$50,000 investment

3-2-count · #1 05-12-2010, 08:05 AM

I'd go for 19th century and early 20th century cabinets and start with this one.

Bill Stone · #2 05-12-2010, 08:33 AM

I would buy the finest example possible of a T210 Stengel then invest the rest , if any, in early Pacific Coast League pennants.

MBMiller25 · #3 05-12-2010, 10:42 AM

I would buy 5 of the nicest NM graded (SGC or PSA) 51 Bowman Mantles that I could find. Finding 5 will be difficult (from a time spent standpoint), but from a shear investment standpoint, I think this card is very undervalued and would allow you to do well on a 50K investment.

Edit to add: I just got into collecting about two years ago, so I have Zero knowledge of the Pre-War card market and what might constitute a nice investment on the Pre-War side of the hobby, as my focus has been on Post War from 48-55.

camlov2 · #4 05-12-2010, 08:35 AM

isn't the first rule of investing to diversify?

I wouldn't want to put all the money in one area/card (example-Pete Rose) just to find out that 5 more Gem mint 10's were graded over the next few months.

Like any investment I would look to buy low. Anything that I thought was a good deal and that could be resold would get a second look.

4815162342 · #5 05-12-2010, 08:42 AM

I don't think baseball cards are for investing; they're for collecting. Invest in mutual funds for retirement; collect baseball cards for enjoyment.

Leon · #6 05-12-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camlov2

Like any investment I would look to buy low. Anything that I thought was a good deal and that could be resold would get a second look.

I think this is really key!!! More money can be made on the buy side than the sell side, especially in this hobby (imo). If I had 50k to invest I would look for the best looking cards for the grade, of higher end HOF'ers. I would want to buy cards in the 2-4 grade range that present 1-3 grades higher, but pay at the bottom of those scales. As for the era I would stick with Pre-WWII but arguments could be made for post war also.

Frank- this is hypothetical. I DON'T think it would be unwise to put some money into our hobby as a piece of your investment strategy. It's all about balance.....and I am meaning this on a general basis. My balance is heavily weighted in cards but I am an addict and don't recommend it.

glynparson · #7 05-12-2010, 09:55 AM

Whyatever you can find underpriced. Heck that's how I'm buying a new house.

yanks12025 · #8 05-12-2010, 09:56 AM

I know it's not on the list and its not dealing with cards but a game used babe Ruth bat or other hof bats.

tbob · #9 05-12-2010, 10:04 AM

I's spend the entire $50,000 on the best available E94s, D311s, M116s and T207s with Cycle backs. Not only would you have beautiful cards but you have cards from 4 sets which have definite growth potential as all are undervalued cards at this time.

benchod · #10 05-12-2010, 11:01 AM

My balance is heavily weighted in cards but I am an addict and don't recommend it.[/QUOTE]

agreed. I know the feeling well

martyogelvie · #11 05-12-2010, 11:33 AM

I would buy a T206 Cobb/Cobb that you guys been bitching about the past week!

jb217676 · #12 05-12-2010, 01:27 PM

I would buy 23 PSA 10 Pete Maravich cards!

mark evans · #13 05-12-2010, 01:33 PM

I don't see how the past performance of any card, type of card, or set of cards necessarily indicates future performance. I would buy cards I like at fair market value (presumably based upon recent auctions) as a hobby. If their values increase over time, so much the better.

Mark

jimthorpe · #14 05-12-2010, 01:38 PM

If I was given $50K to invest, I would not change much in what I am doing now. Except when a good opportunity came around I would pounce on it.

I do agree with several of the collectors who have stated that cards are for collecting not investing. If you truly buy items while looking at it as a total investment, you probably will not last long in the hobby. Copeland comes to mind. If I can remember correctly he amassed his collection within 5 years or so. Prior to the Halper sale that was the biggie as auctions go.

Sets, cards, eras etc all fall in and out of favor with collectors and prices fluctuate accordingly especially with the rare stuff. So buy what you like and don't worry about what is going on around you. When it is all said and done, if you were a good steward with your money you will come out ahead. You might lose on one thing but will do great on another but overall you will come out ahead and have a great ride doing it.

If you are constantly looking at it as an investment, you probably have too much money tied up in your hobby.

drdduet · #15 05-12-2010, 02:05 PM

I'd buy silver bullion.

ChiefBenderForever · #16 05-12-2010, 02:11 PM

If strictly for an investment you would have to be insane to invest in cards. To pick a sure winner is impossible, you might as well go bet 25g's on red and cross your fingers. I don't see any huge spikes coming anytime soon, except for the occaisional surprise here and there. If buying off ebay or auction house you are already paying a premium so to make significant gains is not likely. Take the Gretzky cards you are talking about selling, unless you got them for a steal and had them graded yourself you will be lucky to break even, if you wait they could go up or they could continue to slide. Jordan RC's are low but could keep sliding as well. The Mantle Bowman RC's are nice but no promise they will climb in price at all, many buyers are just retired who grew up watching him and paying good money but as they fade so could his prices. It's just a hobby with fringe benifits of having value, but anything more than that and you could be asking for a major letdown and serious cash loss.

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