Babe Ruth Investment?

[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.

[bbcard1]

If you are deadset on the scenario you outlined, I would buy the nicest 33 goudey you can find in that range. It seems generally the most popular Ruth and you can either sell it to Ruth collectors of Goudey set builders. Some of his other cards don't have the set builder base to appeal to.

One thing to consider is there is virtually always a cost to selling. If you are considering buying for investment, you are looking at 25% going to selling costs, so you have to realize that much growth before you "start making money." There's a couple ways to get around that...finding a buy that is better than expected or a seller who will pay work with a thinner margin.

[steve B]

I'd have to go with the ones others have already suggested.

The Goudey Ruths are nice cards, and appreciate fairly well.
When I started a typical one was around 100, but I'm kinda old... And got in just before the prices really jumped in the 80's.

That's if you want a card to collect that will be reasonably stable pricewise. They tend to get more expensive as time goes by, but don't make any big jumps anymore.

If you want it as an investment...

As others have already said, there are much better investments out there. Aside from a brief period of time, and a few other specific instances*, few collectibles will outperform stocks.

* The 1980's were pretty amazing, cards went from almost a fringe hobby to mainstream then overproduced in less than a decade.
Other times things did well as investments were times particular things became popular. Like Caramel cards being sort of forgotten, then popular, and the prices went up quickly. If you can actually predict that stuff... keep it a closely guarded bit of info, and enjoy the benefits. (I'll be no help there, all the stuff I really like is usually not popular or valuable)

[ullmandds]

I agree in that Ruth and Cobb cards exploded exponentially in "value" practically overnight a few years ago. Ruth strips went from a few hundred to over a thousand...as did many exhibits. Who knows whether manipulation was at play or whether more people realized how cool these cards are and went after them...who knows?

I think Ruth cards are as safe an investment as you can find. If I were looking to spend 5K for a ruth card...as my first and only...I'd first have to decide if I'm buying a card I love or one that I think would be a good investment over time.

I think a Goudey is a great starting point...but I personally prefer rarities...so I'd opt for the US caramel...it's a beautiful...color card of ruth(the vast majority of ruth cards are black and white) towards the end of his career.

[oldjudge]

Theo-Others have made some excellent suggestions as to what would be a good card for you. I just wanted to add that regardless of the card you decide upon, the price you pay for the card is very important. You and a parent should compare prices amongst dealers and consider whether it might make sense to bid in a reputable auction. Although some of the cards are scarcer that others, none are rarities. Don’t jump at the first one; make sure you buy intelligently. Negotiate price! If you don’t feel comfortable doing this have a parent do it for you. I am in Pasadena and would be willing to meet with you and your parent if you feel additional input from an experienced collector would be useful. Otherwise, good luck!

Jay Miller

[yanksfan09]

Agree on the 32/33 US Caramel as a nice pick. Also like 1921 or 26-29 exhibit pose. Or even a rare exhibit like the 1925 Champions one if you can find one.

Other than those maybe some other early issues. There's several poses in the 1922 E121-120 series that work. The 1921 E121-80 would be too pricey.

The 1922 W575-2 auto on shoulder series is another nice tough one. The National Caramel E220 is another great early one but would be out of range past a low grade 1 or authentic copy I'm afraid.

Good luck. I think rarer nice cards may be best bet for investment purposes but another idea may be a signed Ruth check.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by yanksfan09

Agree on the 32/33 US Caramel as a nice pick. Also like 1921 or 26-29 exhibit pose. Or even a rare exhibit like the 1925 Champions one if you can find one.

Other than those maybe some other early issues. There's several poses in the 1922 E121-120 series that work. The 1921 E121-80 would be too pricey.

The 1922 W575-2 auto on shoulder series is another nice tough one. The National Caramel E220 is another great early one but would be out of range past a low grade 1 or authentic copy I'm afraid.

Good luck. I think rarer nice cards may be best bet for investment purposes but another idea may be a signed Ruth check.

Yes yes yes!!!!! The rarities I love the rarities and also I have grown to love the exhibits!! Great suggestions in the 21 and 25 champions exhibit both incredible cards the 25 pretty tough!!

[terjung]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Theo-Others have made some excellent suggestions as to what would be a good card for you. I just wanted to add that regardless of the card you decide upon, the price you pay for the card is very important. You and a parent should compare prices amongst dealers and consider whether it might make sense to bid in a reputable auction. Although some of the cards are scarcer that others, none are rarities. Don’t jump at the first one; make sure you buy intelligently. Negotiate price! If you don’t feel comfortable doing this have a parent do it for you. I am in Pasadena and would be willing to meet with you and your parent if you feel additional input from an experienced collector would be useful. Otherwise, good luck!

Jay Miller

Theo,

This is great advice and an amazing offer from an extremely knowledgeable, wise gentleman. If you are even considering taking him up on his offer, I would encourage you to DO IT! Jay is extremely well respected and can be trusted, in my opinion. He will not steer you wrong.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Welcome!

Brian

[KCRfan1]

Given your age, what does your parent or parents think about this potential decision?

[Madi$on18joshua]

That is very thoughtful of you Jay!

[chalupacollects]

You can also go for less expensive and more quantities of Ruth... 1952 Look N See, 54 Scoops, the 61 Babe Ruth Topps subset, 73 and 74 Topps inserts of Ruth, 48 Leaf...All less expensive and available in higher grade for the money...

[theotobel]

Thank you so much Jay! I will definitely talk to my parents and be in touch sometime soon.

[theotobel]

Thank you so much everyone for your input! As a matter of fact, I've worked as a little league umpire for the past few years and have saved up some money. I wanted to invest in something that interests me (baseball cards) instead of stocks or another form of investment.

Have a great Thanksgiving,
Theo