travel through time and buy all the 52' Mantle in the shops, I would be RICH.

PasadenaMudSlide · April 8, 2007 11:49AM

Here's my pride and joy:

NOT.

cohocorp · April 8, 2007 12:07PM

i have a few 1952 topps cards.

NickM · April 9, 2007 4:52AM

Take a look at the Mantle Player Sets and the 1952 Topps sets on the registry. There are a fair number of '52 Mantles there.

Nick

goose3 · April 9, 2007 4:59AM

what are the pops of the 52 Mantle?

koby · April 9, 2007 5:01AM

<<

Posted a pic of it yesterday also but always proud to show off my not so perfect example. I was lucky enough to trade/buy for mine and like you couldn't afford to replace it today either. >>

mkg809 · April 9, 2007 5:03AM

From the replies so far I think most of us don't have one, but most at least have a picture of one!

bishop · April 9, 2007 5:16AM

And of course everyone also needs both variations of the 52 Topps Mantle card

A761506 · April 9, 2007 5:21AM

I've got one... and I am contemplating resubmitting it as I think it should be a 6. It was one of the first 6 cards I ever submitted, and I've since resubmitted a couple of them and they have all been bumped a grade. It's just scary to think about cracking it, I've never damaged a card while cracking, but I just don't think I'll ever have the guts to open this one. Fortunately, I have no plans of ever selling it, so it doesn't really matter what holder it's in for now.

RonBurgundy · April 9, 2007 6:06AM

A modification of this question: who plans to SOMEDAY own a '52 Mantle or a Wagner? I'll get a Mantle someday but doubt I'll ever own a Wagner.

Ron

Morgoth · April 9, 2007 6:47AM

Same here, I think a 52 Mantle is doable by budgeting and selling off parts of a collection fund it but a T206 Wagner is a going to be a quarter mil in any condition before too long, that takes more than setting aside 100 a week for a year.

larryallen73 · April 9, 2007 7:02AM

No. But even if they're at $1000 they don't belong in the same sentence as the '52 Topps baseball.

Agreed 100%. It's silly to even consider that. I would say a high grade Wilt Chamberlin rookie would be more rare than a Jordan and, to me, much more desirable if I am collecting the holy grails.

As for the follow up question above, I might one day buy a '52 Mantle. For now though I enjoy spreading my money among lots of cards including the Jordan rookie, Rose rookie, etc.... Until I win the lotto I think I will keep doing what I am doing.

As to the guy above that said all post 1980's were continue to go down in value. I often fear you are correct but I think it's probably more like post 1972 or so. There is just a lot of supply and I am not sure the demand keeps up with the supply. I worry there are a lot of "rare" finds out there still waiting to be found. More supply + unchanging demand = lower sales prices.

Estil · April 9, 2007 7:35AM

<< A modification of this question: who plans to SOMEDAY own a '52 Mantle or a Wagner? I'll get a Mantle someday but doubt I'll ever own a Wagner.

Ron >>

That wouldn't make much of a discussion. Everyone dreams of owning a '52 Mantle and/or Wagner.

theczar · April 9, 2007 7:44AM

1986 Fleer Baskets are still falling in price. True a nice set, but be patient and it will be cheaper a year from now.

blaze42 · April 10, 2007 5:10AM

I am in the process of acquiring one...unfortunately it requires me purchasing a complete set....

in just a little while...my 52 topps set

blaze42 · April 10, 2007 5:14AM

as usually...these link skills are beyond me...

in just a little while...my 52 topps set

JasP24 · April 10, 2007 5:31AM

The most affordable "holy grail" in existence in the 1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski...

Prices for this card will only go up...

Jason

jmbkb4 · April 10, 2007 5:37AM

<< i have a few 1952 topps cards.

>>

Pat, would love to see scans if and when you have the time. Take care!

josh

41GoudeyGuy · April 10, 2007 6:07AM

I wish you hadn't mentioned the Nagurski. I've been trying to buy one in a PSA 5 for about a year now without even coming close to winning one. I need the competition on that card to go down, not up. As for the earlier discussion, I have the 1952 Mantle (PSA 7) on my want list and the T206 (any condition) on my dream list. Fortunately a local collector has both (PSA 8 Mantle and PSA 5 Wagner) and I get to sit down with them once in a while and imagine they are mine.

rbdjr1 · April 10, 2007 6:16AM

I PASSED ON A VERY NICE '52 MANTLE FOR $1500, MANY, MANY YEARS AGO! I THOUGHT IT WAS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!

WAS I DUMB OR WHAT!

rd

edit: I also could have bought a nice $350,000 house for $ 80,000 back then also! Yep I was stupid!

cohocorp · April 10, 2007 6:18AM

<< 

<< i have a few 1952 topps cards.

>>

Pat, would love to see scans if and when you have the time. Take care!

josh >>

josh,

here are scans of the 2 remaining topps mantles i have. i sold a third one (psa4) in the huggins and scott auction last year. i am at a point right now where i am upgrading my first 1952 topps set to a minimum of psa 5, so i now have to upgrade the mantle. i am #9th on the master list for an overview of my set. with all the upgrading i have done in the past year, i am pretty far along the third set. no mantle for that one now since i sold my extra one but once i get a psa 5 or 6, the 4 which is currently in the first set will go into the third set. my second set is complete at 4.00 gpa and will stay there. i cant compete with the big dogs for the high grade sets, i.e. psa 7 +.

originalisbest · April 10, 2007 9:02AM

Them's are sweet, cohocorp!

bluemarlin · April 10, 2007 9:25AM

Pat,
Thats a nice looking PSA 3 Mantle,It looks as good as the 4 minus the centering.

Jake

jmbkb4 · April 10, 2007 9:28AM

Wow,

Pat -- that 4 has perfect centering! Presents like an 8+!

cohocorp · May 21, 2007 2:13AM

here is the latest addition to my mantle collection.

bluemarlin · May 21, 2007 2:43AM

Doesnt get much better then that.
Congrats.

Josephcb09 · May 21, 2007 5:38AM

Here is mine:

Not the nicest one out there but it has nice eye appeal.

I would upgrade it if the price was reasonable but they have gone nuts recently so I don't know if that will ever happen.

RipublicaninMass · May 21, 2007 6:06AM

I don't have either. i would love to have one, but will have to settle for a 1915 cj Matty or Jackson for those prices

guitarwes · May 21, 2007 7:22AM

I have one of the next best thing (to me at least).........A '53 Mantle.

I really like that card. It's been in the safe about 7 years now, I need to take it out and look at it more often.

originalisbest · May 21, 2007 7:30AM

Love those 52 Micks. Yep, for me too, my '53 Topps Mantle will be as close as I can come to the '52.

Tabe · May 21, 2007 8:34AM

Coho,

That 5 is gorgeous. It's all about the eye appeal for me and that card has it. Awesome!

Tabe

cohocorp · June 13, 2007 5:05AM

just picked up another one. the new addition is the psa4 on the bottom. gotta love this pic..

bobsbbcards · June 13, 2007 5:17AM

Here's mine.

I have GOT to ask; who here actually OWNS a 1952 Topps Mantle and/or T206 Wagner?

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