For those who fear the demise of the collectibles market may be near...

[ls7plus]

I generally agree with you, Exhibitman. What my so-called "dynamic illustration" of Econ 101 supply and demand should have included to complete the "dynamic flux" was that even in the case of the 1914 Baltimore News Ruth, assuming it is as rare as generally believed in current auction literature, as prices rise, some of the secreted away examples have or will find their way back onto the market. Either the dollar-value increase is just too tempting not to take advantage of, the attraction wears off, or financial need comes into play to bring about a sale. Or, as is happening quite a bit lately in the area of major rarity/trophy coins, the big bucks buyer is content to simply have owned an example for a time, creating a permanent niche for himself in the trophy coin's legacy. That very thing has been happening with regard to the PSA 8 Wagner--it's changed hands quite often since Gretsky and McNall bought it in '91 for such a desireable piece (ignoring for the moment its somewhat questionable origin).

There is a caveat, though, I believe with regard to the very true generalization that 1 of 1's do not do as well as cards that are rare, but not so rare that a trickle of them can't come out to build a steady market. And that is the factor of significance. What if a true 1 of 1 proof or salesman's sample were to be discovered of the Wagner, or of the Baltimore News Ruth, the M101 Ruth major league rookie, or even the '52 Topps Mantle? The '39 Playball Williams? '25 Exhibits Gehrig? What price might the occasionally bantered about 1905 team card featuring Cobb on this forum bring? Is it one of one? I personally have never seen another, but probably have less observation time in than several others on this board. In a major auction, I believe it would do quite well. I'd certainly be bidding, at least for awhile, and I suspect that more than a few other members would be also. What if there were just one of the "T206" Ty Cobb's with Ty Cobb tobacco backs, instead of possibly 10-15? The lone example of the 1921 Tip Top Bread Lefty Grove minor league card that is known to exist brought approximately $30,000 in a Huggins and Scott auction about a year or so ago.

Interesting food for thought. It is always a pleasure to engage in a bit of mental jousting with someone as knowledgable as Exhibitman, Leon or many other members of this forum!

Best wishes to all of you gentlemen who make this site such a valuable source of information.

Larry