Prewar v. Postwar & Big Names...?

[DeanH3]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Solid advice on how to do it, but I'm still not sold. Here would be an example for me right now...

Say I give up:

'68 Ryan RC SGC 5.5
'63 Rose RC PSA 5
'48 Leaf Ted Williams PSA 2.5
and maybe 2 midgrade Mantle base cards from the late 60's...

I get for that $$:

...a PSA 1 '33 Goudey Ruth. And like a beater 1, probably not a 1 with strong eye appeal.

That's not a trade I would come close to making today, I can tell you that for sure. I don't know. Maybe years or decades from now, if I want to get rid of a lot more smaller-priced postwar cards, or get just tired of them or something. But I haven't gotten tired of them in more than 30 years...

To me multiple nice, mid-grade postwar cards > 1 beater prewar legend. At least right now, anyway. I suppose I might could be convinced otherwise for a really eye-appealing low grade or altered card.

It's a tough decision for sure. You gotta do what makes you happy. But don't give up on the idea. You might be able to snag a nice eye appeal Goudey Gehrig. The cards in your example are great cards. However, I would guess they will be easier to replace down the line. Just a thought. Again, do what makes you happy. That's what this is all about. But, owning an iconic Ruth, Gehrig or Cobb, etc likely won't get any cheaper. Good luck John!