Why has Cobb gone to the moon

[Exhibitman]

Certain other markets may be sucking the wind out of cards. The stock market keeps hitting record highs, so no one is realizing their gains and putting their winnings into cards. Residential real estate in certain areas is also way up. The median house price in Los Angeles os $900,000, which is a crazy high record. No one there is having a windfall selling because mortgage rates are so high to replace a sold home--inventory is way down, and the 'treats' that sellers might buy are not getting bought. Commercial real estate (offices) is a cash flow investment (primarily) but is in the toilet, so the cash flow from those investments is gone and that may also be exerting a downdraft on higher end cards. I know of quite a few big time card buyers whose primary livings are in that sector and they aren't buying. Then, of course, there is the perception of value question. A collector with a highly appreciated collection doesn't see a card that he paid $1800 for as a $10,000 card, even if it down from $16,000 a year ago. I know i fall into that mindset and simply cannot bring myself to buy high-demand cards that are 4x or more above where they were several years ago. I know I've stopped seriously shopping for those cards and have instead been focusing on cards that are objectively rare instead. My last 2 big pick-ups have all been of that nature: a signed Joe Louis Exhibit card and a signed 1972 STP Richard Petty card.

It doesn't take a lot to crush the market even for Cobb or Ruth when the pool of collectors able to afford big cards is a relatively small number of people to begin with.

[Johnny630]

The T206 Cobbs have considerably come down since 2021-22…..a lot of dealers and consignment guys are loaded with them at shows…still asking 2021-22 prices and their sitting with show after show.

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

The T206 Cobbs have considerably come down since 2021-22…..a lot of dealers and consignment guys are loaded with them at shows…still asking 2021-22 prices and their sitting with show after show.

Yep, using the 707 method. Trying to dollar cost average

[Touch'EmAll]

How about the condition ? Are the Cobb's dealers are sitting on heavy in the grade 1-3 condition, how many seem available in mid grade 4-5 condition, and then high end grade 6+ condition? Same question on centering - are the 70/30, 65/35 stagnant, or are the decent centered 60/40 ish stuff also sitting? Then what about the nicely centered 60/40 and better Cobb cards - are they in high demand and don't last long in showcases or also stagnant ?

I have read quite a bit that folks are primarily only after the nice for the grade cards, and just walking by the lesser for the grade cards.

[Lorewalker]

Originally Posted by Touch'EmAll

How about the condition ? Are the Cobb's dealers are sitting on heavy in the grade 1-3 condition, how many seem available in mid grade 4-5 condition, and then high end grade 6+ condition? Same question on centering - are the 70/30, 65/35 stagnant, or are the decent centered 60/40 ish stuff also sitting? Then what about the nicely centered 60/40 and better Cobb cards - are they in high demand and don't last long in showcases or also stagnant ?

I have read quite a bit that folks are primarily only after the nice for the grade cards, and just walking by the lesser for the grade cards.

Generally speaking, supply is greater than demand right now. Buyers can opt to ignore lower graded examples, where they might not have in 2019 to 2021/22 and can wait to buy nicer examples. The strength in the market is in rarity based either on condition or availability of the particular card.

[trambo]

For about 12-18 months, Cobbs went crazy. They've definitely reversed course as of late but still generally above a few years ago. Many of them aren't terribly scarce so seeing dozens of them at most auctions and card shows is the current norm. It'll normalize at some point and maybe it already has.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Touch'EmAll

How about the condition ? Are the Cobb's dealers are sitting on heavy in the grade 1-3 condition, how many seem available in mid grade 4-5 condition, and then high end grade 6+ condition? Same question on centering - are the 70/30, 65/35 stagnant, or are the decent centered 60/40 ish stuff also sitting? Then what about the nicely centered 60/40 and better Cobb cards - are they in high demand and don't last long in showcases or also stagnant ?

I have read quite a bit that folks are primarily only after the nice for the grade cards, and just walking by the lesser for the grade cards.

Those go to auction ……and are generally softer in price than would have been in 2021-22.

[tjisonline]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

The T206 Cobbs have considerably come down since 2021-22…..a lot of dealers and consignment guys are loaded with them at shows…still asking 2021-22 prices and their sitting with show after show.

Are you seeing this with all four styles?

[The Detroit Collector]

I understand the argument with why other players are not as high as Cobb. He has come down over the years but is still quite expensive if you're looking for a good example.

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by The Detroit Collector

I understand the argument with why other players are not as high as Cobb. He has come down over the years but is still quite expensive if you're looking for a good example.

Amen, sir.

My t205 Ty Cobb cost $450. Those days aren't coming back.

[BrooksRobinson]

Originally Posted by jingram058

Amen, sir.

