If you have 20k in cash and want to invest in one post-war card...

[Vintageclout]

Originally Posted by Phil68

Which would you target? Why?

Here are some solid options. Remember, great eye appeal is a “must” for any purchase:

- A dead-centered PSA 5 1951 Bowman Mantle Rookie - way undervalued vs. it’s 1952 Topps Mantle peer. Lots of growth potential. But, it has to have 55/45 to 50/50 centering.

- A PSA 5 #53 Yellow Goudey Ruth or PSA 6 #144 or #149 Goudey Ruth - these cards are exploding in value and I really don’t see any end in sight. Especially the ones with super aesthetics. Nice Goudey Ruth’s are “Money in the bank”

- A PSA 6 T206 Ty Cobb Red Portrait; Bat On or Bat Off. Again, must be well-centered with bright colors. A Beautiful PSA 5 Green Portrait Cobb works as well. T206 Cobbs continue to rise in price, especially the examples that present extremely well. Put one or two away & watch your money grow. One of the classic cards in the hobby

- A super eye pleasing PSA 5/6 1948 Jackie Robinson Leaf Rookie. It may be the hottest card in the hobby right now. If you can find one for $15Kish, use the remaining $5K to purchase a 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson “Portrait” issue. It is Jackie’s “true” rookie card and was released in June/July 1947. - Jackie Robinson “rookie-era” card’s have no limits with regard to their investment potential. Jackie’s popularity is second to none and his early cards are on fire.

- a PSA 3 1914 Cracker Jack Cobb. In my opinion, one of the top 10 classic cards in the hobby. Cooled off somewhat with regard to pricing spikes, but it will certainly realize another pricing uptick in the next several years.

- a PSA 3 1948 Leaf Satchel Paige. One of the most desirable & significant cards in the hobby. A short-print that is so tough to find with great eye appeal. It MUST have superb resolution/registration & fine centering. Many examples have skewed images. Be patient & look for the right one.

- Early 1920s Babe Ruth Black & White issues. Try for a nice PSA 3 1921 E121 Ruth subject. It portrays Ruth in his classic pitching pose & wearing a Red Sox uniform (the image was actually taken in March 1915 so it is a true Ruth rookie image!). These black & white Ruth’s are still undervalued considering their rarity vs. Ruth goudeys. I firmly believe early 1920s Ruth Yankee cards will realize huge pricing spikes in the next 3-5 years.

- a very nice PSA 1.5/2 1909 E90-1 Joe Jackson rookie card. Simply stated, you cannot go wrong w/a “Shoeless Joe” rookie. It will continue to experience a steady rise in value.

Note, these are just a handful of examples to invest your $20K. Obviously there are so many more options, but the ones I suggested are bona-fife “sure things.” You also might want to consider buying some great modern cards like Jordan, James, MaHomes, Brady, Bryant, Trout, etc. since they are realizing some extraordinary price tags. If that is an option for you, speak with someone who is an authority on the high-end modern cards....it’s certainly not my area of expertise. With regard to vintage, blue chip immortals like Ruth, Cobb, Mantle, Robinson, Paige, Jackson, etc. are very safe investments. MOST IMPORTANT - please be very patient in finding exceptionally high-end eye appeal cards. That is the key for any issue. When you go to re-sell, you will definitely maximize your investment via aesthetically pleasing subjects. Great eye appeal translates to huge premiums paid for vintage cardboard. Good luck & happy hunting!

[Bpm0014]

I thought the question was POST WAR....

[olecow]

1952 Topps Eddie Mathews, in as high a grade as 20K would get me.

[skelly423]

Which war?

If you're talking WWI, that rules out the t206. The obvious answer is the 1933 Goudey yellow Ruth in as nice a grade as you can find.

If you're talking WWII, I'm not sure $20k will get you an unaltered 1952 Mantle. Assuming that's off the table I'd go with the 1951 Bowman Mays, the 1952 Topps Robinson, or the 1954 Aaron. I don't think there's a clear winner (or loser) among those 3.

I'll throw a curveball here and include the 2011 Topps Update Trout. You could probably snag a nice cognac/diamond parallel. Technically it is post-war...

[maniac_73]

Originally Posted by skelly423

Which war?

If you're talking WWI, that rules out the t206. The obvious answer is the 1933 Goudey yellow Ruth in as nice a grade as you can find.

If you're talking WWII, I'm not sure $20k will get you an unaltered 1952 Mantle. Assuming that's off the table I'd go with the 1951 Bowman Mays, the 1952 Topps Robinson, or the 1954 Aaron. I don't think there's a clear winner (or loser) among those 3.

I'll throw a curveball here and include the 2011 Topps Update Trout. You could probably snag a nice cognac/diamond parallel. Technically it is post-war...

