How would you rank these top key Pre-War Cards?

[investinrookies]

How would you guys rank these five cards below in terms of demand/popularity and overall investment potential from 1 to 5? Obviously many other iconic and rare cards outside of this list, but just seeking opinions on the cards below:

1909 E90-1 American Carmel Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1921 E121 Babe Ruth

[oldeboo]

I'm probably missing the mark on "demand/popularity and overall investment potential," but this is the order that I would want them, as I tend to collect what I like over what other people like or potential.

1. 1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson- Great looking CJ, one of the better poses in the set.

2. 1909 E90-1 American Carmel Joe Jackson- Early card of Jackson with Philly, I like it.

3. 1921 E121 Babe Ruth- Good looking card of Ruth that shows him in a Red Sox uniform with the Yankees listed as his team.

4. 1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb- Yeah, it's a Cobb, but certainly not the eye appeal as the Mathewson. I'd rather just have a T206 or similar.
.
5. 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson- Yeah, it's a Jackson, but would pass on this if I had the E90-1.

[Sean]

1- 1914 CJ Mathewson: one of the top 20 cards of all time, high on the rarity scale as well.

2- 1914 CJ Jackson: Joe's cards are rare, and this is a great one.

3- e121 Ruth: great early card of the greatest and most collectible player ever. Affordable as well.

4- American Caramel Jackson: Ugly card, but it is Joe, and it is rare.

5- 1914 CJ Cobb: nice card, but there are plenty of other nice Cobbs as well.

[mrreality68]

Hi

Each person has his/her version of eye appeal

1. American Caramel Joe Jackson. Love the look and the rarity. Ideally get a PSA 2 or higher (lower grades more common and always for sale on ebay)
2. 1914 CJ Mathewson. A great combination of eye appeal and rarity. Getting them with the “stains” adds personality to it
3. 1921 e121 Ruth for the pose, the uniform, and the look. Ideally get an advertised back or branded(but still blank back) for rarity and greater value ie American Caramel or Kirsten Bread or Standard Bisquit)
4. 1914 CJ Joe Jackson eye appeal and rare
5 1914 CJ Cobb eye appeal not as rare

Thanks

Jeff

[rats60]

E90-1 Jackson
14 CJ Matty
E121 Ruth
14 CJ Jackson
14 CJ Cobb

[CobbSpikedMe]

14 CJ Jackson
14 CJ Matty
14 CJ Cobb
E121 Ruth
E90-1 Jackson

I like the CJs the best, the E121 Ruth just isn't one of my favorite Ruths and I like the CJ Jackson more than the E90-1 so that one falls to the end.

My list of five cards to rank would be different of course, but within these parameters I think this is my ranking.

[GasHouseGang]

Just to be contrary, I would rank them:

1921 E121 Babe Ruth
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1909 E90-1 American Caramel Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson's nose always looked like he had a botched nose job on the E90-1. I've never liked it.

[Harford20]

For me, it is really only the Matty and the Ruth. The others fall in much farther down the list of interest/importance.

1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1921 E121 Babe Ruth
......
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1909 E90-1 American Caramel Joe Jackson

[notfast]

E90-1 Jackson
CJ Matthewson
CJ Cobb
CJ Jackson
Ruth

[Rhotchkiss]

1914 CJ Matty - this is a top 10 card, period
1914 CJ Joe Jackson
E90-1 Joe Jackson
E121 Ruth (Great card, but not an “early” one and there are other variations of the same pose, including his 1917 card)
1914 CJ Cobb

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

1914 CJ Matty - this is a top 10 card, period
1914 CJ Joe Jackson
E90-1 Joe Jackson
E121 Ruth (Great card, but not an “early” one and there are other variations of the same pose, including his 1917 card)
1914 CJ Cobb

Great visual samples of these classic cards. Love all of them. And cannot go wrong with any of them. My goal is to get 1 of each but lower grades then the great ones Ryan has.
Thanks for sharing

[Kidnapped18]

Cant go wrong with any of them

1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1909 E90-1 American Carmel Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1921 E121 Babe Ruth

[glynparson]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

1914 CJ Matty - this is a top 10 card, period
1914 CJ Joe Jackson
E90-1 Joe Jackson
E121 Ruth (Great card, but not an “early” one and there are other variations of the same pose, including his 1917 card)
1914 CJ Cobb

I think this order is probably mine.

