When it comes to Mantle, is it better...

[Sportscards1086]

To collect quantity or quality?

My budget doesn't allow for higher-end cards on the regular. It would take time to get a 2-400 card. With that said:


Is it better to save for those higher priced cards or collect the lower end graded cards?

David

[jason.1969]

Each to his own, my friend. Personally I'd favor having several PSA 2 cards that present well for the grade over 1-2 nicer cards. Still, I know other collectors whose stomachs would turn looking at much of my collection.

Now from an investment standpoint I'd presume high grade wins, but I'm talking mainly PC here.

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[Sportscards1086]

Originally Posted by jason.1969

Each to his own, my friend. Personally I'd favor having several PSA 2 cards that present well for the grade over 1-2 nicer cards. Still, I know other collectors whose stomachs would turn looking at much of my collection.

Now from an investment standpoint I'd presume high grade wins, but I'm talking mainly PC here.

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Or maybe one or two nice mid grades sprinkled in with some lower graded stuff. I can do that I think lol.

[Bestdj777]

I went for quantity. I got the low grade but presentable examples of everything I could, with some ragged cards and some nicer samples here and there when nothing that met the above criteria was available. To each his own though.

This will come down to "personal preference". In my case, I struggle with star cards (Mantle, etc) in EX or below condition. If one of my star cards is below EX, I might as well not have it. However, I do not look critically at "OC". I have generally accepted OC as part of the reality in vintage cards. Creases are not acceptable and corner wear is the main focus for me.

There is no wrong approach so long as you get the degree of satisfaction you are seeking.

[swarmee]

I grew up in the 80s and 90s hearing the Mantle legends, so when I looked for something to focus on, I chose the PSA Mickey Mantle Master Set registry. In only a few years, I've now got about 150-175 different Mantle (and Yankee team) cards from his playing days (1951-69). Many you can buy for $20 each in VG, many are going to cost thousands.
But I'm having a lot of fun with it; got this banged up Bazooka this morning for $70:

1965 Topps Bazooka - [Base] #1 - Mickey Mantle [Poor]
Courtesy of COMC.com
Front is pretty clean (although cut poorly, common for the cards), but the back is destroyed. Will still get a PSA Authentic and go in the collection... ;-)

Adding a couple every month I enjoy more than saving $3,000 over the year and trying to buy one card at the end.

[bswhiten]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

I went for quantity. I got the low grade but presentable examples of everything I could, with some ragged cards and some nicer samples here and there when nothing that met the above criteria was available. To each his own though.

+1
And I am doing mostly oddballs now since his base cards are so plentiful at mid grade. All Mantle's are awesome! Good luck!

Ben

[AGuinness]

I think that part of the benefit of collecting anything is the decision-making process, figuring out your priorities and adapting. Even if you're unsure of what you want (quantity vs. quality), dive in and see what happens. More than likely, you'll quickly find out if you made the choice that's right for you, and if not, adjust.

[MattyC]

Originally Posted by Sportscards1086

To collect quantity or quality?

My budget doesn't allow for higher-end cards on the regular. It would take time to get a 2-400 card. With that said:


Is it better to save for those higher priced cards or collect the lower end graded cards?

David

Hi David,

As many have said, it all is about which cards call to you, which you want to enjoy looking at. You can't go wrong as long as your cards please your eye— and a great thing about Mantles is that his cards in any grade are so liquid, you can always pivot.

I collect pretty much only Mantle, and I have found great specimens all across the grading spectrum. Here are some examples that illustrate how we can get nice Mantles at various grades, though it can take a fun and rewarding— and long— hunt to land those diamonds in the rough. These cover from 2.5-6.5 grades...

And JB, those are truly GORGEOUS! Centering, color, image quality, those are some carefully chosen Micks.

[Sportscards1086]

Thank you all for the comments, advice, knowledge and the time you took to respond. A lot of good stuff to read in here and several things to take with me...

This is what I have so far.

[Promethius88]

Originally Posted by Sportscards1086

Thank you all for the comments, advice, knowledge and the time you took to respond. A lot of good stuff to read in here and several things to take with me...

This is what I have so far.

David, those are absolutely acceptable Micks. Both notorious for centering issues. That 61 is clean and bright. I have an 8oc and 4 of that. And the 58...very nice centering. I have a straight 6 of that one that is still oc and would rather have your 4.

[MattyC]

Agree; that 4 of the 58 All Star is a really pretty example that certainly hits the eye as much better than the grade. The centering and focus draw the eye in. Great acquisition.

[jb67]

[QUOTE=MattyC;1844553]Hi David,

As many have said, it all is about which cards call to you, which you want to enjoy looking at. You can't go wrong as long as your cards please your eye— and a great thing about Mantles is that his cards in any grade are so liquid, you can always pivot.

I collect pretty much only Mantle, and I have found great specimens all across the grading spectrum. Here are some examples that illustrate how we can get nice Mantles at various grades, though it can take a fun and rewarding— and long— hunt to land those diamonds in the rough. These cover from 2.5-6.5 grades...

And JB, those are truly GORGEOUS! Centering, color, image quality, those are some carefully chosen Micks.



Thanks MattyC. Love that 53 Bowman. I remember when you were offering it up for sale and wish I would have jumped on it back then. I never get tired of looking at your Mick collection.

[Sportscards1086]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Hi David,

As many have said, it all is about which cards call to you, which you want to enjoy looking at. You can't go wrong as long as your cards please your eye— and a great thing about Mantles is that his cards in any grade are so liquid, you can always pivot.

I collect pretty much only Mantle, and I have found great specimens all across the grading spectrum. Here are some examples that illustrate how we can get nice Mantles at various grades, though it can take a fun and rewarding— and long— hunt to land those diamonds in the rough. These cover from 2.5-6.5 grades...

And JB, those are truly GORGEOUS! Centering, color, image quality, those are some carefully chosen Micks.

Nice cherry picking Matty. Those are some BEAUTIFUL looking Mantles. That 2.5 Bowman is STUNNING.