Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps vs Honus Wagner T206: which is the better sports card investment?

Comparing Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps (1952 Topps Baseball, 1952) and Honus Wagner T206 (T206 Series (American Tobacco), 1909) as sports card investments. PSA price bands, risk, and upside compared.

Mickey Mantle 1952 ToppsHonus Wagner T206
SportMLBMLB
Set1952 Topps Baseball (1952)T206 Series (American Tobacco) (1909)
RarityStandard (low-print high-number)Ultra-rare withdrawn issue
PSA 10 band$4,000,000-$10,000,000+n/a (none exist)
PSA 9 band$400,000-$1,200,000$5,000,000-$15,000,000+
Raw / ungraded band$50,000-$200,000n/a (essentially never raw at market)
Risk levelLowLow
Investment score5/55/5

Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps

The most valuable post-war sports card. PSA 10 crossed $12.6M at Heritage in 2022. Lower grades remain six- and seven-figure investments. Permanent grail status.

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Honus Wagner T206

The most famous sports card in history. Wagner objected to his use in tobacco marketing; the card was pulled from production early. Estimated 50-200 known copies. Has sold above $7M repeatedly; record over $12M.

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Detailed comparison coming soon.