$450 to spend! What to buy?
 

I'm just looking for thoughts and opinions with my question.

I have $450.00 to spend, and am waffling on a direction to move.

There's the " buy what you like ", but a '62 Maris at $100 won't do much in value for the next few years. Aaron is very under valued, as is Frank Robinson. A '55 Aaron is a strong option, however, Robinson is more " meh " even though his cards are extremely inexpensive.

Looking at Mantle is obvious, and there's always demand which will drive prices.

So, is it one card or four at a $100 a pop? This may be the only time I could spring for an expensive card ( to me ) that I could never afford again for the whole amount of $450. I would like to see the cards increase in value, but it's a crap shoot and ultimately I just collect.

If you had $450, what would you look at and give strong consideration to buying?

What cards are glaringly undervalued right now?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

1965 Topps Pete Rose PSA 8 - $415.31
1970 Topps Nolan Ryan PSA 8 - $332.91
1970 Topps Johnny Bench PSA 8 - $153.95
1968 Topps Tom Seaver PSA 8 - $120.48
1948 Bowman Stan Musial PSA 4 - $417.00
1948 Leaf Stan Musial PSA 4 - $489.97

Just a few off the top of my head.

Brooks Robinson or Gibson RC highest grade you can get for the $$$.

I'd go for a 57 frank Robinson psa 7 or 68 Ryan psa 5. Or a 54 Banks in the 3-4 range. I'd rather have one big card that you otherwise wouldn't buy than 4 lower valued cards.

+1 I'd add: any high grade '57 rare series HoF.

a good list .....

several Mantles from the 60s could be had in 7/84 range as well .....

I also think a nice 55-57 Aaron in the same range could be a nice pickup

Are you collecting cards or are you investing in cards?

As a collector, I'd try to fill in some items from my want list.

As an investor with only $450 to play with (which is really peanuts in the grand scheme of collecting economics) I would focus on nice cards of major HOFers. Personally, I think there is great value in some of the early 1970s Topps issues. There are high #'s, condition sensitive sets, and a ready market. In terms of whether to buy one card or several, I have always preferred to get ten 7's instead of one 9. I just think of it as diversifying. Plus it looks a lot better spread out on the desk.

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...rds%202016.jpg

Red man Hofers
 

Are a good choice too!

MBs!
 

How about $450 worth of sharp 1968 Milton Bradleys? :)

or $450 worth of sharp 2008 Milton Bradleys? :D



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nice!

I had other choices, but I definitely agree with the HOF RC theme, particularly 50s cards. Of these, I would get Frank because of the much higher grade.

I like the Brooks and Gibson as well, but since you had just mentioned them I thought I would present 3 alternatives. I recently found a centered Frank PSA 7 for under $450 and agree with Peter it probably has the most upside potential because of the higher grade.

You could probably find a psa 2 55 clemente for the price which might be cool if this is your only chance to own one.

48 Leaf DiMaggio

I buy cards I like, without "what might go up in value". My pick would be a nice 33 Goudey Foxx.

I would do pretty much the opposite of the suggestions. I would buy myself several VG raw Ted Williams cards with rounded corners that are also off center with a few light creases. Same would apply for Mickey Mantle. You could also get a nice stack of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, or other star players for $450.

I collect for fun so I would never for any reason pay $450 for any single card on the planet if it was for my PC. I would much rather have 20 Willie Mays raw cards in VG condition that 1 PSA graded Willie Mays card in any grade.

You might be able to pick up a lower grade 53 Bowman Mantle with nice eye appeal. With all the big boys going crazy normal every day collectors are looking at 2nd or 3rd tier cards.
Drew

You could land a very nice PSA 8 Johnny Bench rookie. I think it is one of the most undervalued rookie cards in a PSA 8. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks to everyone who commented!

I'm not rushing to spend it all, and will be certain to buy the card and not the holder. The card has to justify the grade.

Lou

I think the 1970 is a better financial play. It is a high #, condition sensitive, and an epic season for him, and you wouldn't have to pay a RC premium so you could get a better specimen.

I love the 70 Bench. What are the thoughts on the 69 Bench?

the 1969 is a great looking, 2nd year card .... one of his best, to go along with the 70-72 and the 76 Topps

the 1970, imo, is his best

IMO it's this one.

One would take up a whole closet or two.

Wasn't that the year he injured himself arguing with an umpire?

The 69 Bench is my favorite card with the 71 a close 2nd.

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images...bech-psa-8.5-3

Agreed. I'm usually on a tight budget, so it would be nice to be afforded one splurge for a great card that could be a cornerstone of my collection.

I'd spent the $450 on 1990 Topps. Think of how many cards you could get for that money? I'd rather have 5-600,000 1990 Topps cards (I'm assuming that's how many you could get) than 1 card that is actually worth something. :).

If you can find a low grade rookie Jackie Robinson I would get it!

Is this our old buddy Jose?