Best Card for Under $1000
 

First off, I live in Canada, so baseball is a far second to hockey cards. That being said, I have been looking at buying some vintage and a few local collectors are considering following and grabbing a few as well. The debate we started was, what would be the best card we could get for under $1000. Meaning, if you could only buy one card for your collection, what would it be? Would you do a low grade high end RC, or a high grade semi star? What would you buy and why?

Also, take an investment stand point into consideration as well...... We are all certainly novices, and would love to hear some of your thoughts...

I would go with a 1932 Babe Ruth Sanella Astra or a 39 Ted Williams Play Ball in the nicest condition I could for the $1000.

Both are iconic players and a very good argument could be made about either being the best of all-time. I don't see a huge upside to either card but can't imagine losing money on either one.

EDIT: Sorry just realized I posted cards from the wrong era. Would still pick a Ted Williams card though.

Since this is a post-war forum, I'd go with one of the following

1954 Topps Aaron (PSA or SGC 3 level)
1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA or SGC 5 level)

nicest you could find would be about a grand on each .....

Read my mind!

Both cards are high on my want list as well but I would also suggest some HOF's from the 52 Topps set. To me, and maybe it's just because I own some, but they seem like they gain steady growth all the time.

This is an item on the B S T I`d look at hard !
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=225281

If you prefer hockey and want a 1k card with upside potential I would pick up the nicest Gretzky RC you can find. For baseball I agree with Ben on the 39 Williams.

I actually think any jackie robinson card like a psa 4 for the bowmans or a psa 8 topps 1956 would be good if you can still get one at that grade..

not sure how jackie robinson cant at least retain their value over the years..

Jackie .... no doubt. Not familiar with his pricing as of late, but agreed on the 49 and 50 Bowman.

One of these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-Topps-B...p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-TOPPS-B...p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-Johnsto...p2047675.l2557

All amazing selections... I have come up with these so far as my personal "must haves" based on the information you have provided, and my own interests...

53 Paige
54 Banks and Aaron
A few Jackie Robinson's, not sure which ones, but probably not 48-49

I am on the 54 Hank Aaron RC bus. For me it would be the best I could get for $1000 before his prices go the same way Mantle, Mays and Clemente RCs have gone... pricey!

Is it unreasonable to think the 53 tops satchel Paige could end up taking off like these others?
Seems like a card that is never tough to get rid of

Good question, I'd love to hear others opinions... I didn't know much about Paige or this card till I looked into it. A beautiful choice

Not unreasonable at all ....

Paige is a Negro League legend, which has cache amongst collectors. It is also an iconic, artful masterpiece, that should be in every Post War collection. Just my opinion .....

May also want to consider a 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson. Beautiful and iconic card from first Topps set and in my opinion has plenty of room to grow. Should be able to get a nice 4 for around $1K. Actually, make that a nice 3...hadn't priced that one in a while, glad I bought my SGC 50 a couple years ago

If you can get a PSA 7, a 1953 Paige would be my vote.

Last 3 went for $920, $911, $1.091 (PWCC)

Any Mantle
 

The highest graded regular Topps issue Mickey Mantle (any year, especially the 50's). The ONLY player insulated from price decline (even Ruth fluctuates depending on what card) in my opinion. You just can't lose with the Mick.

You could mix it up, if investing, and get about 3 cards like this one (sold today)

http://luckeycards.com/topps65carltonbvg8.jpg

I like the idea of maybe a few cards for $1000... What do you guys think of a PSA 5 1953 Paige for around $500?? Beautifully ventures

http://m.ebay.ca/itm/221968980719?_m...&ul_noapp=true

Major staining on the right side of the card. I'll pass on that one.