Seeking sage advice

[Puckettfan]

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

[swarmee]

I would go with the Bowman Mantle.

[Brian Van Horn]

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

[campyfan39]

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.

[Puckettfan]

Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn

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

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.

[Puckettfan]

Originally Posted by campyfan39

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.

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.

[terjung]

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

[Bruinsfan94]

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

[Timbegs]

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

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by Puckettfan

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.

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

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

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

[Billy5858]

Originally Posted by aquarian sports cards

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

+1. 😜

[clydepepper]

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

[Enfuego]

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.

[glynparson]

would bring you the most pleasure in owning.

[Sean]

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.

[Billy5858]

.

[clydepepper]

Scott- you and Billy O get a room please.

[KMayUSA6060]

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!

[Puckettfan]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

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."

[frankbmd]

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.

[Puckettfan]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

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

[gregr2]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

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

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

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by campyfan39

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.

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

[jb217676]

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.

[TUM301]

Originally Posted by jb217676

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.

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

[Puckettfan]

That's an awesome Orr

[pokerplyr80]

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.

[gemmint77]

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

[darkhorse9]

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.

[Puckettfan]

Originally Posted by darkhorse9

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"

[drmondobueno]

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.

[Touch'EmAll]

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?

[Puckettfan]

Originally Posted by drmondobueno

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.

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