In a dilemma with a 55 Mantle?

[Seven]

I'm running into a bit of a dilemma with one of my collecting goals. I'm trying to complete a Mantle Run from every year of his playing career. I've made some great progress this year, adding a 54 Red Heart, 53 Bowman and 52 Berk Ross to my collection, I'm however running into a real problem with 1955.

I cannot stand Bowman's card design that year. There are some days where I don't think it's too bad and there are others where I think it's horrendous. I really don't want to drop money on a card that I'm not going to enjoy owning, but to my knowledge there's not much out there in terms of alternatives. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

[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.

[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.