Which to sell first , pre war or 50s?

[glchen]

Post War RC's have had a significant run-up, so I think it's easy to say that these cards may stall or even drop in value going forward. However, I think they still may have room to go higher.

I think commons, even for rare type cards, would be the ones to sell. (The exception here are rare back T206 commons, which I think are still highly in demand.) Next I think to sell are minor HOF types such as Rick Ferrell, Chuck Klein, etc.

I think the cards to keep are the ones that everyone wants, e.g., there is always a steady demand for. For example, the Pinkerton Wagner, the T206 Green Cobb, or the 1914 CJ Mathewson. Rarity is only important in terms of value when there is excess demand to match.

[Bored5000]

Why make it an all or nothing proposition? Sell some from each era of your collection and keep your favorites from each era.

[swarmee]

I agree with the selling of the commons and minor stars, and in your case, that would be the Goudey sets, since the others are Hall of Fame rookie cards.