Overpriced or do I have the wrong set?

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Posted By: peterp

From Mike Wheat, who's pretty good, from what I can tell. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong set, but I show the card booking for $60.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5118972193&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

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Posted By: jay behrens

That's just a normal Mike Wheat price. Which goes a long way to explaining why his inventory never turns over.

Jay

I like to sit outside, drink beer and yell at people. If I did this at home I would be arrested, so I go to baseball games and fit right in.

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Posted By: Rhett

Your problem Peter is that you are looking in Beckett for "BOOK" price, First thing you gotta do is realize that Beckett is too busy printing Pokemon price guides to really know how to price pre-war issues. Second, the price is a little high for that condition, but not so high that if there was someone looking for that particular card they wouldn't drop down $55 for it. "Book Prices" on pre-WWII baseball cards are fictional, and basically meaningless. If the card is worth $55 to you then that is what it is worth. Beckett also lists G & B Chewing Gums at $2000 in EXMT, one hasn't sold for that cheap in over 10 years, also according to Beckett you should have no problem picking up a YumYum in EXMT for $1200(including Larry Corcoran), and only $3000 for a Connie Mack or Cap Anson... one can only dream.
BOTTOM LINE: Throw your "BOOK PRICE" out the window

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Posted By: peterp

Thanks for your response. No, I definitely know that Beckett is not very accurate for "book value" these days, especially in light of the rise of eBay. With modern cards that aren't hot at the moment, eBay book might mean 30-40%, and if the stars align, maybe even 10-20%.

I figured with the older cards "book" tends to go out the window, since so many of the cards pop up so rarely, you have a lot of people chasing after one card. I picked up a Wally Pipp from the same set and was willing to pay a premium for it simply because I've never seen such a Pipp on eBay in months worth of looking (there is one up now, but it has a hole punched through it).

I'm just using the Beckett as a general guideline, since I haven't seen enough on eBay to get an idea.

If I can, I'd like to throw this question back to you. I'll preface my question that I agree, ultimately, any card (esp. old and rare ones) are only worth what you're willing to pay. With that in mind, would you consider $55 to be a reasonable price, for someone like me who's on a bit of a budget but wants a Baker with decent eye appeal in his Yankees uniform. Or, in your experience, do you expect more similar Bakers to show up on eBay?

I like the Baker but am willing to wait if a similar card pops up for maybe $35-40.

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Posted By: Rhett

You shouldn't have a problem (with patience) finding this card in similar condition in the price range you suggested. It is not a rare card but finding any particular card from before 1930 can be problematic at times. You should go on the Buy/Sell/Trade page of this forum and list what you want (and if you are really tight on cash, make a note of how much you have to spend, that way nobody will waste yours/their time offering a PSA/SGC 8). I have had some limited success with that thread, but others have been able to find what they are looking for.
-Rhett

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Posted By: Tim Newcomb

Peter, I would say your instincts are right: you should be able get a decent E121 Baker for $35-40 if you wait a bit for it.

Regards,

Tim

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Posted By: peterp

Thanks Rhett. I'll give it a shot. My thing is, I collect for the sake of collecting, but want to make sure at the least, I don't get hosed.