Posted By:
BlackSoxFanHal -
You make some excellent points. They are certainly valid and well considered. Let me also state that I know my knowledge of any of these sets is FAR inferior to that of some who post on the board.
I think the 1949 Leaf Ruth falls closely to the Gibby. However, there are some key differences. I will also add that I think the 35k is 'bogus' as well. Yes, I know an item is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. That doesn't mean it is a well arrived at decision. Nonetheless, let me explain my points as to the differences and rationale behind my point:
1. Time of Issue/Presence in The set:
Ruth died that year. The card was clearly issued as a marketing tool/tribute to someone that transcended all aspects of the game and some aspects of society. Tribute cards have been produced by numerous companies any number of times, as such I don't feel that the "Ruth" card is misplaced in the set. I think THE Lajoie card is much more unusual as it was 'thrown' in after the set was issued. I do not believe that Gibson (although he has grown in lore) falls into this category.
Back in the 1950's, (although someone alive then could certainly speak to this better than I) I do not think Gibson had much of a following to the 'general' card/baseball fan. He was certainly known in particular circles; but, as an extension of this fact, there are many collectors/fans/hobbyists who have never heard of Gibson today. I seriously doubt the same can be said for Ruth. Gibby died in '47. Toly's were certainly issued before '51 so why the wait?
I think these points explain to some extent why Ruth was included in the Leaf set. Gibson has no place at all in the Toleteros set. From what I understand, he did not play in Cuba except for a winter ball league in 1938 (or close to that). I don't think noone else in the set was dead at the time of issue (Although I'm not sure about that). So why is Gibson in the set in the first place? If Topps had produced a 1978 Gibson card in its' regular set, do you think it would have the same value if it had the same fate as the T206 Wagner (especially if this Toleteros didn't exist)?
2. Place w/i the set/value to set:
The 50-51's have no other premium cards in the set. You have some key cards which those pursuing the set will pay more for, and perhaps a great deal for, but the market for Cuban baseball cards does not touch on the market for 48-49 Leaf cards or 1933 Goudey's or any other issue that might have a 'major' tribute card in it. A collector is likely to have interest in a DiMaggio or Robinson '48-49 Leaf even if they don't collect the set. You might find a grade junky willing to drop some dough on one of the other guys in the Toleteros. The Leaf has its' own set of stars. The leaf also has a great deal of provenance and mystique w/i the hobby. Other great players exist in the Leaf set. It was the first issue for the company and contains "true" rookie cards of some great players. What can really be said about the Toleteros set?
3. Misconception of Rarity/Value
I still have yet to understand why, for the most part, people seem to equate rarity to value. The two often operate independent of one and other. Let's say my parents had opened a print shop in 1953, caught wind of Henry Aaron, and produced a set of his Jacksonville Team. Now lets say they printed up 2 complete sets but for whatever reason they never 'went to market'.... I think you see where i'm going with this. Just b/c something is printed and there aren't a lot of them, does not mean it is valuable. Granted, I will cede the concept of 'eye-of-the-beholder', but I still just don't get why this particular card is so valuable.
Regards,
Black Sox Fan
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