$15,000 to spend on 1-5 cards...WWYD?

[raulus]

Originally Posted by NYYFan63

Funny you should mention the IBond. A buddy of mine mentioned it to me this afternoon. I have never heard of them but they pay a great interest rate.


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Have to buy it direct from the US Treasury. They put a cap of $10k per year on you. If you withdraw after less than 5 years then you pay a penalty equal to your interest earned for the previous 3 months.

And the rate is nice now, but it will fluctuate based in inflation. So it could go down, depending on just how transitory inflation really ends up being.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by raulus

Have to buy it direct from the US Treasury. They put a cap of $10k per year on you. If you withdraw after less than 5 years then you pay a penalty equal to your interest earned for the previous 3 months.

And the rate is nice now, but it will fluctuate based in inflation. So it could go down, depending on just how transitory inflation really ends up being.

My amateur take on it was that it provides inflation protection over a period long enough that one probably doesn't need inflation protection.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by NYYFan63

Funny you should mention the IBond. A buddy of mine mentioned it to me this afternoon. I have never heard of them but they pay a great interest rate.


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Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

My amateur take on it was that it provides inflation protection over a period long enough that one probably doesn't need inflation protection.

Let’s hope you’re right!

[Jstottlemire1]

I’d recommend buying the best early playing years Ruth caramel you can 1921/1922 or his 21 Exhibit. Myself I’d personally purchase the best early career Ruth or 33 Goudey I could for my PC.

[rats60]

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth - Ruth is the greatest player of all time, 1933 Goudey is one of the big 3 sets in the hobby.

T206 Ty Cobb - T206 is the greatest set in the hobby, Wagner is way past 25k, so Cobb is the choice.

This gives you 8 cards to chase. The batting Ruth or green Cobb are ideal, but look for the best eye appeal and value for your 15k card. These cards offer the perfect combination of rarity and demand.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by rats60

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth - Ruth is the greatest player of all time, 1933 Goudey is one of the big 3 sets in the hobby.

T206 Ty Cobb - T206 is the greatest set in the hobby, Wagner is way past 25k, so Cobb is the choice.

This gives you 8 cards to chase. The batting Ruth or green Cobb are ideal, but look for the best eye appeal and value for your 15k card. These cards offer the perfect combination of rarity and demand.

This. I would favor Ruth, but either way hard to go wrong here.

[raulus]

Here’s another hot take that I don’t think has been expressed yet, although Peter will correct me if I’m wrong:

If I were looking to INVEST in cardboard, I’m not sure that I would do it now.

If I wanted to buy for my own collection and enjoyment, then all day every day, to the extent that my budget allows. But the OP here seems focused on investment first and foremost.

To my mind, the runup in prices over the last two years has just been breathtaking, often as much as 500% or more, depending on the issue and the player. If I were investing right now, it’s hard to imagine that I’m not buying at or near the top if I’m investing today, particularly if I’m investing in vintage.

Now, I’m sure that the majority of the forum will heap scorn on this idea, and I fully respect that and expect nothing less than to be roundly condemned for my craven approach.

But for my money, if I’m investing strictly for a return, now is not the time that I would invest in cardboard.

[Peter_Spaeth]

People who try to time the market more often than not, if not usually, get it wrong. From DJIA 8000 to DJIA 20,000 I bet I got three emails a week telling me we were at a top and about to crash. In my humble opinion the time to invest, if you are so inclined, is when you have the funds. Don’t try to time. The vast majority of crystal balls don’t work.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

People who try to time the market more often than not, if not usually, get it wrong. From DJIA 8000 to DJIA 20,000 I bet I got three emails a week telling me we were at a top and about to crash. In my humble opinion the time to invest, if you are so inclined, is when you have the funds. Don’t try to time. The vast majority of crystal balls don’t work.

And all of the people who bought bitcoin at $67k thinking it would go straight to $1M wish they had waited instead and bought today at $19k.

We all have our opinions about the current market for cardboard and where it’s going over the next few years. If there was any doubt about my opinion, now you know it. And naturally, others will disagree, as is their God-given right.

