[MattyC]

This is more of a psychology question, I know, but I can't help wondering how many who choose the Wagner do so simply because they believe it is the more desired "icon" or "Grail" now-- and if the prevailing hobby sentiment anointed the BN Ruth as the new grail at some future point, they'd switch their answer.

By the time it's all said and done, I believe and would bet that the Ruth will overtake the Wagner. The first salvo was already fired in that latest auction. There is no denying the Ruth is rarer, and features the better player. In time these two fundamental principles of the hobby, namely rarity and player popularity, will win out.

It may take time, but these two factors will win out in the end. Traditional view (as in the Wagner's status) is one thing, but the underpinning factors of the hobby's market have begun to work in The Ruth's favor, and will continue to do so into the future. Ruth's sustained heat across so many cards in so many auctions is proof of his enduring popularity, as compared to Wagner. And I say this as someone who thinks Wagner, especially a Wagner portrait, is a cornerstone of any baseball card collection.