Seeking sage advice
 

Hey all,

A few things have come together for me recently and the time is right to reward myself by adding a card I've been seeking for a while. I can't think of a better place to ask "which one should I go for?". I'm a collector and not a flipper so this is permant collection add. So gents, which one do I go after?:

1933 goudey Gehrig
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
1951 bowman Mickey Mantle
1909 t2016 Walter Johnson
Non t206 Honus Wagner

Thanks in advance for your opinions

I would go with the Bowman Mantle.

What is your budget and which of these players do you like most?

Any other cards you are considering?
I ask because IMO some of those cards are overrated based on value and not based on aesthetic appeal etc. For example, placed side by side I struggle to see how anyone could prefer a 55 Clemente to a 56.

Good question. I like all of them but I guess I'd have to give the emotional nod to Clemente because he seemed like such a solid dude.

Ah, another good point. More context might be helpful. I collect rookies ( or close) of hall of famers. I agree that aesthetics are important but I'm pretty dead red on the 55 Clemente, and the 33 Gehrig ( although I know it's not his true rookie). I'd consider a 53 Topps mantle as well because I think that's his most pleasing card.

If you are considering a Goudey Gehrig, may I suggest the 1934 Goudey #37 instead of the 1933 Goudeys #92 (or #160)?

A nice Wagner is always cool. Can't go wrong with a 51 Bowman Mays either.

There's a guy in the BST section with a PSA 8 (MC) 51 Bowman Mantle for 12,500.

I'll take PayPal for my 10% finders fee

Definitely if you are feeling the tug in that direction, go for the Clemente. You can't go wrong with any of these, but with the same list I would be leaning toward the Gehrig or the Wagner.

My advice would be to go with your lean.

Brian

goes great in stuffing, but don't overdo it or it winds up tasting too herbaceous.

+1. 😜

Historically, Mantle holds more value, but since this is a 'luxury pick', go after player you like the most.

Just like the rest, go with who you like most, indeed these are great additions, but IMO I would go with "which player do I have a bigger PC of"?

Hope this helps.

Whichever one
 

would bring you the most pleasure in owning.

Also consider which card you can show off to your friends. My big card is a T206 Plank, and I can't remember the last time I showed it to a friend without having to explain who Eddie Plank was and why his card is important. :rolleyes:

.

Scott- you and Billy O get a room please.

In no particular order, I'd pick from one of these 3...

Mantle, Wagner, Gehrig.

Without knowing your budget - please don't feel any pressure to share because that's not something the public needs to know - it's hard to answer this question. Knowing the budget would help me know what condition of each card you could afford. I wouldn't throw the money away on a crappy '51 Bowman Mantle with paperloss, creasing, etc., when you could take the same amount of money, if not less, and get a nice Wagner or Gehrig.

Happy hunting!

This is very helpful! This is the line of thought I was looking to probe. Yes, all of these cards vary widely in grade/cost. Are you saying that regardless of budget, the best way to approach this is: "even though the Mantle is the highest profile it may be better to go with another if the only grade of the mantle is lower end."

Interesting
 

Every time I get a bundle of cash, soliciting advice on how to spend it from strangers on the internet that don't have a bundle of cash isn't my first inclination.

This wasn't my first inclination :) Just looking for some advice from folks of all stripes who share similar interests

Best answer I've read on here in a while!! Well done!! Looking for the clapping emoji!!

Cause the 1955 is the rookie card. It's the exact same picture though.

To the OP, I was having the same thought as you a few years ago when I came into some money. I asked myself "what is the one card I should buy now that I'll never be able to get again". I went the hockey route and I chose a card that is extremely limited & rarely comes up for sale... & it's an ORR! I remember I really had to ask around to find this copy.

Robert Gordon
 

Wow, awesome card of the one and ONLY. Outstanding in the field, enjoy that bad boy !!

That's an awesome Orr

My personal preference would be the Mantle RC, but as you mention you're more of a Clemente fan I'd say go for what you'll be happiest with. Especially if this will be a collection centerpiece type card. The 55 Clements is a great looking card and one of the most iconic post war cards in the hobby. Can't go wrong with any you mentioned though.

Great list of cards!! I personally would go with the 51 Bowman Mantle Rookie. Please share when you make your decision. Good Luck

For me..if I'm buying a "wow" card that might even impress a non-baseball card collector I consider what their response might be when I showed it to them


1933 goudey Gehrig - "cool....do you have a Babe Ruth?"
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente " Neat...is it real rare?"
1951 bowman Mickey Mantle "This isn't the one I always see in stories"
1909 t2016 Walter Johnson - "who is he?"
Non t206 Honus Wagner - "Is that the really valuable one?"

I know....sometimes my cynical side comes out.

Ha! This is great. Although, if you want to get really cynical it might be:

1933 Goudey Gehrig - "cool...he has the same name as the guy with the disease"

Can't go too wrong with any of these, but what do you collect"
 

I own a Clemente rookie card, my personal all time favorite player. That is my bias.

I have also owned a number of T206 in nice grades but never a Gehrig or Wagner. If I was chasing Prewar today I personally would for for a Gehrig, the advice above on the '34 is something to consider.

Just my opinion. Let us know what you decide, post a scan or something.

nice HOF'er T206's available
 

Right now on ebay, a dude out of Rochester, NY has some impressive T206 major HOF'ers in very nice mid-grade plus - including a T206 Cobb green SGC 60 with nice centering and full looking boarders! (control myself, stop drooling) My budget right now is a no go, but would love to add a card or two from this guy. Just can't go wrong with nice T206's - ever! They are, however, SGC instead of PSA - but hey, probably a good value deal compared to PSA equivalent. Maybe contact him, work something out?

Thanks for the advice. I will for sure post once the new addition is in hand.