[drmondobueno]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

People who try to time the market more often than not, if not usually, get it wrong. From DJIA 8000 to DJIA 20,000 I bet I got three emails a week telling me we were at a top and about to crash. In my humble opinion the time to invest, if you are so inclined, is when you have the funds. Don’t try to time. The vast majority of crystal balls don’t work.

Agree with Peter. There is a saying well known by those investing in the stock market : Avoid catching a falling knife. Seems to me various markets are fluctuating, including gold coins, stocks, real estate, and employment. And baseball cards (but not all of everything!).

Think it through, do what you are comfortable with and what you like. Just my humble opinion.

Oh yeah, keep asking the Net54 guys questions. The dumb question is the one you do not ask and costs you...

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by raulus

Here’s another hot take that I don’t think has been expressed yet, although Peter will correct me if I’m wrong:

If I were looking to INVEST in cardboard, I’m not sure that I would do it now.

If I wanted to buy for my own collection and enjoyment, then all day every day, to the extent that my budget allows. But the OP here seems focused on investment first and foremost.

To my mind, the runup in prices over the last two years has just been breathtaking, often as much as 500% or more, depending on the issue and the player. If I were investing right now, it’s hard to imagine that I’m not buying at or near the top if I’m investing today, particularly if I’m investing in vintage.

Now, I’m sure that the majority of the forum will heap scorn on this idea, and I fully respect that and expect nothing less than to be roundly condemned for my craven approach.

But for my money, if I’m investing strictly for a return, now is not the time that I would invest in cardboard.

Yeah but:

[Rad_Hazard]

I would invest in the best possible versions of these cards that you can find which can be done for 15K. Both are blue chip cards and both have great long term potential.

[hcv123]

1) As previously mentioned - whatever the card you choose - be picky about the "right example" - be willing to pay a premium over grade for a card with strong eye appeal and unusual qualities for the grade - especially centering.

That said, I dont know what the 15K gets you in terms of grades of these cards off the top of my head, but these are the cards I would respond to your question with:

1921 Ruth Exhibit
1933 Ruth #144
1952 Willie Mays
1953 Willie Mays
1951 Bowman Mantle
1952 Bowman Mantle
1953 Topps Mantle
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
T206 Green Cobb
T205 Cobb

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by hcv123

1) As previously mentioned - whatever the card you choose - be picky about the "right example" - be willing to pay a premium over grade for a card with strong eye appeal and unusual qualities for the grade - especially centering.

That said, I dont know what the 15K gets you in terms of grades of these cards off the top of my head, but these are the cards I would respond to your question with:

1921 Ruth Exhibit
1933 Ruth #144
1952 Willie Mays
1953 Willie Mays
1951 Bowman Mantle
1952 Bowman Mantle
1953 Topps Mantle
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
T206 Green Cobb
T205 Cobb

1921 Exhibit Ruths are great cards and are a good investment as all of them are however I believe that card as many others have seen such rapid growth in a short time that you maybe able to find others with more upside.

However as a potential real long term investor as you mentioned that maybe a non factor in any that you chose

If you are looking for shorter term I would consider the 1925-1929 Exhibit Ruth Postcards. they are underappreciated in my opinion and have more upside potential.

However I do not believe you can go wrong with any thing that is mentioned in the thread especially over the long term.

Perhaps the only thing to try and avoid cards that are to obscure even from the big Names because sometimes if it is to obscure and does not sell often(in years) the potential buyers do not know what the true worth might be and it also shrinks the number of people that might want to buy it

[Leon]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

1921 Exhibit Ruths are great cards and are a good investment as all of them are however I believe that card as many others have seen such rapid growth in a short time that you maybe able to find others with more upside.

However as a potential real long term investor as you mentioned that maybe a non factor in any that you chose

If you are looking for shorter term I would consider the 1925-1929 Exhibit Ruth Postcards. they are underappreciated in my opinion and have more upside potential.

However I do not believe you can go wrong with any thing that is mentioned in the thread especially over the long term.

