$500 to spend on memorabilia...asking for advice

[zupster]

I am new to this forum but have been on blowout a longtime and members there suggested I join here and ask for advice. I have a friend who wants to invest in some sports memorabilia as an investment, he is very well off and I have tons of Red Sox memorabilia and sigs (about 20 Williams pieces) so he asked me to help. He is looking to spend about 80 % ($4000) on "safe" investments and 20%($1000) on more risky stuff. As far as newer guys I was thinking Brady, Jeter. etc... I know the companies to use as far as authentication that way but wondering the opinion of members on here as far as if you had $5000 to spend on memorabilia, what would you do? He is from the Baltimore area but other than maybe Unitas I couldnt think of others from the area that may be a good investment. He is just looking for some nice stuff to display and hopefully make a little money on down the road. Thanks in advance for any advice, will update thread as we move forward

[David Atkatz]

No contemporary, manufactured, memorabilia will appreciate in the long term. There's way too much of it.

If he's so well off, why is he investing $5k? Even if he doubles his money in a few years--which he won't--big deal.

[Duluth Eskimo]

One name, Babe Ruth

[zupster]

have seen some ruth balls in lesser condition that were all certified by jsa or psa/dna...i mostly deal in modern stuff so was wondering if one or the other is generally viewed as better certification on older stuff? if something is authenticated by psa but given a grade of 3 or 4 (auto ball) is it worth buying at that grade? obviously i know that a higher grade also means a higher price but how are lower grades seen? thanks

[Fballguy]

He should take the 5K and invest in a good computer so he can do the research (and/or ask the question) himself.

In all seriousness...If he's looking for cool display pieces, great. But to approach this for it's investment potential...with a stake of only 5K no less...He might as well go by scratch tickets.

[mr2686]

Rule number 1: Collect what you love and don't count on it as an investment or you'll end up disappointed.
Rule number 2: See Rule number 1.

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by zupster

have seen some ruth balls in lesser condition that were all certified by jsa or psa/dna...i mostly deal in modern stuff so was wondering if one or the other is generally viewed as better certification on older stuff? if something is authenticated by psa but given a grade of 3 or 4 (auto ball) is it worth buying at that grade? obviously i know that a higher grade also means a higher price but how are lower grades seen? thanks

Also forget about "grades" for autographed items. Baseballs can degrade or yellow over even a short span of time. Autographs can fade over time. A graded autograph is completely pointless. Authenticated sure no problem. But graded? No.

Tom C

[Topnotchsy]

if he picks items whose provenance is tight, is of a player(s) who will likely remain a focus for collectors and he picks nice looking items that are pretty normal items to collect, he should be fine. Will he make a lot of money? There's no guarantees.

Autographs of guys like Ruth, Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente etc fit that. Signed baseballs are pretty standard items though a picture, book or other option may be cheaper.

Personally I prefer items that have a historical component to them as well (like items tied to jackie robinson and the integration or ties to WWII). I do think that besides for my personal interest, they have cross market appeal to non-sports collectors and should sustain value but of course if there is a premium there it may already be built into the price.

If I was spending 5k some items I'd consider:
- 1947 Dodgers team signed baseball
- nice Ruth or Gehrig autograph

If he wants to really speculate, find something of an early player who he thinks the Veterans committee may vote into the HOF.