So much risk in Trout's. He gets injured or experiences a late career like Pujols that cards takes a nosedive

[packs]

Originally Posted by maniac_73

So much risk in Trout's. He gets injured or experiences a late career like Pujols that cards takes a nosedive

The 2001 Bowman still sells for a pretty penny.

[rjackson44]

darby chocales christy mathewson

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by olecow

1952 Topps Eddie Mathews, in as high a grade as 20K would get me.

Same here.

[philliesphan]

1954 Topps Aaron, PSA 8 (may be closer to $25k)

[vintagewhitesox]

Michael Jordan Ultra Stars Gold variation. Rarest of his inserts and is only going up.

[mrvster]

I'll throw this out there and cover all the bases: all safe to still potential gains
20 K to mix it up or a combo.....I think these are sure bets



pre WWI:safe

T206 Green Cobb
T206 Red back rare back Cobb
T206 Magie
anything Ruth if affordable...


post WWI:


Anything Ruth ....maybe all the Goudey '33s or combo??? pretty safe

post WWII: safe

51 bowman mantle
52 Topps Mantle



Modern: (80's on up)

86 Fleer Jordan(I know it's basketball)I have always wanted one, but wind up buying baseball
93 Jeter SP
2009 Bowman Chrome Trout(a gamble risking injury)

anything later than Trout , to hard to predict....



Thoughts on my picks?????

[ullmandds]

dietsche cobb fielding rookie

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by olecow

1952 Topps Eddie Mathews, in as high a grade as 20K would get me.

This is what I would buy.

Think we may need a primer on meaning of Post-War.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

This is what I would buy.

Think we may need a primer on meaning of Post-War.

Correct me If I'm wrong, I always thought Post-War referred to WWII. At least that's what I've been led to believe.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by Seven

Correct me If I'm wrong, I always thought Post-War referred to WWII. At least that's what I've been led to believe.

It does, but many people are listing prewar cards, not postwar cards.

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

I thought the question was POST WAR....

The way people are answering, I think it’s the Civil War.

If you mean post war in the traditional sense - WWII- than 48 leaf Paige or Jackie; 48 Bowman Musial; 51 Bowman mantle or Mays.

[packs]

I wouldn't spend 20K on one post war card. I don't think it would be satisfying. But the obvious answer has to be a 52 Mantle.

[ALR-bishop]

[QUOTE=Rhotchkiss;2001854]The way people are answering, I think it’s the Civil War.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

I thought the question was POST WAR....

Uh, I guess you read the original post, huh.... didn't really specify "which" war...

[vthobby]

Originally Posted by Fred

Uh, I guess you read the original post, huh.... didn't really specify "which" war...

Oh....War in Afghanistan? I'd go with a shiny Zion then.......oh wait 20K can't buy one! lol

Peace, Mike

[investinrookies]

Originally Posted by Vintageclout

Here are some solid options. Remember, great eye appeal is a “must” for any purchase:

- A dead-centered PSA 5 1951 Bowman Mantle Rookie - way undervalued vs. it’s 1952 Topps Mantle peer. Lots of growth potential. But, it has to have 55/45 to 50/50 centering.

- A PSA 5 #53 Yellow Goudey Ruth or PSA 6 #144 or #149 Goudey Ruth - these cards are exploding in value and I really don’t see any end in sight. Especially the ones with super aesthetics. Nice Goudey Ruth’s are “Money in the bank”

- A PSA 6 T206 Ty Cobb Red Portrait; Bat On or Bat Off. Again, must be well-centered with bright colors. A Beautiful PSA 5 Green Portrait Cobb works as well. T206 Cobbs continue to rise in price, especially the examples that present extremely well. Put one or two away & watch your money grow. One of the classic cards in the hobby

- A super eye pleasing PSA 5/6 1948 Jackie Robinson Leaf Rookie. It may be the hottest card in the hobby right now. If you can find one for $15Kish, use the remaining $5K to purchase a 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson “Portrait” issue. It is Jackie’s “true” rookie card and was released in June/July 1947. - Jackie Robinson “rookie-era” card’s have no limits with regard to their investment potential. Jackie’s popularity is second to none and his early cards are on fire.

- a PSA 3 1914 Cracker Jack Cobb. In my opinion, one of the top 10 classic cards in the hobby. Cooled off somewhat with regard to pricing spikes, but it will certainly realize another pricing uptick in the next several years.

- a PSA 3 1948 Leaf Satchel Paige. One of the most desirable & significant cards in the hobby. A short-print that is so tough to find with great eye appeal. It MUST have superb resolution/registration & fine centering. Many examples have skewed images. Be patient & look for the right one.

- Early 1920s Babe Ruth Black & White issues. Try for a nice PSA 3 1921 E121 Ruth subject. It portrays Ruth in his classic pitching pose & wearing a Red Sox uniform (the image was actually taken in March 1915 so it is a true Ruth rookie image!). These black & white Ruth’s are still undervalued considering their rarity vs. Ruth goudeys. I firmly believe early 1920s Ruth Yankee cards will realize huge pricing spikes in the next 3-5 years.