Perhaps the only thing to try and avoid cards that are to obscure even from the big Names because sometimes if it is to obscure and does not sell often(in years) the potential buyers do not know what the true worth might be and it also shrinks the number of people that might want to buy it

So what you are saying is that I have a collection of cards to avoid? LOL

F272- Unc...

[jingram058]

The big takeaway from all this jolly, carefree banter is...if I had (someone gave me) $15,000 I wouldn't spend it on baseball cards, or anything hobby related. I would probably remodel my kitchen. If you're rolling in money, while the rest of us real people try to get by, then go ahead, buy that Ruth or Cobb.

[Aaron Seefeldt]

A Babe Ruth Exhibit, the earlier the better.

[anchorednw]

Originally Posted by Aaron Seefeldt

A Babe Ruth Exhibit, the earlier the better.

This seems to be a recurring theme. I do like me a good-looking early Babe Exhibit.

[anchorednw]

Originally Posted by jingram058

If you're rolling in money, while the rest of us real people try to get by, then go ahead, buy that Ruth or Cobb.

This comment clearly has undertones of much more going on. Real people? Rolling in money?

I make no apologies for having some $ that I would like to spend on baseball cards and that my kitchen satisfies my wife, as that certainly doesn't make me less of a real person, lol

[notfast]

T206 Cobb bat off/red
48 Leaf Jackie
51 Bowman Mays

pick two, highest grade/eye appeal you can find.

[anchorednw]

Thank you for the wonderful feedback on this thread. What's it's helped me to do is actually consider a wider range of cards that I may have not considered. In addition, given me jump off point to study and learn more about some of these items (as my knowledge and experience in prewar and early vintage is still limited).

A year ago, if someone asked me that question, I would have probably said "easy, go grab an early Mantle or Mays", which isn't a terrible answer, but short sighted and limited in scope.

After much banter and discussion, I've begun to put pen to paper and make a list (albeit long) of players and cards/sets that I love and want. These include the obvious suspects.

I lean towards Babe and Cobb in early cards such as exhibit, t206, caramel, sporting news, etc. While I understand the draw of Goudey and early Topps/Bowman, I believe I would enjoy owning something a bit older and a bit more scarce/harder to find.

Really appreciate all the great insight, advice and banter.

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by anchorednw

This comment clearly has undertones of much more going on. Real people? Rolling in money?

I make no apologies for having some $ that I would like to spend on baseball cards and that my kitchen satisfies my wife, as that certainly doesn't make me less of a real person, lol

I don't know anyone who has $15k to spend on baseball cards, other than the folks who post on this forum. I would have to sell cards I have to raise that kind of $$$. Sorry, but that is how it is. The regular work a day people are not in that league. I love this forum and the amazing cards posted, but it isn't a hobby for regular blue collar people anymore, only for the well-heeled card investors.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

If you are looking for shorter term I would consider the 1925-1929 Exhibit Ruth Postcards. they are underappreciated in my opinion and have more upside potential.

Definitely my favorite prewar card.

[anchorednw]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Definitely my favorite prewar card.

What an incredible looking Babe exhibit Adam! Thanks for sharing.

[anchorednw]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

The Jackie is a beautiful card, but I am surprised it's as prized as it is, being only a 4th or 5th year card depending on your definition with plenty of earlier cards, and aside from people looking for perfect centering, not at all hard to find.

I am currently looking for a 49 Bow Jackie myself (in a low grade) for my post war vintage index run. I'm just not in love with the 49's. The 52 Topps is definitely one of his "prettiest" cards IMO

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by anchorednw

I am currently looking for a 49 Bow Jackie myself (in a low grade) for my post war vintage index run. I'm just not in love with the 49's. The 52 Topps is definitely one of his "prettiest" cards IMO

No doubt, i just can't think of any other examples on the postwar side of things where a player's 4th or 5th year card is his most iconic.

[Rhotchkiss]

Ruth. Preferably something from early 1920’s, and not a premium

Wagner portrait - D322 tip top, e103, e90-2, M116 (preferably blue)

Cobb- e102/101 pose is reasonable and I like D304. Although red and green t206 is most liquid