My t205 Ty Cobb cost $450. Those days aren't coming back.

True, not coming back but what has inflation done since you bought that? If everything also costs less than back then I see a major issue. I'm guessing your rent/mortgage isn't the same as it was when you got that also.

I wish they were more accessible for everyone. Long term supply / demand and good ole fashion inflation.

[BeanTown]

Ty Cobb, 1st day he played at Detroit back in 1905, seated on bench with manager Bill Armour.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by tjisonline

Are you seeing this with all four styles?

Yup

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Certain other markets may be sucking the wind out of cards. The stock market keeps hitting record highs, so no one is realizing their gains and putting their winnings into cards. Residential real estate in certain areas is also way up. The median house price in Los Angeles is $900,000, which is a crazy high record. No one there is having a windfall selling because mortgage rates are so high to replace a sold home--inventory is way down, and the 'treats' that sellers might buy are not getting bought. Commercial real estate (offices) is a cash flow investment (primarily) but is in the toilet, so the cash flow from those investments is gone and that may also be exerting a downdraft on higher end cards. I know of quite a few big time card buyers whose primary livings are in that sector and they aren't buying.

I thought L.A. was supposed to be in the toilet--I've seen the pictures of the homeless encampments, why would anyone want to live THERE? I thought everyone was supposed to be moving to Nevada, Utah, Texas, Arizona, etc.. Seems like you could do pretty well selling your 900K cottage and getting the same house for half that just a state or two away, leaving a big pot of cash to spend on cards or anything else. And what about the "wealth effect" that would have people splurging because their stocks, houses, crypto, cards, etc., have gone through the roof? As with the political scene, there seem to be some disconnects going on that I don't understand.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

I thought L.A. was supposed to be in the toilet--I've seen the pictures of the homeless encampments, why would anyone want to live THERE? I thought everyone was supposed to be moving to Nevada, Utah, Texas, Arizona, etc.. Seems like you could do pretty well selling your 900K cottage and getting the same house for half that just a state or two away, leaving a big pot of cash to spend on cards or anything else. And what about the "wealth effect" that would have people splurging because their stocks, houses, crypto, cards, etc., have gone through the roof? As with the political scene, there seem to be some disconnects going on that I don't understand.

The reason prices are so high is that more people want to live here than not because Los Angeles is one of the great destination cities of the world. The population is staying in droves. Otherwise, the free market would depress prices.

i don't know what propaganda you are reading about L.A. but clearly whoever is spewing it has an agenda and facts be damned. The City of Los Angeles is over 500 square miles. For comparison, Manhattan is 23 square miles and 13 miles in length, and the state of Rhode Island is 1214 square miles. The skid row homeless encampments that all of the people shit-posting L.A. focus on is a small area about 20 miles from where I live. In other words, nearly two Manhattans away, and with a mountain range between us and them. As for moving to a cheaper state, uhh, no thanks. They do not offer the vibrant lifestyle, magnificent weather, and diversity that we have here. And no beaches inland.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

The reason prices are so high is that more people want to live here than not because Los Angeles is one of the great destination cities of the world. The population is staying in droves. Otherwise, the free market would depress prices. I don't know what propaganda you are reading about L.A. but clearly whoever is spewing it has an agenda and facts be damned. The City of Los Angeles is over 500 square miles. For comparison, Manhattan is 23 square miles and 13 miles in length, and the state of Rhode Island is 1214 square miles. The skid row homeless encampments that all of the people shit-posting L.A. focus on is a small area about 20 miles from where I live. In other words, nearly two Manhattans away, and with a mountain range between us and them. As for moving to a cheaper state, uhh, no thanks. They do not offer the vibrant lifestyle, magnificent weather, and diversity that we have here. And no beaches inland.

Of course, Adam, and thank you. Same with the shit-posting about NYC, D.C., S.F., and anywhere else right-wing nut jobs try to claim are wastelands of crime, poverty, fleeing populations, etc. "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded," in the words of our Shakespeare, Yogi. I wouldn't live where most of those lying clowns do if you paid me.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Of course, Adam, and thank you. Same with the shit-posting about NYC, D.C., S.F., and anywhere else right-wing nut jobs try to claim are wastelands of crime, poverty, fleeing populations, etc. "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded," in the words of our Shakespeare, Yogi. I wouldn't live where most of those lying clowns do if you paid me.

No one has wanted to live in NYC according to the same folks for decades. Yet rents and sale prices never seem to fall. Very odd.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

No one has wanted to live in NYC according to the same folks for decades. Yet rents and sale prices never seem to fall. Very odd.

Same with the supposedly crime-infested ghetto called D.C. But If you want to live anywhere but across the Anacostia River, you better be holding some serious cash.

