You have $5000 to spend...

[Sean]

If I was starting from scratch, I would go after at the best T206 Cobb bat off the shoulder that I could find (probably a PSA 4).

If I start with my current collection, I would go for a T206 Mordecai Brown Cubs shirt PSA 6, since I'm missing that card and really like it.

[ruth_rookie]

1921 Shotwell Ruth... preferably a genuine example with no paper loss.

[packs]

Joe Jackson M101

[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by packs

Joe Jackson M101

It would have to be a pretty beat up example to sell for $5k. I would recommend a nice Cobb T206 Bat Off with a scarcer back. I don’t collect these but I think that card will do well.

[Rich Falvo]

If I could get a Drum back for my Providence T206 set for that price, I would. If not, a Broad Leaf.

[Brian Van Horn]

Put it in the bank and let the fraud in the hobby crest.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn

Put it in the bank and let the fraud in the hobby crest.

Full Agreement it’s better to be cash rich and card poor right now let it come it

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn

Put it in the bank and let the fraud in the hobby crest.

Yep.

I'm happy the postwar regional cards and coins I wrote about were not implicated in this latest mess. Whilst researching my book during 2003 - 2009, card doctoring was a hot topic from time to time on these boards. When I interviewed Rob Lifson, among the topics we discussed was that particular matter. He informed me, for instance, that Stahl-Meyer Franks cannot be doctored; the paraffin coating prevents any type of "fixin". Which, then, would also include Dan-Dees, Briggs, Esskays, Hunters, and Peters Meats, most of which are covered to some extent in NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. The distinctive type of slick, "mirro-chrome" finish on the late 50s-early 60s Bell Brand and Morrell Meat Dodgers would also be restorative-proof. Ditto Dormand postcards, Coca-Cola premiums, and the color Kahn's regionals.

Honest, I'm not suggesting to collect all of the above. Just be reassured card doctoring can be thwarted in some instances. I know very well my little niche is perhaps a single percent of the focus of our members. This whole fiasco has been very disturbing, to say the least. The basic need of superior professional third party authenticating and grading is still there, and always will be. Let's not throw the baby, and the rest of his family, out with the bath water! We simply cannot go back to:

It's a screamer,
best I've ever seen,
best I've ever handled,
you could shave with this,
try to find another,
I swear it's the best you'll ever find in your life,
you never see them this nice,
bragging rights abound with this one,
etc., etc., etc.

I wonder if TPGs will honor their guarantees, and collectors will be refunded their money (i.e. that $5,000, as in the OP). It will be very tough to prove, and the pivotal matter of tracing back the provenance....

I know this post kinda diverts from the original discussion and intent; however, the uneasiness, anquish, and outright wrath in the hearts of those collectors affected, in one way or another, cannot be pooh-poohed and forum-banned away. It may take some more time before someone will eagerly wish to spend their 5 grand on a card.

--- Brian Powell

[PolarBear]

T206 Green Cobb if I could only pick one card which would be pretty low grade at 5k, but I'd rather have the T206 Cubs lineup.

[pokerplyr80]

I think a nice looking 51 Mantle in maybe a 2-3 is a good value for 5k. But if I had to look for a card I don't have at exactly 5k I'd either go for a yellow 33 Ruth or the nicest signed 50s Mantle I could find.

[CobbSpikedMe]

Right now it would be an e101 Cobb. Could change in an hour, but that's the one right now. A nice T206 Red Cobb is a close second.