Is 1956 Topps Mantle the most overpriced card in the hobby?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

1955 Bowman is top 3 ugliest sets ever made

That's the first time I've ever heard that said. I guess after so many years, it's overdue to hear somebody who has that opinion on it! I suppose it's less surprising than hearing someone comparing R302-1s to Renaissance art.

As to the 56 Mantle... I haven't collected unsigned cards for over 30 years. One that I still own and will never part with is the 56 Mantle. It's a thing of beauty, and I agree with the other reasons already given.

[ClementeFanOh]

I think the 56 Mantle is a thing of beauty and not overpriced in any way.
Strictly regarding Mantle, I'd fast forward a decade in time to his 66-68
Topps for that distinction.

Although I'm sure someone can (and will) trump me, I am consistently
surprised by the values that 1967 Topps Brooks Robinson commands, as
well as the Reggie Jackson 69 Topps rookie.

Anecdote- 53 Bowmans are NOT "soft", and are among the prettiest sets
ever made.

Trent King

[brunswickreeves]

It’s still about 1/2 cost of his 53 Topps card and has for a long time been an ‘affordable’ way to get an early Topps card of the Mick. It comes from an iconic and ground breaking set abundant with stars, picking up where his 53 Topps left off. The beaming image of Mick also captures the joy of playing the greatest game, plus includes an action pose capturing his athletic ability. It’s a cool baseball card IMHO.

[Carter08]

+1 for thinking 55 Bowman is really ugly and 56 Topps Mantle is an absolute beauty of a card.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Carter08

+1 for thinking 55 Bowman is really ugly and 56 Topps Mantle is an absolute beauty of a card.

I am the exact opposite. Hate most horizontal cards including that Mantle but love the 55 Bowman set.

[JohnP0621]

56 Topps Mantle Not overpriced at all.
Triple Crown Year and Mantle back in a Topps set after a 2 Year Absence.
Plus its such an iconic set filled with Great HOFers . It also has Brooklyn Dodgers , NY Giants and other Long Gone Teams.

Most Under priced Mantle is 52 Bowman. Great Card at a small fraction of the 52 Topps.

Regards
John P

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by JohnP0621

Most Under priced Mantle is 52 Bowman. Great Card at a small fraction of the 52 Topps.

The "artist" didn't do too poor a job on Mantle's '52 Bowman as compared to other players in the 1950-52 sets. Better than most. I know that some think it's a real piece of art. I don't want Mickey Mantle as a cartoon character, thanks very much. I abhor the amatuerish attemps at artistry in those Bowman sets. A handful do right by their subjects, but most are just embarrassments. By this point in the evolution of cardboard, I want actual photos, not these awful drawings, some of which could appear to have been created by children.

[campyfan39]

topps >>>>> bowman

[jchcollins]

I would think it hard to say that one of the most iconic cards of the single most iconic player to the vintage card hobby, from his first MVP and triple crown season - is overrated or overpriced. Many rank the '56 Topps set as one of if not their single most outstanding effort, and obviously in that timeframe - Mantle is going to be the most important card in the set. The '56 Topps #135 did finally take off some in the last boom, but it's still a lot more affordable than his '53 Topps - and IMO is a much better looking card.

If you are looking for things that are truly overpriced, you can find lots of late 1960's high numbers of players like Cookie Rojas and Mike Shannon, Grant Jackson / Bart Shirey and others - who aren't exactly Mickey Mantle in our collective memories that sell for ridiculous prices - especially in higher grade - simply because they are high numbers or short prints.

[vintagerookies51]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

That's the first time I've ever heard that said. I guess after so many years, it's overdue to hear somebody who has that opinion on it! I suppose it's less surprising than hearing someone comparing R302-1s to Renaissance art.

As to the 56 Mantle... I haven't collected unsigned cards for over 30 years. One that I still own and will never part with is the 56 Mantle. It's a thing of beauty, and I agree with the other reasons already given.

