High end Koufax rookie vs low grade Ruth

[ullmandds]

RUTH all day every day...I wouldn't even put a koufax rookie in the same solar system!

[orly57]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

RUTH all day every day...I wouldn't even put a koufax rookie in the same solar system!

+1

Ryan, Im not a fan of “A” cards either, but a Ruth rookie is one of the few exceptions I could probably live with. I don’t know that I would actually BUY an A Ruth, but the hypothetical asks which you prefer to own (I wouldn’t buy an ultra high grade Koufax either). High grades don’t really blow me away; yesterday’s 8 is today’s 6.5, but a Ruth rookie is a Ruth rookie. Obviously I would need to see the card before making this decision, since there are so many different reasons why a card could be labeled “authentic.” But if it presents fairly well, I would prefer the authentic Ruth, and it isn’t particularly close.

[yanksfan09]

Ruth, no question. I would always value rarity and better player than a more common card in higher grade.

[maximus35]

I already own the PSA Koufax 8.5 but I am debating selling it to get $ to purchase the Collin McCarthy Ruth. The CM Ruth is a card I’ve always wanted. I love the pose and that he’s in a Red Sox uniform. I just wanted your guys opinion if you would rather own a high end vintage card or bottom of the low end pre war.

[Rhotchkiss]

This "would you rather own a high end vintage card or bottom of the low end pre war", is a much different question than whether you would rather own a 1955 Koufax 8.5 or a 1917 Ruth 1.

I think the board generally supports your thinking of selling the Koufax 8.5 to own the 1917 Ruth (A, 1 or otherwise). But lets be clear that the decision is based on Ruth, not the pre-war aspect of the card.

Me, personally, I don't really collect much newer than the 1920's (and most of my stuff is 1911 and older), and that's because I like rarer cards. But if you came up to me an offered me a PSA 8.5 Koufax rookie, there are few "low end pre war" cards I would choose over the Koufax -- a 1917 Collins McCarthy Ruth is definitely one card I would choose over the Koufax.

[quitcrab]

Condition, condition, condition...go with Sandy !

[KMayUSA6060]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

RUTH all day every day...I wouldn't even put a koufax rookie in the same solar system!

Agreed. There are plenty of cards in that range I would put well ahead of a high-grade Koufax rookie.


That Koufax rookie is only worth what it is because of someone's opinion on its looks/condition. If something were to happen and a corner were to get dinged somehow in the slab, or the slab were to break, you're risking a huge loss on your investment. Whereas the Ruth and many other cards like the Ruth are held up by the subject and the scarcity of that subject, which is a much sturdier foundation for your investment.

[LincolnVT]

I would have to agree with what people have said here so far. I would rather have several of Ruth's earlier cards over a high grade example of the other player that you mentioned.

[maximus35]

Ok guys next question.....whose ready to trade their CM Ruth for my Koufax? LOL

[BruceinGa]

As a test maybe you should post the same question on the Post War Baseball Card Forum.
I would be interested to see the results.

[ruth_rookie]

Not even close IMHO. How many people can actually say they own a Ruth from his Red Sox days? How many people can say they own a Koufax rookie? Besides, there will always be market for that Ruth, even in a weak economy... just PM me 😁.

[oldjudge]

I would sell the PSA 8.5 Koufax and buy an SGC 8. With the amount you make you should be able to almost pay for the Ruth and still have a great Koufax.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by BruceinGa

As a test maybe you should post the same question on the Post War Baseball Card Forum.
I would be interested to see the results.

Yes this would probably make a difference. I like Ruth as he is Ruth and more scarce...but if I were a 50s collector it might be different.