[butchie_t]

With apologies to President Kennedy.....

"We choose to send Ty Cobb to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of his energies and skills, because that challenge is one that he is willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one he intend to win, and the others, too."

Butch

[puckpaul]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Of course, Adam, and thank you. Same with the shit-posting about NYC, D.C., S.F., and anywhere else right-wing nut jobs try to claim are wastelands of crime, poverty, fleeing populations, etc. "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded," in the words of our Shakespeare, Yogi. I wouldn't live where most of those lying clowns do if you paid me.

Easy there fella. The left wing nut jobs are certainly doing their best to ruin these places. I live in LA (and in NY still part-time), and both places have serious long-term and short-term issues. MANY wealthy people are leaving both places for low-cost better-managed cities. I dont want to live in those places so I choose this lifestyle. LA is wonderful if you are one of the few who can afford to live here well and can find a good house. It is a Suburban market for the most part, few high rises available. In my area, there are 3 houses available and 100 people looking at any time, so it remains strong for now. New construction if you can find a spot costs $$$ and takes 2-4 years for any kind of quality. The key areas of NYC are not as in demand, but there is little supply of finished apartments ready for a family to move in in desired locations. Both places are massively expensive to live in.

For other right-wing nut jobs, here is a nice Cobb card….

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by puckpaul

Easy there fella. The left wing nut jobs are certainly doing their best to ruin these places. I live in LA (and in NY still part-time), and both places have serious long-term and short-term issues. MANY wealthy people are leaving both places for low-cost better-managed cities.

Nice card!
And this forum is not the place for our discussion, so I'll try to end it by saying that I just don't think what you've said is true. I've lived in D.C. most of my life, but also L.A. and S.F., and yes,, they all have problems, but so do small towns, medium-size towns, farm areas, etc. Our homogenized suburbs are probably the best places to live if you don't mind living in the same cheesy Toll Bros. developments with the same strip malls with the same stores every mile or so, etc. Now I live in the lovely, historic, and very liberal small town of Winchester, VA, but it is surrounded by the very right wing Frederick County. No one in either is trying to ruin anything, but to make things better for our kids and grandkids, and I believe that's what people all over the U.S.A. are mostly interested in. I just don't see how you can say that nobody wants to live in the cities but it's unaffordable to live there. That doesn't make sense to me, other than as a phony way to demonize liberal-voting areas. I don't care how you vote or where you live, we're all Americans so let's try to come together and improve things through "truth, justice, and the American way." That's how Superman wanted it, and that's good enough for me. Over and out.

[jcmtiger]

Because I sold all my Cobb postcards to early

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

let's try to come together and improve things through "truth, justice, and the American way." That's how Superman wanted it, and that's good enough for me.

I love how a thread on Cobb cards leads to Al just casually tossing not one but TWO insane cards on the table. No way to top that except with a T206 Cobb/Cobb signed in Cobb's blood.

Big Al with the

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

The reason prices are so high is that more people want to live here than not because Los Angeles is one of the great destination cities of the world. The population is staying in droves. Otherwise, the free market would depress prices.

i don't know what propaganda you are reading about L.A. but clearly whoever is spewing it has an agenda and facts be damned. The City of Los Angeles is over 500 square miles. For comparison, Manhattan is 23 square miles and 13 miles in length, and the state of Rhode Island is 1214 square miles. The skid row homeless encampments that all of the people shit-posting L.A. focus on is a small area about 20 miles from where I live. In other words, nearly two Manhattans away, and with a mountain range between us and them. As for moving to a cheaper state, uhh, no thanks. They do not offer the vibrant lifestyle, magnificent weather, and diversity that we have here. And no beaches inland.

What he said. I've been on a nice Cobb run myself. Prices are staggering.

California's been good to me
Hope it don't fall into the sea
Sometimes you got to save yourself
It ain't like anywhere else
It ain't like anywhere else

Sundown, red skies
Nobody's been around
Sundown, blue eyes
I kinda like this party town

California's treated me good
I pray to God that the hills flood
Sometimes you got to trust yourself
It ain't like anywhere else

[Exhibitman]

Rollin' down the Imperial Highway
With a big nasty redhead at my side
Santa Ana winds blowing hot from the north
And we was born to ride

Roll down the window, put down the top
Crank up the Beach Boys, baby
Don't let the music stop
We're gonna ride it till
We just can't ride it no more

From the South Bay to the Valley
From the West Side to the East Side
Everybody's very happy
'Cause the sun is shining all the time
Looks like another perfect day

Look at these women



Ain't nothin' like 'em nowhere.

Century Boulevard
We Love It!
Victory Boulevard
We love it!
Sixth Street
We love it!
We love it!
We Love It!
We Love LA!