What are the Best Pre-WWII Investment Cards?

[Robextend]

You can't go wrong with any of those. Maybe some less conventional choices:

-34 Goudey Greenberg - There will always be a strong market for his cards
-Any Joe Jackson Card
-Old Judge Cap Anson
-39 PlayBall DiMaggio

Obviously the less affordable the longer the list, but I don't think any on my list would ever lose value based on the players place in baseball history.

[scottglevy]

The single most underrated card in the hobby is the T206 Plank. While nearly as rare as the Wagner and also a HOFer, Eddie Plank typically sells for about 10% of the price of a Wagner -- a bargain by my measures.

-Scott

[Bicem]

Everything is a bargain compared to a t206 Wagner!

[tennisguy]

I agree with Scott on the T206 Plank, but what about also the T206 Magie (error)? I see it as also a great investment card in any grade. Any thoughts??

[B O'Brien]

For myself, I like midgrade T206 HOFers with the tougher backs to lower the population numbers. In the long run, tough backs may not mean anything one day, but I am betting against it.

I like the T206 set because it is mainstream and anyone can afford to dabble in it. Goudey's and T206 are usually what make people turn the corner to prewar, as they are easy to get your hands on. People always like buying guys that they have heard of, so that is how the HOF part comes into play. I like the tougher backs because of the challenge involved in tracking them down. The combination of the three takes popular mainstream (aka liquidity through lots of buyers) to a higher level ($$ demand through HOF and scarce backs).

I enjoy the type card folks efforts, and say that is the way to make or lose big money, as sometimes there are buyers, and sometimes there are not. I don't mind putting money into my T206 HOFers with tough backs, as I look at them like a blue chip stocks with a little bit of upside potential. If you buy right you are not going to get burned to bad when you sell, as there will always be buyers for the BIG SET and HOFers. You may not make a lot of money, but I think loses can be kept to a minimum.

At least that is how I explain it to the wife (pretty well rehearsed!!),
Bob

[M's_Fan]

Originally Posted by tennisguy

I agree with Scott on the T206 Plank, but what about also the T206 Magie (error)? I see it as also a great investment card in any grade. Any thoughts??

I've never been impressed by error cards. Some guys go crazy over them, but they just don't get me going.

[drc]

Eye appeal for grade. Try to get a card that is especially good looking for its grade-- ala nice colors, image, etc. You'll get the most money for the grade out of that card.

[E93]

Originally Posted by Bicem

Everything is a bargain compared to a t206 Wagner!

Funny, I would say that is probably the best investment card out there. Of course it is not easy to buy in.
JimB

[Bicem]

Originally Posted by E93

Funny, I would say that is probably the best investment card out there. Of course it is not easy to buy in.
JimB

I think it's overrated and overpriced for what it is, however, I don't think that is ever going to change and I also agree that it's a very good investment card.