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

[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.

[Bored5000]

As mentioned previously, PSA 1s encompass a wide variety of acceptability. You said your 52T had good eye appeal, so I would rather have the 52T Mantle than a '51 Bowman. Both are iconic, but there is a pop culture factor to the 52T that doesn't exist with the Bowman card.

I know it gets said on here all the time, but choose the one that will make you the most happy to have in your collection, not the one that you hope will be worth the most 10 years from now (since no one knows the answer to that). Some of my favorite cards are ones that are only worth $200-300, but I love them because I could never replace them if they were sold or lost.

You could possibly pick up a low-grade 51B in the future, but even a beater 1952 Topps Mantle has already climbed out of reach for many people. I always try to look at it from a standpoint of don't sell or get rid of cards that could not be replaced. IMO, you would regret trading away the premier post-war card.

[quitcrab]

Keep the 1952 and buy a 51. You may regret getting rid of the 52. It's so iconic.

[Johnny630]

Keep the 52 Topps Mantle, save some cash to buy a 51 when the US economy goes into resession. IMO Those are always the best time to buy high end cards.

[savedfrommyspokes]

I am in the exact same position.....I have a lower grade 52 Topps Mantle and am missing the 51 Bowman Mantle to finish my 51 set. The 51 B set will just have to remain unfinished until I can save up enough to find the Mantle to finish it. The only thing I would trade my 52 Topps Mantle for is a nicer copy.