In a dilemma with a 55 Mantle?

[GasHouseGang]

I bought the Bowman. I kind of like it.

[jgannon]

Delete

[Casey2296]

1955 Stahl-Meyer but that'll set you back a bit, or the 1955 Exhibit.

[Gr8Beldini]

How do you not like the '55B Mantle? It's my favorite Mantle card. Certainly nicer than the '67, '59, '54B, '57, and '68 Mantles.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by Gr8Beldini

How do you not like the '55B Mantle? It's my favorite Mantle card. Certainly nicer than the '67, '59, '54B, '57, and '68 Mantles.

I think the TV set is tacky, I don't think it's the greatest photo of Mantle in the world either. I don't think it helps that the Topps issue that year was such a beautiful set. Makes me a little upset that he couldn't have a card in that one due to licensing. I Love his 54 Issue. Beautiful portrait of him. All comes down to personal preference.

[ALR-bishop]

I like the 55 format ok. It was ahead of it's time. Do you know how many households had a color TV in 1955. The set was a market bust for Bowman at the time.

But I have all the Mantles you list Gr8 and would rate the 55B last in that group. As James said, just a matter of preference

[Gr8Beldini]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

I like the 55 format ok. It was ahead of it's time. Do you know how many households had a color TV in 1955. The set was a market bust for Bowman at the time.

But I have all the Mantles you list Gr8 and would rate the 55B last in that group. As James said, just a matter of preference

Even worse than the '67?

[bobsbbcards]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Do you know how many households had a color TV in 1955.

Two?

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by Gr8Beldini

How do you not like the '55B Mantle? It's my favorite Mantle card. Certainly nicer than the '67, '59, '54B, '57, and '68 Mantles.

Each unto their own. For example, I would disagree hard that the '55 B Mantle is nicer than the '59 Topps, but it's ok that Gr8 feels differently. I think the '59, especially those that survived with that fire engine red background is just a classic looking vintage card. The Mick's portrait pose may be boring to some, but it's a still young, contemplative Mantle who had more great years ahead of him. For me the design with the circular photograph and slanted lower case typeset is the best part; it just screams 1950's.

Truth be told though I like the '55 B as well. I love neat designs, which is why I love '59 Topps, but also '55 B. The TV set idea was years ahead of it's time, and I love all those cards, particularly the Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks, because they are their only Bowman cards.

If I would give any advice to the OP, it's DON'T buy a card you truly don't like only out of peer pressure or the desire to complete a run or something. If you know you will not be happy in the end, then there is nothing wrong with that. I'm not much a fan of the '67 Mantle. I've had a few before, but never kept them for long.

[judgebuck]

If you're going to have a complete run from every year, I think the 1955 Bowman is your only real choice. The 1955 Stahl Meyer is a dream card, but it is hard to find in any grade and is always very highly priced. I kind of like the Bowman myself. And, I don't see anything wrong about the Mantle photo. It is much better than a simple head shot.

[Tyruscobb]

To each his/her collecting own. If the OP wants to have a huge hole in his player run collection that is his business. Like it or not, there are several reasons the ‘55B card is iconic.

First, it is Mantle’s only ‘55 mainstream card. The other ones mentioned are more oddball cards. Second, it was Bowman’s last ditch effort to fend off Topps in the baseball card war. We would not see another Bowman issue for more than 30 years. Third, it was very innovative for its time. The television culture was about to explode on America. Fourth, it is a 1950s card from Mantle’s prime. A year before his best year.

I personally love the ‘55 set and feel it is undervalued. You can still find mid-grade Hank Aarons for under $300.00. An absolute legend’s second year mainstream card, in a 5 slabbed holder, for under $300.00? Yes, please. I digress.

Buy the Mantle. I think it will grow on you and you will come around!