Most Valuable / Desirable Non-Contemporary Cards

[scotgreb]

As a HOF collector I'm pretty biased toward contemporary or "playing-years" cards. I try to avoid non-contemporary issues whenever possible but sometimes use them as placeholders until I'm able to add a suitable replacement -- or where a contemporary issue is simply not possible.

A 1948 Leaf Ruth in PSA 9 just sold for $91,000 at Memory Lane. The Babe was long removed from his playing days by 1948. I just don't understand the appeal of this card.

Two other quite valuable such cards are the 1934 Goudey Lajoie and the 1950-51 Toleteros Josh Gibson. These two make a little more sense to me, especially the Gibson, as he has essentially no contemporary issues.

What are your thoughts on the desirability of non-contemporary cards and what other valuable examples are present in the hobby?

Scott