Birthday dilemma regarding a choice between a couple of Mantles.

[brian1961]

David,

Happy birthday, bro. Congratulations on having that much moolah to spend on a baseball card. Do not feel too rushed, in spite of the eBay end times.

They're both exceptional cards aesthetically. The Dan-Dee is much less common, however, and therefore will hold its value more readily. Still, it depends on the quality of each particular card. The central focus is Mickey's head---is it focused nicely? Are there ANY print spots or marks that mar his head---AT ALL WHATSOEVER? Overall, is there anything that bothers you about the appearance of either card? Be dead honest with yourself, which can be harder than it seems. Once you buy it, the annoyances magnify, trust me. Naturally, the centering is important, but for mid-grade, who cares? It's the appearance of Mickey that matters, period. His radiant smile graces both cards. However, the Dan-Dee is extra special, 'cause he's lookin' right atcha, kid.

Make extra sure YOU are happy with what you buy. If there are serious drawbacks to either card, wait, add money if you can, and keep on the look-out for a specimen that really does it for you.

Both are good choices. Personally, I have ALWAYS BEEN MESMERIZED BY THAT PHOTO OF MICKEY MANTLE WHENEVER IT GRACES A TRADING CARD, BE IT DAN-DEE, BRIGGS FRANKS, AND ESPECIALLY THE STAHL-MEYER FRANKS. CAN YOU SAY, "PERFECTION"?

Wishing you the best in your decision, David, and again, happy birthday, bro. Don't let your birth date dictate when you must buy. Whenever you do, you'll be associating your acquisition with your birthday anyway. ---Brian Powell