1951 Bowman Mays vs 1952 Topps Mays

Vitd · 08-24-2024, 05:57 PM

I’m thinking about picking up one of these cards lately, but I can’t figure out which way to go.

52 Topps is the more iconic set, but it is not Mays true RC. In the other hand, that didnt stop the 1952 Topps Mantle from becoming the Holy Grail of the hobby.

Which one do you all prefer?

Cardsandcoffee · 08-25-2024, 12:05 AM

I struggled with this myself. Would love to hear others thoughts. I'm leaning towards the '51

BGT Masters · 08-25-2024, 09:42 AM

I prefer the 1951 myself.

Phishphan21 · 08-25-2024, 10:28 AM

51 all day

hxcmilkshake · 08-25-2024, 10:38 AM

I prefer the 52s looks but if I were to get one it would be the 51...gotta have the OG. Soon as my Mantle run is done , probably when I'm 90, I'll go after this!

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IgnatiusJReilly · 08-25-2024, 11:57 PM

I prefer the 51 Bowman. I think it’s one of the coolest cards ever made, and I love the way the sunlight reflects off his arm and hands.

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JustRachel · 08-26-2024, 05:57 AM

Drop me into the '51 pile.

towerymt · 08-26-2024, 05:48 PM

I'll take the rookie card, pls.

inaka · 08-27-2024, 12:17 AM

Split the difference and just get a 1952 Bowman.

VanLingoMungo46 · 08-29-2024, 05:03 AM

52 and it’s not even close.

REGGIE206 · 09-06-2024, 05:46 PM

1951 Bowman RC

tedwilliamsfan · 09-07-2024, 11:30 AM

1951 Bowman Willie Mays RC is my choice.

Above the Rim · 09-07-2024, 04:05 PM

Either. As long as you get one with great centering and nice other eye appeal attributes.

Gary · 09-08-2024, 05:12 AM

Depends on what is most important to you,The 52 Topps is more desired,more valuable,iconic set,about the only reason's to pick the bowman (not that is a small reason) is you want the RC.Also for the same money you will get a better condition card dollar for dollar.IE a 52 in a 2 or a 51 in a 3-4.

One of the advantages of being older is i dont have to make these choices as i collected this stuff in the 70.s before it turned into big business.Collecting cards for the under 40 guys much like life in general is so much harder than it was for us older guys.i dont envy you younger guys at all.

08-24-2024, 05:57 PM	#1
Vitd Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 48	1951 Bowman Mays vs 1952 Topps Mays I’m thinking about picking up one of these cards lately, but I can’t figure out which way to go. 52 Topps is the more iconic set, but it is not Mays true RC. In the other hand, that didnt stop the 1952 Topps Mantle from becoming the Holy Grail of the hobby. Which one do you all prefer?

08-27-2024, 12:17 AM	#9
inaka Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 881	Split the difference and just get a 1952 Bowman. __________________ Sports Card Organizer Software for Mac & Windows www.InakaSoftware.com/SportsCardDatabase

09-07-2024, 11:30 AM	#12
tedwilliamsfan Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 2,526 jimihendrixfan	1951 Bowman Willie Mays RC is my choice. __________________ I collect Michael Jordan, 1950's Willie Mays PSA, and Pokemon cards.

08-25-2024, 12:05 AM	#2
Cardsandcoffee Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: PNW Posts: 1,031	I struggled with this myself. Would love to hear others thoughts. I'm leaning towards the '51

08-25-2024, 09:42 AM	#3
BGT Masters Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellsville, New York Posts: 10,182	I prefer the 1951 myself.

08-25-2024, 10:28 AM	#4
Phishphan21 Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 266	51 all day

08-25-2024, 10:38 AM	#5
hxcmilkshake Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Apopka FL Posts: 11,004 hxcmilkshake	I prefer the 52s looks but if I were to get one it would be the 51...gotta have the OG. Soon as my Mantle run is done , probably when I'm 90, I'll go after this! Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

08-25-2024, 11:57 PM	#6
IgnatiusJReilly Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 1,982 Stonethecrow34	I prefer the 51 Bowman. I think it’s one of the coolest cards ever made, and I love the way the sunlight reflects off his arm and hands. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08-26-2024, 05:57 AM	#7
JustRachel Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 5,663	Drop me into the '51 pile.

08-26-2024, 05:48 PM	#8
towerymt Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: VA Posts: 8,442	I'll take the rookie card, pls.

08-29-2024, 05:03 AM	#10
VanLingoMungo46 Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 694	52 and it’s not even close.

09-06-2024, 05:46 PM	#11
REGGIE206 Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Mukilteo, WA (hometown: Vallejo, CA) Posts: 9,631	1951 Bowman RC

09-07-2024, 04:05 PM	#13
Above the Rim Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 700	Either. As long as you get one with great centering and nice other eye appeal attributes.

09-08-2024, 05:12 AM	#14
Gary Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 646	Depends on what is most important to you,The 52 Topps is more desired,more valuable,iconic set,about the only reason's to pick the bowman (not that is a small reason) is you want the RC.Also for the same money you will get a better condition card dollar for dollar.IE a 52 in a 2 or a 51 in a 3-4. One of the advantages of being older is i dont have to make these choices as i collected this stuff in the 70.s before it turned into big business.Collecting cards for the under 40 guys much like life in general is so much harder than it was for us older guys.i dont envy you younger guys at all.