'52 Topps Mantle PSA 1 or '51 Bowman Mantle PSA 4

[marvymelvin]

So lets say (hypothetically) I have a nice 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 1 with good eye appeal, and lets say (hypothetically) I have a complete vg-ex 1951 Bowman set minus the Mantle.
Would I (or you, if you were I) trade the 52 Topps Mantle PSA 1 for a 51 Bowman Mantle PSA 4? All things considered equal value wise, i.e. both cards are each currently valued at an even $7000.

[pawpawdiv9]

Pic of the cards please.
Are you sure of the assessment of your 52?
A PSA 1 just sold in LOTG for 8,610 for comparisons sake.
http://loveofthegameauctions.com/195...-LOT14538.aspx

[irv]

PSA 1's come in many different forms so we'd need to see pics.
This is a nice one but has a terrible back.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-...p2047675.l2557

This is another PSA 1, which is a lot different from the other.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-...p2047675.l2557

Mine would likely also grade a 1 but I doubt it would sell for anywhere near the prices those 2 cards got.
Too many variables without seeing pics.

[GasHouseGang]

I think if I was trying to complete the 51 Bowman set, I'd have to make that trade to finally complete my set. Of course you may regret it at some point, but at the moment if the values are the same, it would make sense, so I would do it. Especially if the 4 is like many I've seen, that look more like 6's.

[marvymelvin]

I will post pics of my 52 Topps Mantle later today when I am near a scanner. I am not going to post pics of the 51 Bowman Mantle because it is not mine (yet). I am comfortable with value equity so I am not as much needing thoughts on that. Although I do appreciate that too.

I have had the 52 Topps Mantle for a number of years. I am not super wealthy and I dont imagine I will be in a financial situation ever to purchase either a 51 Bowman Mantle or another 52 Topps Mantle in the $7k-$10k price range. So was struggling a bit with the decision, and am hoping for a lively discussion of your thoughts on which card is the strongest investment looking forward, which card would you personally value/enjoy the most as the center piece of your collection, etc.

I realize each person will have a different opinion which is great and what I am interested to read. I am looking forward to the discussion.

[MCoxon]

Originally Posted by marvymelvin

I will post pics of my 52 Topps Mantle later today when I am near a scanner. I am not going to post pics of the 51 Bowman Mantle because it is not mine (yet). I am comfortable with value equity so I am not as much needing thoughts on that. Although I do appreciate that too.

I have had the 52 Topps Mantle for a number of years. I am not super wealthy and I dont imagine I will be in a financial situation ever to purchase either a 51 Bowman Mantle or another 52 Topps Mantle in the $7k-$10k price range. So was struggling a bit with the decision, and am hoping for a lively discussion of your thoughts on which card is the strongest investment looking forward, which card would you personally value/enjoy the most as the center piece of your collection, etc.

I realize each person will have a different opinion which is great and what I am interested to read. I am looking forward to the discussion.

I think the tradeoff comes down to:

1) The #1 iconic post-war card (and maybe hobby card), albeit in a low grade

2) A chance to have a top 3-4 iconic post-war card, that if it's a nice centered 4 could have good eye-appeal, all while completing your set.

If you like completing a goal and to have no loose ends, I'd go with the '51 Mantle Bowman (especially if strong-eye appeal)

If you value having a true icon, the definitive post-war card, I'd go '52 Mantle Topps

[pawpawdiv9]

This is where theres 2 views-
As for collecting only- its the 52, no doubt hands down. Centerpiece for most folks.
But from your words, your looking as a investment.
No one can foretell the future. Who is to say maybe one day the 51 surpasess and gets recognized as the true RC.
The 52 is your investment egg for now, I would think.
One question is, once you complete the 51B set, what is next for collecting? Are you keeping it or selling it?
For me, I have both, graded 2. And everytime I open the safe, my eyes always go to the 52. The image alone is breath-taking over the 51.
I am not persuading you to select one way or another, it your decision and collect as you may but I would not combine collecting & investment into one.
No, I did not stay at a Holiday Inn nor am I a financial advisor.