40th Bday Present From Wife: 51 Mantle (My Dream Card)
 

Hello everyone! For my very first post in this message board, I'd like to share a story that just happened to me not too long ago:

A few weeks ago, I ended up telling my wife about how my coworker wants to go skydiving for his 40th birthday. After that discussion, it lead to the question of what I want when I turn 40 (I'm still 38). I confessed to her my fear of getting a stroke or passing away before I'm 50 (runs in my family), which is the reason I'd rather get the "big present" at 40. She was unhappy to hear that I thought that, but I was just being honest. So to finally answer her question, I told her I'd like a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle RC (PSA 1). I've wanted that card since I was a kid. She asked me how much it will cost and I replied: "$2-3k right now." I truly thought she was not going to take me serious and say: "Yeah right, that is way too expensive", but she actually listened and said: "Okay, I guess I have a year and a half to look for one."

The next week later, she told me that she started looking into the card because she knew it would only cost more if she waited to buy it next year. She actually told me she read about the difference between the 1951 Bowman and the 1952 Topps. She even knew about how some of the 1952 Topps cards got dumped in the ocean and how many collectors think the 1951 Bowman is undervalued right now. I was very surprised she took the time to learn about the card, but what really caught me off guard was when she said she already put in an offer for one.

The next day, she told me her offer got denied. She then asked me to help her look for one because she wanted to make sure she gets the one I like. After a week of searching and negotiating with sellers, we purchased a PSA 1 on eBay. The card arrived yesterday and now wrapped up in a box with a "happy birthday letter" (from my wife) inside our safe. I cannot open it up until my 40th birthday: November 2018. I used to dread my 40th birthday, but now I cannot wait to turn 40. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...pspcjweehd.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...psaawdaa6o.jpg

awesome wife.

Welcome to Net54. We're getting a lot of traffic coming from Blowout lately. I'm mjohnatgt over there and on COMC. Congrats on nailing a nice Mantle. We're just about the same age, but I've never dreaded turning 40. I'm flipping and selling on COMC to try to trade up for one of Dean's 1952 Topps Mantles. Got $2500 in store credit right now, so I'm 1/5th of the way to the PSA 1 or 1/7th of the way to the PSA 2. ;-)

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

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The card is nice but the wife is definitely a keeper.

Thanks, everyone! :)

Yup, I just found out about this message board. Since I collect a lot of vintage cards, I decided to join in. I'm only registered here and on BlowOut.

Since I'm big on rookie cards, I've always wanted the 1951 Bowman Mantle since I was a kid. I never thought I'd ever own one.

Good luck with the 1952 Topps Mantle!

Welcome to the boards! Hopefully your health fears will be unsubstantiated, but I understand your concerns. Your wife is definitely a keeper. :)

Great story.

My wife would probably get a me a fake Mantle, but maybe thats to match her fake...


(just kidding, she would get a me a real mantle, but probably one from 1969 in poor raw condition)

Great wife!

Congrats with the P/U!

+1

That's fantastic! It sounds like you've got a terrific wife!

Great post and a great wife!

Thanks, everyone! Truly appreciate the kind words!

With my health, it unfortunately just runs in my family. I work out, watch my diet, and watch my weight (try to stay between 170-175 lbs), but I still cannot get off my blood pressure pills. Luckily, I'm down to the lowest dose.

Hahahaha! I was drinking my coffee while reading this and almost spit it out laughing.. :p

knowing it's in the safe........
 

But not opening till November 2018 - now that's patience!! Wife definitely a keeper! Be sure you reciprocate for her 40th!

I know, right. Thank goodness she is a few years younger than I am, which gives me more time. Haha.

That's fantastic! Keep in mind, Happy wife, Happy life.

Fantastic story. You are a lucky man to have a wife who is caring enough to make this happen for you. Thanks for sharing and Congrats.

Sweet! Does she have a sister?

Take a look through my bucket and see if there's anything you want to trade for your wife. :)

Great card and a great story!!!

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Hahaha! Thanks for the kind words.. but not even a 52 Mantle PSA 10 will cut it.. :)

Reggie,

That is incredible; both because of the card itself but more so the fact your wife took a sincere interest in learning about the card!

Awesome card, awesome wife!!

Great story! You already know your 40th bday will be off the charts!!

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+1

Lucky guy

That was a super enjoyable read, and I love the photo with Mantle peeking out from behind the box lid. November 2018 can't get here fast enough. :)

Thanks for sharing!

Very cool story


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That's awesome. All I hear from my wife regarding baseball cards is "how much did that one cost?" when she sees a package or notice from the usps.

I heard that! It also turns into a negotiation ahead of the purchase.

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Now, THAT is REAL Love!





.

If only you knew she would be this cool, you would have asked for the 52 Topps! :D

Haha. That would be pushing it.. lol.

After doing her research, she did say to me: "I know the reason you like the 1951 Bowman Mantle over the 1952 Topps: It is because the 1951 Bowman is his real rookie card and you're into rookie cards."

She knows me too well and she is right. I've always been into actual rookie cards. There is something about that "first card" I've always liked. Don't get me wrong, that 1952 Topps is way up on my want list. Maybe right after the 1951 Bowman Willie Mays card. :)

Congrats ! Truly special and something to hold on to. Oh yeah nice card to .

... husband?

1959 Fleer "Ted Signs for 1959" card?

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Your wife and the card is just awe and some!

Happy early birthday too!

Ricky Y

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone! :)

Remarkable story about a fantastic card and relationship. Enjoy!

Yes, the card is nice, but the wife is the treasure here

never too early to introduce her to her own flip and slab. :D

Thanks everyone for the kind words! Yes, I'm a lucky man to have such a thoughtful wife.

Reggie, it's not too early to start giving your wonderful wife subtle hints as to what to get you for your 50th birthday. This will give her plenty of time to save up for a 1952 Topps card of Mantle! :D
Val

If all goes well, I'd like a 52 Topps Mantle for my 50th :)