1933 Goudey Ruth #144 or 1921 Exhibit Ruth?

[Casey2296]

I prefer the Exhibit as it is an earlier card and much more rare. 172 pop vs 1800 pop for the #141.

[Carter08]

My view is can’t go wrong with either. If one speaks to you more, go for it. I defend Goudeys all day as being works of art from a super popular set. But that 21 exhibit is just an amazing pose. And I think it works well as a card but also gives you a photo for the (hefty) price of one.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I much preferr the Exhibit, but the 144 is probably THE classic Ruth card by mainstream standards and if new money keeps flowing into the hobby, my bet would be on 144 purely from an investment perspective.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

I prefer the Exhibit as it is an earlier card and much more rare. 172 pop vs 1800 pop for the #141.

Same here, not a fortune teller as to which is better long run but could make an faithful argument either way. Go with your heart and your eyes, this is only a hobby.

[mrreality68]

I prefer the 1921 exhibit it.

However up until recently the 1921 was under appreciated and under valued.

The 1933 Goudy is the Main stream "ICON CARD" so even with the greater quantities it tends to be the go to buy of collectors and investors. New investors/collectors will probably go towards it. As a result the 1933 Goudy probably will be the better "investment card".

Both are great choices and since the 1921 has smaller stock levels the demand should also always be there

[G1911]

As it sounds like you are an investor, I would go with the Goudey 144.

[jingram058]

I like them both, but I have the 144. It wasn't an investment when I bought it, and it isn't now either. I bought it because I liked it. That hasn't changed either.

[oldjudge]

I think the Goudey Ruth’s are ugly and overpriced and I love that exhibit

[Leon]

I have always thought it's the classic vintage baseball card. Since I got back into the hobby, as an adult, it's probably been my favorite (attainable) card.

[Rhotchkiss]

Without question I would go with the 1921 Exhibit over the 1933Goudey. First, the Exhibit is much earlier in Ruth's career and one of Ruth's first Yankee cards. Second, the Exhibit is much more rare. Third, the pose is very unique, as I cannot think of many (if any) other Ruth cards of him fielding. Fourth, I think the jump in Goudey prices has outsized growth in the Exhibits (which has certainly done well). That, together with rarity means (I think) there is more upside potential in Exhibits and less downside risk.

Ruth is the gold standard in cards and I don't think either is incorrect. But if I hade $X and the chance to buy either the 1921 Exhibits or the 1933 Goudey, I would, without hesitation and with full conviction, walk away with the 1921 Exhibits

[Aaron Seefeldt]

1921 Exhibit. Not. Even. Close.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Without question I would go with the 1921 Exhibit over the 1933Goudey. First, the Exhibit is much earlier in Ruth's career and one of Ruth's first Yankee cards. Second, the Exhibit is much more rare. Third, the pose is very unique, as I cannot think of many (if any) other Ruth cards of him fielding. Fourth, I think the jump in Goudey prices has outsized growth in the Exhibits (which has certainly done well). That, together with rarity means (I think) there is more upside potential in Exhibits and less downside risk.

Ruth is the gold standard in cards and I don't think either is incorrect. But if I hade $X and the chance to buy either the 1921 Exhibits or the 1933 Goudey, I would, without hesitation and with full conviction, walk away with the 1921 Exhibits

Kind of dramatic today, Ryan? LOL

I generally gravitate to rarity .... But to me, if we are talking aesthetics (maybe we aren't) then the Goudey is light years ahead. Remember black and white tv?
.

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Without question I would go with the 1921 Exhibit over the 1933Goudey. First, the Exhibit is much earlier in Ruth's career and one of Ruth's first Yankee cards. Second, the Exhibit is much more rare. Third, the pose is very unique, as I cannot think of many (if any) other Ruth cards of him fielding. Fourth, I think the jump in Goudey prices has outsized growth in the Exhibits (which has certainly done well). That, together with rarity means (I think) there is more upside potential in Exhibits and less downside risk.

Ruth is the gold standard in cards and I don't think either is incorrect. But if I hade $X and the chance to buy either the 1921 Exhibits or the 1933 Goudey, I would, without hesitation and with full conviction, walk away with the 1921 Exhibits

There is a fielding pose of Ruth in the Fro Joy series. Not as nice as the '21 Exhibit, which is my choice, but interesting and different.

[tkd]

I think both are great but I would go with the Goudey Ruth #144. If I had to choose one card that represents Babe Ruth it would be the Goudey #144
I would also try to find one with nice eye appeal that sets it apart from the others. I also like Goudey Ruth's because they are easy to sell and always in demand.
You gave us 2 great options and it looks like you are on the right track. If you are eventually in the market for a 2nd Ruth I'd absolutely consider the 21 exhibit.