Population reports aside (even though in this case, they support what I'm about to say, which means you're supposed to use them, I guess), once I started searching in earnest to purchase a Goudey Lajoie, it became pretty clear to me that this famed "rarity" is pretty available. For many years the Lajoie was grouped with the T206 Wagner and Plank as the hobby's "big three." There's simply no comparison.
Obviously, when comparing the Lajoie with other 1933 Goudeys, it's tough. But if you want one -- especially a fairly high grade example -- and you have the money, you won't be waiting long. I think part of the allure of the card is the fact it supposedly was available only by writing the company. In my opinion, either a heck of a lot of people took pen to paper, or Goudey Lajoies were made available in ways we do not know about.
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