Options
1952 Topps Mantle vs 1951 Bowman Mantle
frankhardy
Posts: 8,168 ✭✭✭✭✭
We all know that the 1952 Mantle is called his rookie card when in fact that it is his 1951 Bowman that is his true rookie card. We all know, too, that Topps cards are more popular than Bowman. For that reason, mainly, I feel that his 52 Topps card is considerably more valuable than his 51 Bowman.
Here is my question - what is the reason for such a large price difference? In my mind, the 52 Topps should probably be more valuable, but not by much. Why is there such a large difference? Is it the fact that the Topps is in the high number series? We all know how tough even a common high number can be. Is that the main reason for the price difference?
Here is my question - what is the reason for such a large price difference? In my mind, the 52 Topps should probably be more valuable, but not by much. Why is there such a large difference? Is it the fact that the Topps is in the high number series? We all know how tough even a common high number can be. Is that the main reason for the price difference?
Shane
0
Comments
When you throw in the fact that I believe the 1951 card is leaps and bounds more plentiful than the 1952 Topps card it will also drive the price upwards.
It's worth so much more because, well, it's just a nicer card. The 1952 Topps set was so much different from all other sets before it. Size of the cards, the exciting design, comprehensiveness of the checklist, multiple series. Plus, the third series allegedly didn't sell well, leading to the infamous dumping in the early 60s. Even though the Mick is double-printed (or triple?), the overall lack of material leads to scarcity. And something about it, like the 2001 Bowman Chrome Pujols, just makes it the best post-war card to have, which leads to astronomical pricing.
2005 Origins Old Judge Brown #/20 and Black 1/1s, 2000 Ultimate Victory Gold #/25
2004 UD Legends Bake McBride autos & parallels, and 1974 Topps #601 PSA 9
Rare Grady Sizemore parallels, printing plates, autographs
Nothing on ebay
And at such a late time in the "grading game," I think it would be hard pressed to see a PSA 10 surface ... unless, someone with serious stones decides to crack out and resubmit one the PSA 9s or super duper 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle BGS 9.5/BGS 10 is cut from a sheet.
/s/ JackWESQ
<< <i>It's worth so much more because, well, it's just a nicer card. >>
<< <i>alot of collectors will purchase the 1952 topps mantle even if they have one already if the price seems cheap as well. >>
cohocorp, if I am not mistaken you speak these words from personal experience with your nice collections of 52 Mantles....
-It's Topps first real set. Topps is the epitome of Americana, mom and apple pie. Sort of what Disney is to cartoons, Topps is to baseball cards. When you say "bowman", it just doesn't have the same appeal.
-Say the words..."52 Topps high number" and your pulse starts racing. And then you've got the notoriety and stories behind it (Topps dumping them into the ocean). There are other rare Topps series in other years, but the stories don't mean as much there.
-Great close up shot. Great color. Contrast it with his Berk Ross card, etc.
The 51 Bowman is a nice shot. But I don't know if it'll ever catch up.
The 51 is his rookie and looks much, much better (imo).
The reason the 52 is so much more desired is because people see the price tag, hear people talk about it more often, and have heard it be called his rookie card over and over; so they decide that it must be the better card.
http://sportsfansnews.com/author/andy-fischer/
Shane