When passing on a card is a good thing

[cubman1941]

Not vintage but many years ago I went into a dealers shop and he had a 1968 Nolan Ryan rookie card for sale. He wanted $1000. I told him I would take it if he paid the sales tax. He wouldn't do that so I didn't buy it. Since I am a Cubs guy and just wanted it to have it, I am glad I didn't buy it since that money has been spent on vintage Cubs since then.

[Griffins]

I was the underbidder on a card on ebay in 2008 that sold for 4800. Only 2 copies of the card is known, and I always kicked myself I didn't go higher. Earlier this year I won the exact card in REA for 1/3 of the price.

[riggs336]

Many, many years ago when I knew even less than I know now, I was outbid on a beautiful uncut sheet of Fro-joys. In color!

[steve B]

The stamp guy I go to gave cards a try in 87. Bought some nice stuff. One thing he had was a Ty Cobb letter. Great condition, cobb stationery, green ink. The first page was pretty straight stuff, thanks for writing, good to hear from a fan etc.
The second page.... was a bit rough but exactly the sort of stuff Cobbs rep was at the time.
He wanted 700, and I seriously considered it. Having to do better on some classwork and a couple small car repairs delayed the saving up, and it sold.

I now know that it was probably a total fabrication by Stump.

Pretty glad I didn't end up buying it.

He also had a photo of Fenway park signed by "some front office guy" That also sold. I ended up finding it at a show years later and while it's Fenway, the signature on the back is Frank Navin.... yeah, just "some front office guy"

[Leon]

I passed on a 1932 Babe Ruth schedule? card several years back. I think it had Goudey on it or something. It sold for 15k+ two different times and I was the underbidder both times. It turned out to be fake.

[Seven]

Not a card, but in my quest to complete the Ron Lewis "Living Legends" set, I found a complete set at the most Recent REA auction. It ended up going for $1500. A couple of weeks ago I documented how I stumbled onto a complete set on eBay for almost 1/3rd of that price. Sometimes it works out!