Looking for some guidance...Ruth, Cobb, Mantle or Aaron???

[Big Six]

I am likely coming in to some cash in the next month or two and I'd like to treat myself to a card as a reward for my efforts. The most I've ever spent on a card is about $400 (twice). As background, I'm working on a T205 set (average SGC 40/PSA 3), 1954 Topps (PSA 7 mostly but some 6's), 1956 Topps (PSA 5 & raw) and Diamond Stars as my big sets...so here are my choices in no order:

- T205 Cobb in a 3
- 1954 Aaron in a 6 or nice 5
- 1956 Mantle in a 5/6
- Goudey Ruth (I know, but it's Ruth!). ???
- something else (T205 Joss, DS hi #'s, '54 Topps Williams pair)???

Not sure this kind of opportunity will come along again. Or at least for a while. In the interest of staying happily married, I want to stay around $2000. What say ye???


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[EvilKing00]

Ruth

[steve B]

I don't think you could go far wrong with any of those choices.

The Cobb is probably the hardest of the three to find, so I'd probably go with that one, unless what's available are very average threes and there's a really nice example of one of the others.

--------------

Which reminds me how far the hobby and my collecting tastes have come. When I started, 2k would have bought all of those with loads left over. Did I buy the big stars or cards in really nice condition --- Not usually.
With all I've learned do I do that now? Only once in a while

Steve B

[Peter_Spaeth]

Ruth. Period. Get the best Ruth you can afford. Personally I like the Sport Kings a lot and I believe they are priced at quite a discount to the Goudeys.

[mantlefan]

Definitely the Ruth. Make sure it is high end for the grade.

[bnorth]

Buy whatever your dream card is in the best condition you can find for the $ you have.

I also recently ran into some extra cash. Instead of one big purchase(Wade Boggs Bat for me) I ended up buying several lesser priced items. I am very happy with my choice and hope you are also happy with whatever you purchase.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Buy whatever your dream card is in the best condition you can find for the $ you have.



I also recently ran into some extra cash. Instead of one big purchase(Wade Boggs Bat for me) I ended up buying several lesser priced items. I am very happy with my choice and hope you are also happy with whatever you purchase.

What'd ya get??? This would be my Diamond Stars approach...


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[rats60]

I would go for a Ruth. If you are wanting to go after cards from your sets, I would go after the t205 Joss or Cy Young or maybe both. They are much tougher than the Cobb.

[Exhibitman]

Ruth. The GOAT.

[Big Six]

Thank you for the well thought out reply. While a Ruth is probably the easy choice, I think I'm between the Cobb and the Aaron. I'm about 21% in on my T205 set with a bunch of HOfers (Mathewson, Clarke, Marquard, Speaker, Wallace with cap, and Wheat). For 1954, I'm just shy of 75%. Only missing Aaron, Mats and both Williams with others being commons. My Banks is SGC 40 and Kaline is SGC 45 but signed...both are really nice for grade. Would only be able to do a 5 for Aaron with remainder of set all 7's and a few 6's. I'll likely upgrade the Kaline and Banks in the future but they are good enough for now. Feel better choosing between two than 4-5 cards...thanks!!!


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[vintagerookies51]

An iconic set and the greatest player of all time. I'd definitely go with Ruth. '54 Aarons are pretty cool too though

[Eggoman]

I'd get the T205 Cobb, too - one with NICE registration for the grade.

AND unless your wife's eyes roll up into her head when you talk about cards with her, by all means involve her in the decision-making, too. Talk with her BRIEFLY about your collecting strategy and see what she says/thinks. Maybe even show her what your finalist selections look like...

You BOTH may enjoy your purchase EVEN MORE after-the-fact when you can remind her that SHE helped with the decision-making...

Just MY 2 cents... GOOD LUCK! Probably CANNOT go wrong, regardless!

[Big Six]

Ok...down to Aaron or Cobb with Ruth a solid third...no one mentioned Mantle so he's out! Any other thoughts???


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[Touch'EmAll]

Remember, not all "5" grades are the same. I would much rather have an EX 5 with near perfect rock solid centering and no tilt cut. If 3 cards sitting in front of me, a Ruth, a Cobb and an Aaron, all pretty much in the same price class, I would go for the one with best centering, the player would be secondary. Also consider other card flaws - print dots, color and focus. Buy the most eye appealing card you can regardless of player choice Ruth, Cobb or Aaron. You want a nice looking card.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Line up some pics and see if one jumps out at you.

Here are some of the ones you have mentioned, see if any speaks to you louder.

[Touch'EmAll]

Peter, your 1933 Goudey #149 Ruth SGC 60 is a sweet card. That's what I am talking about - killer centering, no print marks (clean color), stellar for the grade! I know its more than the $2k, but thats the one I would be after.

[brianp-beme]

Since you are working on the T205 set, I would suggest the T205 Cobb, as you will have the satisfaction of snagging one of the most expensive cards in the set in the condition range you have been collecting.

Of course nothing wrong with a Goudey Ruth, and in my opinion the Sport Kings Ruth may even be a more eye pleasing and appealing depiction of the Babe than any of his Goudey cards.

Brian

[mechanicalman]

I often debate whether my next purchase should be pre-war or post. Every time I land on pre-war. My thought is: there will always be a supply of post war cards like the Aaron rookie. The folks at PWCC probably bring 5-10 to market every month. You will always have an opportunity to pull that trigger.

Sure, certain pre-war cards are plentiful, too, but a nicely centered T205 Cobb is a bit of a rarity based on my experience looking over the last year. I would always try to lock down the more rare card on your list if one pops up, but I agree with another member that you should be patient and wait for one you love.

Also, I remember meeting Corey (AddieJoss) at the National and remember he or his buddy had a nice T205 Cobb at a reasonable price. Not sure if he still has it, but something to consider in case you choose Cobb.

[Big Six]

Thanks to all who chimed in...Mr. Postman just dropped off Mr. Cobb...and I’m a happy guy!




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[kvnkvnkvn]

Just get as much 1991 Fleer as you can. You will be pleased...

Nice card, I would have went Ruth, Hank, Cobb, Mantle in order of choice...

[Huysmans]

Wise decision Matt...
great card, congrats!

[iowadoc77]

Awesome card. Good choice!

[CW]

Nice Cobb!