CJ Mathewson
CJ Cobb
CJ Joe Jackson
E121 Ruth
E90-1 Jackson (probably deserves to be higher, I just never liked the look of it)

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

I love that on a board filled with vintage collectors, everyone has different opinions. For the record, here's mine:


1921 E121 Babe Ruth
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1909 E90-1 American Carmel Joe Jackson

Any time I'm asked to rank a list of cards that has Babe Ruth, I'm going to put Babe at #1 Not only is he arguably the best of all time, he truly defined sports celebrity and tabloid fame as we currently know it.

I'd be fine with mixing the Cracker Jacks in any order...great names from a great set. I went with what I thought would be "household name" order.

And lastly, I've never cared for the E90-1 Jackson image. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't turn one down if it was offered to me...but it's my least favorite on this list.

Good thread.

[investinrookies]

Thanks for all the great input everyone, I enjoy reading your thoughts and suggestions. Im honestly a little surprised the CJ Matty is so high on most every list, but I guess it does make since being its the highest value and rarest of them all. Great group of cards for sure, would be nice to own them all!

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by investinrookies

Thanks for all the great input everyone, I enjoy reading your thoughts and suggestions. Im honestly a little surprised the CJ Matty is so high on most every list, but I guess it does make since being its the highest value and rarest of them all. Great group of cards for sure, would be nice to own them all!

I assumed that you already do own examples of each of the 5 cards. Is my assumption wrong?

[investinrookies]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

I assumed that you already do own examples of each of the 5 cards. Is my assumption wrong?

Yes. Im simply seeking opinions and deciding which way I would like to proceed with my collecting interest.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by CobbSpikedMe

14 CJ Jackson
14 CJ Matty
14 CJ Cobb
E121 Ruth
E90-1 Jackson

I like the CJs the best, the E121 Ruth just isn't one of my favorite Ruths and I like the CJ Jackson more than the E90-1 so that one falls to the end.

My list of five cards to rank would be different of course, but within these parameters I think this is my ranking.

This is my list also..

[darwinbulldog]

I always assumed they changed the CJ design for Matty because the 1914 one was kind of ugly. Still, I care more about rarity so that would still be my top choice, but the Cobb and the Ruth (if we're talking about the pitching pose) are better looking.

[investinrookies]

Also interesting that most prefer at least a couple of the Cracker Jacks over an E121 Ruth.

[RCMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by Kidnapped18

Cant go wrong with any of them

1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1909 E90-1 American Carmel Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1921 E121 Babe Ruth

I agree with this list based upon the fact that the only one from this list that I own is the Ruth. I search for bargains on these all the time. e90-1 Jackson has really gone up in price over the years.

[yanksfan09]

Just my personal preference, not really what I feel are most significant:

1. Joe Jackson Cracker Jack
2. E121-80 Ruth
3. Ty Cobb Cracker Jack
4. Christy Mathewson Cracker Jack
5. E90-1 Jackson , great rookie card but not my favorite image

[obcbobd]

1921 E121 Babe Ruth
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1909 E90-1 American Caramel Joe Jackson

[investinrookies]

While all these cards are significant for sure, the E90-1 Jackson is his true rookie card and rare, just seems way to cheap in comparison to these others on the list. While the CJ Mathewson is rare and iconic, should it be valued higher than Joe Jackson’s also rare true rookie card? Many other examples I can think of come to mind. This card seems very under appreciated


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[MVSNYC]

1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson
1909 E90-1 American Carmel Joe Jackson
1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb
1921 E121 Babe Ruth

