My $1,000 Experiment: How to Spend?

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Posted By: James Feagin

I am toward the end of my modern card to vintage transformation. Luckily, I've cleared about $1,000-1,200 to spend on Pre-War vintage cards. However, I am trying to find a little direction how to spend this, as there is so much that I'm interested in. I'm looking to spend $1,000-$1,200 and am interested in the following: 1933-1934 Goudey, Diamond Stars, Ruth strip card, Old Judge, t206 HOFers from $100-200, Cuban Baseball, Orioles type cards. I really am looking for appearance, unique pieces, that are presentable. Ideally I am looking for mid-grade cards. That kind of money won't go too far in some of these sets. I know some of you guys spend big bucks on this, and would like some guidance from the experts to conduct this in an affordable manner.

James

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Posted By: Hal Lewis

Spend the $1,000 on the next "Time Travel Machine" that appears on Ebay??

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Posted By: JimB

I think the first thing you need to ask yourself is: Would I prefer 25 commons or 4 or 5 HOFs? Mid-grade also can refer to a wide range. A decent looking gd-vg T206 Chance would be a lot less than an ex/mt T206 Chance. I would think hard about what is an acceptable grade to you.
JimB

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Posted By: James Feagin

Hal, or you can just send me your cards for $1,000 In my opinion, mid-grade in Vg-EX. I can't handle creases or wrinkles (with the exception of Cuban baseball), so that limits it. The only commons I'm looking for are Orioles type.

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Posted By: identify7

In my opinion, personal preference plays a huge part in the selection among the sets which you mentioned. For example:

Goudeys are most similar to the more modern cards, and match those typical of the '50s well.

To a somewhat lesser extent the Diamond Stars are also similar, but incorporate the art deco design features common for the period of issuance.

A type set of Orioles is a good choice from the standpoints of flexibility and the ability to demonstrate the changes in the history of card production.

The t206s are quite popular, and like most of the above, readilly available.

The other three, to me, are an acquired taste.

One can become lost in Old Judges. Many never recover. By contrast: the monster has many survivors, although none are unscathed.

Ruth strip cards is a place I am often tempted to go, but the hole is deeper than many think.

Cuban cards are numerous and varied. A specific focus should be developed prior to jumping in.


The above is intended to be the start of an analysis or discussion. Without any more input it is difficult to make a recommendation. Which has the best upside? Maybe the Ruths. Which has the most downside? I think all choices are strong.

Everything above is one person's opinion.

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Posted By: Josh K.

I think you should consider HOFers in a 3-4 grade range. A 4 should ideally be wrinkle and crease free. You can find some 3's that look real nice but have almost undetectable wrinkles that you should not let deter you. You can even find some real nice 2's w/o creasing or wrinkles - some examples:

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Posted By: James Feagin

Thanks for the words of wisdom. For Cuban baseball I am looking for American HOFers and maybe some type cards. I really like the idea of the $200-300 t206 SGC 40-50 range. I also think the 1935 Goudey and 1941 Double Play sets are undervalued and have some good buys available. Although I have been in the hobby for 22 of my 30 years, my knowledge of vintage was essentially Goudey, t205-t207, and Old Judge.

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Posted By: warshawlaw

Obviously, a Cobb will eat through most of your budget unless you go low grade (I just picked up a red background portrait in a 1 but decent looking and intact for under $275). You should be able to pick up around 7-10 "common" HOFers for that budget, though.

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Posted By: James Feagin

It probably would be helpful to note that I already have t206 Red Portrait Cobb and a Bresnahan w/bat (SGC40) and (SGC60) respectively. I'm strongly looking into a 1915 Cracker Jack Chief Bender. Are these put up very often?

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Posted By: Anson

I would probably invest in some National Game cards and strip cards, simply because it would go further. You could land some HOFers and commons.

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Posted By: Dan Koteles

I could give you three cards that most would agree for 1175.00 is a steal !

Red Cobb in vg that look like a jumbo bordered ex with a very very small crease and 2 EL principe De gales back hof's Griffith bat and Jennings port both PSA 4's for the money.

good luck however !
Dan

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Posted By: James Feagin

Dan,

I will keep that in mind in case it doesn't work out anywhere else. Thanks!

James