Newbie advice needed...

[kllrbee]

Hey all,
First post. Not sure if this belongs in this section or not, but it looks like this is where the most members are viewing. Did some searching here and it really seems like you guys are very knowledgeable, so I was wondering if you could help me out.
First, a little about me. I am not a dealer or investor. I collect cards based on players I like and the eye appeal of the card. With that said, I would like the cards I obtain to be a good investments. Of course, things could change, but my plan is to sell my collection when i retire in 25 years and hopefully get a nice chunk of change out of it.
My collection consists of only Topps cards. I always have stayed away from the other brands for the simple fact of not confusing things. I have all complete sets from 1969-present. 69-87 in binders, 88-present factory sealed. I also have about 50 singles. Wont list them all but some of the best (or my favorites) are 53 Mays, 68 Ryan, 54 Banks, 57 Mantle, 58 Clemente, 60 Yaz, and 62 Brock. All of the older sets (69-79) and singles are in at least VG-EX shape. Some better, but not worse than what would grade a 4. Anyways, just thought Id give you guys some background about my intentions and what I have.

So now I have 3 "big" cards on my radar which I have saved up all year for.
39 Play Ball Ted Williams. Great looking card and his rookie. Plus, Im a big Williams fan.
51 Bowman Mantle. Another very cool looking card. Rookie. Not a huge Mantle fan. Dont really know why his cards are so overblown, but I guess I couldnt really consider my collection complete without a Mantle rookie. This is what I would consider to be an investment card.
54 Topps Aaron. Just gotta have an Aaron rookie and have been putting it off for too long.

The most I have ever spent for a card is like 300, but these will cost signifigantly more so I figured I could use some expert advice before I get them. I was hoping you guys could give me some insight as to whether or not these cards would be a decent purchase or if they are overpriced and I should wait for a better deal. I realize the cards are only worth what someone is willing to pay, but Id like to at least get some input to start with.

Here are the links of the cards Im interested in.

Mantles.
http://cgi.ebay.com/1951-Bowman-253-...35510088618119

http://cgi.ebay.com/1951-MICKEY-MANT...item2c595a9402

http://cgi.ebay.com/1951-MICKEY-MANT...item2c595a9419

http://cgi.ebay.com/1951-Bowman-253-...item2c59b74a52

There is also a trimmed card that is spectacular looking, but asking 3000, which I think is way overpriced considering I believe trimmed cards should be priced lower than a 1.

Here is the Williams that Im interested in.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1939-Play-Ball-9...item483b047b5a

I havent really found any Aarons that Im interested in yet.

Thanks alot for any and all help you can give.