any guess on how many 52 mantles exist??

[savedfrommyspokes]

I was asked this question by an experienced 52 Topps collector, and I guessed nearly 10k. This collector pointed out that there were approximately 1400 PSA graded (who knows how many resubmits are in the 1400), approximately 425 SGC graded copies, and another 150 graded by BGS. So with approximately 1975 graded copies (less resubs and crossovers) of the most popular post war card out there, I was told that 10K was too high.....after thinking about it for a second, I agreed, as this card would likely have one of the highest percent of available copies graded.

More likely there were "originally" 10K copies out there/issued, but due to natural disasters, Mom's pitching their kids card collections (how my Uncle lost his 52 Mantle back in the day), etc, my guess is now that there are as many ungraded copies of this card out there as there are graded copies. I know at least several board members who have ungraded copies in their collections. Probably many more copies sit in non active collector's safe deposit boxes somewhere, while many others are still buried in the attic/basement of a non-collector waiting to be unearthed.

So my guess now is that 3500-4000 copies still exist with maybe 2500 total copies in the hands of active collectors or are for sale.

The SPs from the high series are obviously much scarcer than the Mantle.

[mrvster]

great info! I really appreciate it

[irv]

It's a million dollar question for a million dollar card.

Some recent postings have talked about the amount of 52's made and some new info on how many were available.

If you read some of these, you will see, even way back then, cards 311-407 were in demand and carried a premium.

I am not sure if the question will ever be answered now, but it does make for some interesting reading.
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=233137

[rats60]

Originally Posted by savedfrommyspokes

I was asked this question by an experienced 52 Topps collector, and I guessed nearly 10k. This collector pointed out that there were approximately 1200 PSA graded (who knows how many resubmits are in the 1200), approximately 425 SGC graded copies, and another 150 graded by BGS. So with approximately 1775 graded copies (less resubs and crossovers) of the most popular post war card out there, I was told that 10K was too high.....after thinking about it for a second, I agreed, as this card would likely have one of the highest percent of available copies graded.

More likely there were "originally" 10K copies out there/issued, but due to natural disasters, Mom's pitching their kids card collections (how my Uncle lost his 52 Mantle back in the day), etc, my guess is now that there are as many ungraded copies of this card out there as there are graded copies. I know at least several board members who have ungraded copies in their collections. Probably many more copies sit in non active collector's safe deposit boxes somewhere, while many others are still buried in the attic/basement of a non-collector waiting to be unearthed.

So my guess now is that 3500-4000 copies still exist with maybe 2500 total copies in the hands of active collectors or are for sale.

The SPs from the high series are obviously much scarcer than the Mantle.

1775 grades. How many cards? 1000? 1200? Maybe even lower. I would say the majority of 52 Mantles are graded and in the hands of collectors. This isn't a card that someone is going to have and not know it. It is like the t206 Wagner. People know what they have. I would say 2000-2500 and maybe even lower depending on how many times these cards have been regraded.

[irv]

Originally Posted by rats60

1775 grades. How many cards? 1000? 1200? Maybe even lower. I would say the majority of 52 Mantles are graded and in the hands of collectors. This isn't a card that someone is going to have and not know it. It is like the t206 Wagner. People know what they have. I would say 2000-2500 and maybe even lower depending on how many times these cards have been regraded.

It's unfortunate that cards that were resubmitted for bumps or crossovers weren't tracked better.