In a dilemma with a 55 Mantle?

[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!

[Seven]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

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.

I appreciate the advice, especially that last part. We should always collect what we like, I'm a big believer in that. I love the 59 Mantle, That's probably the next one on my list, in terms of the mianstream cards, that I would like to pick up. I agree, I think it screams 1950's nostalgia. I always think of Coca Cola when I see the card, probably because of the Red and White

Originally Posted by 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.

I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with the Photo, I think it lacks in comparison to the previous Bowman issue's. 51 and 52 are pieces of art in my opinion. I love the full shot on his 53 Bowman color issue and I do really enjoy the portrait on his 54 issue. If I'm being 100% transparent, I think that I will end up picking up the 55, somewhere down the line. With certain cards I feel a sort of urgency to collect them, I just don't get that feeling with the 55 Bowman. While I'm not in love with the TV Set, I do see the uniqueness behind it. Color TV was a big deal, and there's really no set like the 55 Bowman.

Originally Posted by 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!

I do agree the card is Iconic, for the reasons you've listed. The 55 issue is special and unique in it's own way. I do also agree that it's undervalued in comparison to its Topps counterpart. I do think I eventually pick one up, however I don't have the sense of urgency that I normally do when it comes to buying Mantle's. When the right one comes along, for the right price, I'll purchase it, most likely.

Thank you again for everyone who has chimed in.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by 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!

I agree with the op. Compared to the 1955 Topps set, I can see why Bowman went out of business. A huge drop in quality from 1950-53 to 1954 and then 1955. As far as Aaron, clearly the hobby prefers the 1955 Topps card.