- a very nice PSA 1.5/2 1909 E90-1 Joe Jackson rookie card. Simply stated, you cannot go wrong w/a “Shoeless Joe” rookie. It will continue to experience a steady rise in value.

Note, these are just a handful of examples to invest your $20K. Obviously there are so many more options, but the ones I suggested are bona-fife “sure things.” You also might want to consider buying some great modern cards like Jordan, James, MaHomes, Brady, Bryant, Trout, etc. since they are realizing some extraordinary price tags. If that is an option for you, speak with someone who is an authority on the high-end modern cards....it’s certainly not my area of expertise. With regard to vintage, blue chip immortals like Ruth, Cobb, Mantle, Robinson, Paige, Jackson, etc. are very safe investments. MOST IMPORTANT - please be very patient in finding exceptionally high-end eye appeal cards. That is the key for any issue. When you go to re-sell, you will definitely maximize your investment via aesthetically pleasing subjects. Great eye appeal translates to huge premiums paid for vintage cardboard. Good luck & happy hunting!

A eye appealing PSA 5 48/49 leaf jackie is far more than 20k now. An ugly PSA 4 just went for nearly 16k at Goldin.

[Pack The Ripper]

It wouldn't be baseball. I'd buy the highest graded 1980-81 Bird/Magic rookie I could find.

Strictly baseball, high grade late 60's Mantle.

[riggs336]

Buy a '54 Topps Aaron in PSA 8. You may have to borrow four or five grand but it'll be worth it.

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Great thread! I hope pricing trends stay positive this time next year....

[Touch'EmAll]

Was going to say a 1948 Bowman Satchell Paige PSA 9 - but $20.k won't get it. So perhaps the best 1952 Topps Willie Mays or Jackie Robinson you can get. Or super high end 1948 Leaf Ted Williams.

[cardsagain74]

Some people are demanding that great centering is a must for something like this, but cards like the '52 T Mantle (or any quality vintage, really) don't necessarily underperform as investments simply because they are fairly off-centered.

Looking at PSA's sales records for that Mantle: an average PSA 3 with decent centering has gone from 7-8 k to 30-35 k in the last 10 years. With the typical 75/25 to 80/20 in one or both directions for that card sometimes, it would've sold for about 6 k back then, and goes for 25 k today.

I had to extrapolate a little for that last one back around 2010 (because I couldn't find an example that really fit that centering bill without a qualifier), but since 60/40 to 65/35ish PSA 3s went for 7000-8000, and the cheapest 3 anywhere went for 5600, I think 6000 would be pretty close.

So, all PSA 3s quadrupled since then. As have all the various grade 4-7 versions of it during the last 10 years too

Basically if you bought any reasonable '52T Mantle in anywhere close to mid-grade in recent years, you've gotten about the same bang for your buck, regardless of the specifics of the card. Even though it seems like many people's compulsion about centering would be a big factor, that hasn't been the case.

[Wanaselja]

Originally Posted by cardsagain74

Some people are demanding that great centering is a must for something like this, but cards like the '52 T Mantle (or any quality vintage, really) don't necessarily underperform as investments simply because they are fairly off-centered.

Looking at PSA's sales records for that Mantle: an average PSA 3 with decent centering has gone from 7-8 k to 30-35 k in the last 10 years. With the typical 75/25 to 80/20 in one or both directions for that card sometimes, it would've sold for about 6 k back then, and goes for 25 k today.

I had to extrapolate a little for that last one back around 2010 (because I couldn't find an example that really fit that centering bill without a qualifier), but since 60/40 to 65/35ish PSA 3s went for 7000-8000, and the cheapest 3 anywhere went for 5600, I think 6000 would be pretty close.

So, all PSA 3s quadrupled since then. As have all the various grade 4-7 versions of it during the last 10 years too

Basically if you bought any reasonable '52T Mantle in anywhere close to mid-grade in recent years, you've gotten about the same bang for your buck, regardless of the specifics of the card. Even though it seems like many people's compulsion about centering would be a big factor, that hasn't been the case.

This video backs up your comment above - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KBGdGCe4E_Y

[vthobby]

[QUOTE=Vintageclout;2001831]Here are some solid options. Remember, great eye appeal is a “must” for any purchase:

- A dead-centered PSA 5 1951 Bowman Mantle Rookie - way undervalued vs. it’s 1952 Topps Mantle peer. Lots of growth potential. But, it has to have 55/45 to 50/50 centering.


I value your opinion, what do you think of this stained but very nice looking Mantle RC at around 8k on Ebay?

Just curious, I was contemplating it but the stains.......let me know what you think about future value on this one, thanks! Peace, Mike

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