Of course they're baseball cards, beyond any rational dispute. What's to disqualify them from that status? Certainly not their size--ever seen a W600 cabinet? T5 Pinkerton cabinet? Various Goudey premiums, especially R314's. R303's, and V351's? Partridge Meat Reds? 1917-1920 Mendelsohn's?
The fact that they themselves are the product being sold is a non-starter too. Remember when Topps removed the gum from the packs, and all you got were the cards?
As to mainstream, who cares? A 1921 Holsum Bread Babe Ruth in VG doesn't go for $83,000 because its "mainstream"--it does so because its extremely rare and its the Babe. Same with the 1914 Baltimore News Ruth minor league schedule card (gee, another one a bit bigger than we might be used to!). Value = rare and significant in the best condition you can find or afford. Mainstream means real value only if you're one of those collectors who is paying huge sums for PSA 10's re cards that are common and vastly cheaper in a nice "8" holder (buy the card, and don't pay thousands simply for the plastic holder and paper slip inside!). The Gehrig 1925 rookie is far from the only significant Exhibit card that should be in anyone's collection who is concerned with lasting and appreciating value.
I guess that was my buck-50's worth.
Larry
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