What is a baseball card worth?

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What is a baseball card worth?

I hope this question is not looked on as being contentious or judgmental, I understand many collectors have different views on collecting vs. investing. I understand the benefits of cards as an investment and reasons for why they will continue to increase in value. For the purpose of this "hypothetical" question, I am asking you to consider the investment potential of baseball cards to be nil. I understand this is a somewhat ridiculous request. But please keep in mind the question is hypothetical, My question, my rules :-)

I am curious as to what value other members put on a baseball cards. I am not talking about as an investment but rather how much money is a single baseball card worth to you. Meaning you'd rather the card than the cash. My question is what would you pay for a supercalifrangleistic baseball card. Now what this baseball card is may be different for everyone. For me it would be a 1933 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth, the equivalent of a PSA5 or 6. Now remember, this is my question, you may think it is somewhat stupid (I do not disagree). But I want to know what value you place on this "dream" card knowing that you may never sell it, nor may your children. You've given up the money for the card. You may never exchange the card for money or something else. Ridiculous, I agree, but it's my question and I ask you to answer in the spirit it is asked.

My only other request is that people refrain from attacking other member’s, or groups of members, i.e. “Investors are ruining the hobby…” “you old guys are living in the past…” etc.

Thanks and I look forward to your responses


My response is $2k ($1000-$5000). The most I’ve spent is the high $800’s for a 40 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio. In 2000 paid $300 for my #144 Ruth that would grade about a 1.5, maybe a two. But I think the most I would pay to upgrade it is about $2k**


** I understand this will never happen
** I reserve the right to change my mind ;-)