Babe Ruth Investment?

[todeen]

Originally Posted by conor912

Hey Theo. Welcome to the board. My honest advice to anyone just joining the hobby, and particularly at your age, would be not to start with a $5,000 card.

+1 agree! But welcome to the hobby!

But to answer your question about Babe Ruth, there are lots of options available for a card. There is the Sanella card that is available for $200. There is the Churchmans sports of the world series card for about $200. Then there are some photos available like the 1934 Butterfinger, and the 1934 Quaker Oats that are between $100-$800 depending on quality.

But like the previous poster stated, for your age and being new to the hobby, you should experiment to see what you like. Some collectors like the thrill of opening packs or even boxes. Some like seeking out autographs. Others collect memorabilia. Some people collect archived news photos. There are so many different corners of the hobby. I suggest likewise you explore the areas of collecting before making a rush to invest so heavily on a single card.

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[Johnny630]

Welcome to the hobby Theo :-) it’s exciting to know that
young collectors like yourself are interested into vintage cards !

I would take $4,500 of that $5,000 you have and buy some McDonald’s or Apple Stock. Take the remaining $500 and buy some vintage cards !
I wouldn’t recommend vintage cards as an investment at these ultra inflated current levels. The only time I would even Consider investing in cards is during a Significant US economic recession. That would be the only time. In the mean time spend a little money in cards to enjoy the hobby save the investing for something else :-) most of all have fun!

[swarmee]

In that price range, I would bet most will recommend a 1933 Goudey. Classic
and colorful set, four possible Ruths to choose from. You can get one in VG-EX condition for around what you have to spend.


There aren't a lot of mainstream Ruth cards from his playing days because there weren't a lot of cards made of him. Most people ignore the strip cards because their images are cartoonish and their production quality were pretty awful. So you're stuck with oversized cards/photos pasted to cardboard backings or the Goudeys.

The Sport Kings is cool too, but the set is not as well collected. They're a little more niche.

[Rhotchkiss]

Welcome and I fully agree with the sentiment that it’s great to see a young guy interested in vintage; you are wise beyond your years. I disagree with Johnny that vintage is not a good investment - I think it’s a great investment (especially Ruth), but you need to be long/looking to hold for a while through economic cycles.

Regarding Ruth at your price range, I suggest the 1921 Exhibits. It’s undervalued, in my opinion, and is early Ruth and first-year Yankee, plus it’s a unique (and attractive) pose. For $5000 you should be able to get a nice looking 3-4, like the one below (no longer my card). Good luck!

[ejharrington]

Since you're a Dodgers fan, I would collect anything that has him in a Dodgers uniform. 1962 Venezuelan Topps for example.

I would not recommend collecting solely for investment.

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by ejharrington

Since you're a Dodgers fan, I would collect anything that has him in a Dodgers uniform. 1962 Venezuelan Topps for example.

I would not recommend collecting solely for investment.

I think Ruth in Dodgers items have little to no value and little to no room for growth, even oddballs like the Venezuelan. This 14-year-old may be a trust fund or bitcoin baby. Why do you feel the need to tell him what to collect?

[ejharrington]

Originally Posted by swarmee

I think Ruth in Dodgers items have little to no value and little to no room for growth, even oddballs like the Venezuelan. This 14-year-old may be a trust fund or bitcoin baby. Why do you feel the need to tell him what to collect?

Because he asked. I did not ask for your thoughts though.

[Touch'EmAll]

Perhaps consider the 1926-29 Postcard Back Babe Ruth, Pose in psa 5. Great pic, super classic and mid grade would get you no creases or other semi-significant issues.

[Gary Dunaier]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Why do you feel the need to tell him what to collect?

Originally Posted by ejharrington

Because he asked

"Because he asked." As good a reason as any.

But on the other hand, it's unusual for a 14-year-old to announce they have $5,000 to "invest" on a baseball card. How many of us had that kind of money when we were 14? I certainly didn't, and even if I did I wouldn't have been allowed to invest it in baseball cards - plural - let alone spend it all on one single card.

So it's understandable that many here would want to be cautious and make sure he knows what he's doing.