[Casey2296]

There may be a Pete Rose effect on the E90-1 Jackson. Petes true rookie card is 1963 but it's a small image on a multi player card, his 1964 card is infinitely more appealing. The E90-1 Jackson image is smaller and looks the least like Jackson compared to any other Jackson card. Yes it's his rookie but the 14CJ has more eye appeal. As to the rarest Joe Jackson card, that would be the 1914 E224 with two known copies.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

Hi

Each person has his/her version of eye appeal

1. American Caramel Joe Jackson. Love the look and the rarity. Ideally get a PSA 2 or higher (lower grades more common and always for sale on ebay)
2. 1914 CJ Mathewson. A great combination of eye appeal and rarity. Getting them with the “stains” adds personality to it
3. 1921 e121 Ruth for the pose, the uniform, and the look. Ideally get an advertised back or branded(but still blank back) for rarity and greater value ie American Caramel or Kirsten Bread or Standard Bisquit)
4. 1914 CJ Joe Jackson eye appeal and rare
5 1914 CJ Cobb eye appeal not as rare

Thanks

Jeff

After the last 8 plus months. I would probably re-order my Choices

1921 e121 Ruth even though others with this pose like the demand for it and prices have truly went thru the roof for it
1914 CJ Mathewson #1 from the Appeal, rarity, and demand for it
1914 CJ Joe Jackson #2 Probably they most popular/ in demand Joe Jackson Card and Great Image
1909 American Caramel Joe Jackson
1914 CJ Ty Cobb

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by investinrookies

While all these cards are significant for sure, the E90-1 Jackson is his true rookie card and rare, just seems way to cheap in comparison to these others on the list. While the CJ Mathewson is rare and iconic, should it be valued higher than Joe Jackson’s also rare true rookie card? Many other examples I can think of come to mind. This card seems very under appreciated


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The 1914 CJ Matty is a very special card. Not only is it rare, part of an iconic set, and Matty is one of the first 5 HOFers, but it’s one of the few 1914 cards that were changed in the 1915 set; and it’s this last fact that makes it so special. Almost every Cracker Jack pose, including Cobb and Jackson, can be obtained in 1914 and 1915, but not Matty. You want Matty pitching, you must get a 1914, which was placed in boxes of sticky/gooey cracker Jacks.

To me, the 1914 CJ Matty is a top 10 vintage card. I do not believe the E121 Ruth (same pose as 1917, which would be top 10 above the e121) or 1914 CJ Cobb comes close to cracking the top 10. The e90-1 Jackson is potentially on that list bc it’s his rookie, and the 1914 CJ is just an iconic pose and for me, right there as well.

1914 CJ Matty
E90-1 Jackson (can reverse with 1914 CJ Jax)
1914 CJ Jax (see above)
E121 Ruth (same exact post as 1917, which crushes)
1914 CJ Cobb

Meanwhile, all of these, other than the 1914 Matty and e90-1 Jackson can be found on other cards (the Ruth is not mine - need one if you willing to sell or trade)

[investinrookies]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

The 1914 CJ Matty is a very special card. Not only is it rare, part of an iconic set, and Matty is one of the first 5 HOFers, but it’s one of the few 1914 cards that were changed in the 1915 set; and it’s this last fact that makes it so special. Almost every Cracker Jack pose, including Cobb and Jackson, can be obtained in 1914 and 1915, but not Matty. You want Matty pitching, you must get a 1914, which was placed in boxes of sticky/gooey cracker Jacks.

To me, the 1914 CJ Matty is a top 10 vintage card. I do not believe the E121 Ruth (same pose as 1917, which would be top 10 above the e121) or 1914 CJ Cobb comes close to cracking the top 10. The e90-1 Jackson is potentially on that list bc it’s his rookie, and the 1914 CJ is just an iconic pose and for me, right there as well.

