If you had....

[Vegas-guy]

Originally Posted by Runscott

The Plank and Lajoie cards are guaranteed - you'll always be able to find a wealthy collector or two who 'have to have' these.

Given how the 'big' cards such as these have gone up so much over the years, I'm wondering if it would be a horrible idea to cash in my 401k and buy one baseball card? (you know which one)

Funny that you say that! I have a friend who told me to do the same thing after I was bitching that my 401k was down 40% over the last 2 years! Now I know I could move some things around and not be in such an aggressive area but.........

That's another thing that sparked this thread.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Vegas-guy

Funny that you say that! I have a friend who told me to do the same thing after I was bitching that my 401k was down 40% over the last 2 years! Now I know I could move some things around and not be in such an aggressive area but.........

That's another thing that sparked this thread.

I look at it this way: I have a nice 401K but not enough to retire. 401K's aint doing doodly. I'm 10-15 years from retirement. Where would a 'great' card be in 10-15 years? I think most of the ones we have in mind would far outdistance your 401K. Plus, I'll be unemployed by this time next year, so free to do what I want with my 401K (with penalties, of course). Just thinking.

[Fred]

Based on the list I'd either go with the T206 Plank or "other". My "other" suggestion would be tough to find 19th century material. Yeah you could blow your wad on one card but IO'd probably spread it around and pick up a few nice cards.

[egbeachley]

For $25K, how about 2,500 low grade T206s for $10 each. If the price goes to $14 each in a few years that's better than a single $25K high grade HOFer that appreciated to $32K.

[Vol]

Originally Posted by egbeachley

For $25K, how about 2,500 low grade T206s for $10 each. If the price goes to $14 each in a few years that's better than a single $25K high grade HOFer that appreciated to $32K.

Makes sense!

[bbcard1]

A few caveats.

I decided I would not invest in ball cards a long time ago because I enjoy them too much and cannot be objective about it. I just collect.

Long term, a Plank would be great, but I sense a tick up. You might not get as much card as you would think in the range you are talking about, in which case you need to reevaluate.

I really think the way to go for a good short-term, replicatable return would be to buy a nice set of a popular issue in good grade and bust it immediately, sell individually, repeat.

I am an example of how collectors are willing to pay more individually to complete their set, but are less interested in complete sets, because the thrill is in the hunt, not the kill.

[skelly]

From an "investment" standpoint, I would stay away from the 52 Mantle. This card is far more common than people realize, and as Baby Boomers pass on, I can't see demand keeping up with the increase in supply. Some people might think I'm way off base, but I could really see high grade vintage wrapper and older display boxes becoming more sought after as the years go by. From a card standpoint, It seems that really high grade vintage hockey always outperforms SMR. Just not a lot of it, and hockey fans/collectors are always very passionate.

[BCauley]

I'd go with "other" and pick up a Joe Jackson. I don't see them ever going down, only up or at worst, staying level for a little while. On the chance that he is eventually allowed into the HOF (I'm hopeful!), possible short term bubble to sell for a decent profit if that is what someone wants to do.

[Orioles1954]

Ruth Ruth Ruth Ruth

or anyone in the Class of '36

[dstraate]

I don't know that I'd like my retirement to hinge on one item that I would have to pay insurance on. I realize that all investments have management fees, but dang!