Interesting. I’ve always thought it was a pretty common opinion that the 1955 Bowman set is ugly

[Carter08]

Originally Posted by vintagerookies51

Interesting. I’ve always thought it was a pretty common opinion that the 1955 Bowman set is ugly

The premise itself of making it look like a “color tv” is pretty funny to me. Cards are subjective though so I can’t argue if someone loves them.

[Beatles Guy]

I'll take the '55 Bowman over the '56 Topps any day.

[AndrewJerome]

Why do people who dislike the 1952 Topps Mantle love saying it’s a DP, but ignore that it is a high number? Doesn’t this basically make it a wash in terms of rarity? If you don’t like the image just say that.

Andrew

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by AndrewJerome

Why do people who dislike the 1952 Topps Mantle love saying it’s a DP, but ignore that it is a high number? Doesn’t this basically make it a wash in terms of rarity? If you don’t like the image just say that.

Andrew

I don't like the image. But its stature is unique and secure.

[Rich Falvo]

Not a Mantle collector, but the 56 is iconic. I personally think that's his 2nd best looking card behind only the 54 Bowman.

[jackwesq]

Amazingly beautiful in my opinion.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by AndrewJerome

Why do people who dislike the 1952 Topps Mantle love saying it’s a DP, but ignore that it is a high number? Doesn’t this basically make it a wash in terms of rarity? If you don’t like the image just say that.

Andrew

Can’t say that I dislike the 311 Mantle. It’s a great card. Just not my thing, particularly at those prices. Plenty of other collectors willing to pay a lot more for it, and I’m more than happy to allocate my scarce resources elsewhere.

I will confess that I just enjoy poking the bear sometimes, because I get my jollies off the (over-) reaction.

And to answer your question, my experience is that most of the 311 lovers prefer to focus on the high number element, and are reticent to countenance the possibility of the DP feature.

[maniac_73]

No

[jsfriedm]

Originally Posted by raulus

Can’t say that I dislike the 311 Mantle. It’s a great card. Just not my thing, particularly at those prices. Plenty of other collectors willing to pay a lot more for it, and I’m more than happy to allocate my scarce resources elsewhere.

I will confess that I just enjoy poking the bear sometimes, because I get my jollies off the (over-) reaction.

And to answer your question, my experience is that most of the 311 lovers prefer to focus on the high number element, and are reticent to countenance the possibility of the DP feature.

I'm with you on the 1952 Topps Mantle, but then again, I'm not a Mantle guy. I am, however, like you, a Mays guy, and I still can't bring myself to buy a 1952 Topps Mays. As bad as the Mantle is, the Mays is 100x worse. Did they just take a surprise picture as he was leaving the clubhouse bathroom? I don't know if I'd accept that card for free...

[raulus]

Originally Posted by jsfriedm

I'm with you on the 1952 Topps Mantle, but then again, I'm not a Mantle guy. I am, however, like you, a Mays guy, and I still can't bring myself to buy a 1952 Topps Mays. As bad as the Mantle is, the Mays is 100x worse. Did they just take a surprise picture as he was leaving the clubhouse bathroom? I don't know if I'd accept that card for free...

Direct all the free ones my way. I’ll be happy to take them off your hands.

[GaryPassamonte]

Originally Posted by raulus

Can’t say that I dislike the 311 Mantle. It’s a great card. Just not my thing, particularly at those prices. Plenty of other collectors willing to pay a lot more for it, and I’m more than happy to allocate my scarce resources elsewhere.

I will confess that I just enjoy poking the bear sometimes, because I get my jollies off the (over-) reaction.

And to answer your question, my experience is that most of the 311 lovers prefer to focus on the high number element, and are reticent to countenance the possibility of the DP feature.

The fact remains that the 1952 Topps Mantle is the lowest population Topps or Bowman Mantle card. It is from an iconic set and will always be in high demand. As far as aesthetics, it is no less attractive than a t206 Wagner or a Ruth rookie and all three cards are at the top of the baseball card dream list.