1914 CJ Matty
E90-1 Jackson (can reverse with 1914 CJ Jax)
1914 CJ Jax (see above)
E121 Ruth (same exact post as 1917, which crushes)
1914 CJ Cobb

Meanwhile, all of these, other than the 1914 Matty and e90-1 Jackson can be found on other cards (the Ruth is not mine - need one if you willing to sell or trade)

You make good points about all the cards above, especially the duplications of many poses. That being said, I believe that makes the E-90 Jackson even more special (much like the CJ Mathewson point you made) since its the only card of him with that pose, and its his rookie, not to mention rare.

[JimC]

Cobb is my favorite player so his Cracker Jack card has been one I've admired since before I even knew the Mathewson existed. Looking at it in terms of which card I would be most reluctant to part with (if I had them), Cobb is number 1. My personal ranking would be:

1. Cobb CJ
2. Jackson CJ
3. Jackson rookie
4. Mathewson
5. Ruth

They're all awesome of course but I don't value the scarcity quite as much as some. With the Ruth it's always bugged me that it's a picture from his Sox days but a Yankee card, so that is a distant 5th.

Ryan, I realize to a serious collector like you putting the Mathewson 4th is sacrilege.

[puckpaul]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

The 1914 CJ Matty is a very special card. Not only is it rare, part of an iconic set, and Matty is one of the first 5 HOFers, but it’s one of the few 1914 cards that were changed in the 1915 set; and it’s this last fact that makes it so special. Almost every Cracker Jack pose, including Cobb and Jackson, can be obtained in 1914 and 1915, but not Matty. You want Matty pitching, you must get a 1914, which was placed in boxes of sticky/gooey cracker Jacks.

To me, the 1914 CJ Matty is a top 10 vintage card. I do not believe the E121 Ruth (same pose as 1917, which would be top 10 above the e121) or 1914 CJ Cobb comes close to cracking the top 10. The e90-1 Jackson is potentially on that list bc it’s his rookie, and the 1914 CJ is just an iconic pose and for me, right there as well.

1914 CJ Matty
E90-1 Jackson (can reverse with 1914 CJ Jax)
1914 CJ Jax (see above)
E121 Ruth (same exact post as 1917, which crushes)
1914 CJ Cobb

Meanwhile, all of these, other than the 1914 Matty and e90-1 Jackson can be found on other cards (the Ruth is not mine - need one if you willing to sell or trade)

I completely agree with Ryan here.

[obcbobd]

Ruth
CJ Cobb
CJ Matthewson
CJ Jackson
E90-1 Jackson

[investinrookies]

Will be interesting to see where the 14 CJ Cobbs and the E90-1 Jackson’s close at in REA.


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[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by investinrookies

Will be interesting to see where the 14 CJ Cobbs and the E90-1 Jackson’s close at in REA.


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The 4 should hit 55-60k, the 1.5 around 25k, would be my guess.

[ullmandds]

Interesting question...tough to ponder. I've owned an e121 ruth...still have a ball in hand but I chose to keep my e122 ruth same pitching pose but much tougher card. In the grand scheme of ruth cards its a desirable early ruth that has increased in price nicely the last few years. But if I think iconic ruth I think rookies and goudeys.

The e90-1 JJ...I've never liked it...if I were to get a JJ card for my collection I'd prefer the CJ.

14' CJ Matty is def iconic in its horizontal-ness and unique pitching pose...has enough likeness that it looks like matty...yet a little cartoony. The 15 is a gorgeous portrait. So sure 15's were available from the company and are not as scarce as 14's but still a one year issue.

14 cj cobb to me is the most "iconic" of them all. I personally have an advertisement cutout of a cobb from 15'...I've owned for maybe 15+ years and it fits the bill for my collection.

So what was the question?

[MattyC]

This collector will hazard the opinion that a “ranking” mentality is problematic— albeit far too common in the hobby; my two cents is don’t buy based on what others/strangers think or what they may want to buy. Just collect what you personally like.