The best vintage cards to invest in?

Topgun6580 · August 27, 2014 2:43AM

Hi everyone.

I just inherited some money that I am going to spend on some high grade vintage cards. My goal is to hold them for awhile then sell them. Since there are a lot of Vintage collectors here, my question is, what are the best cards to purchase for this reason? I am also a big fan of collecting so I really enjoy rookie cards and will love to be showing them off at the holidays with family etc. But ultimately as mentioned the main goal is to eventually sell them for a profit.

If anyone could please make suggestions that would be great! Player, Grade etc. First thing I will probably buy is Bretts 1975 topps PSA 9. Just love that card!

Thanks.

PS no unopened suggestions please. That stuff just will not stay unopened if around me!

aldridgemj · August 27, 2014 2:51AM

First let me offer my condolences.

In terms of where I would invest, I would recommend sticking with HOF RC's from the 4 major sports. I'm a baseball fan so take this with a grain of salt or a whole salt shaker, but here goes:

1939 Play Ball Williams
1948 Bowman/Leaf Musial
1951 Bowman Mays
1954 Topps Aaron
1955 Topps Koufax
1957 Topps F. Robinson
1968 Topps Ryan
1975 Topps Brett/Yount

The above are based on relative valuation since the OP is looking for future return (obviously never guaranteed).

Good luck with your future purchases.

Francart · August 27, 2014 2:55AM

1951 Bowman Mantle. Highest grade that you can afford.

DM23HOF · August 27, 2014 3:05AM

There are plenty of cards I would rather bet on in lower grade than others in higher grade; grade is only part of the equation.

For example I would take a lower grade yet eye appealing Ruth RC, Mantle RC, Mantle 52T, Clemente RC, CJ Cobb or Shoeless over a stack of PSA 9 Bretts without a moment's hesitation. The Brett is one of my favorite cards ever as well, holds a special place to me as a collector-- but it is by no means rare, even in MINT 9 condition, and I don't see it appreciating more than nice low grade copies of any of the cards I listed just above.

Here, in my opinion, are some cards to consider; cards that are cool to show family and friends in terms of history of the game, and also highly desirable iconic "blue chips" to most collectors. These cards are highly liquid and there will always be collectors looking for them, and willing to pay for nice copies for their collections...

In no particular order...

e90-1 Joe Jackson RC (about 137 or so examples known across all grades)
1914/15 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb, or 1914 Mathewson (very low pops across all grades here; iconic cards from a beloved set)
M101-4/5 Ruth (roughly 100 known all grades - bottom line this is the RC of the greatest player ever, probably the #2 card in the hobby as Orlando says in his book, and the rookie of Babe Ruth will stand the test of time as a piece of American cultural and baseball history)
E121 Ruth
1933 Goudey Ruth #53
1934 Goudey Gehrig #37
1925 tint variation Exhibit Gehrig RC (Gehrig's name endures, it's his true RC, and under 20 or so known in all grades)
1951 Bowman Mantle RC - no words necessary on Mick
1952 Topps Mantle - see right above
1955 Clemente RC - a classic
1948 Leaf Paige SP RC - as Orlando says, "arguably toughest Post War card in whole hobby."
1948 Leaf/49 Bowman Jackie
1986 Fleer Jordan RC - (many of these abound; seek a centered example)
1955 Koufax RC
1963 Rose RC - always a chance he gets in
Any T206 HOFer - Mathewsons, Cobbs, Youngs, Johnsons, not to mention in rarer backs
1951 Bowman Mays RC - huge name and card may have room to grow
1954 Aaron RC
1968 Ryan RC
1973 Schmidt RC - a tiny bit harder than the Brett

Of course any HOF RC is never a bad bet, guys like Seaver, Carew, Bench, Murray, Reggie, etc., but some names and some cards are just a bit higher echelon than others.

But end of the day, as much as I love a Brett 9, one of my favorite cards of all time-- cards like a Ruth RC, a 52 Mick, a 51 Mick, the CJ Big Three, and the Shoeless Joes utterly destroy a Brett 9. And even a Brett 10. Go with true rarity over condition rarity every time. New 9s (and even 10s) of newer cards can be created via review or shoebox finds or from unopened more likely than a slew of new Ruth RCs or Paige SPs or 51B/52T Micks will be found raw. Granted the Micks are not numerically rare-- yet they are the exception in that demand is so outrageous it still creates scarcity though there are more of those than say a Shoeless CJ.

Topgun6580 · August 27, 2014 3:14AM

That totally makes sense. Thanks.

And Rose is a must as well.

jgrigali · August 27, 2014 3:57AM

anything babe ruth, even if MLB caved, ruth would still be iconic americana.

Unknown · August 27, 2014 4:12AM

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DM23HOF · August 27, 2014 4:15AM

That is a good point; also keep in mind that with the more illustrious cards, there is a greater chance of getting an offline/private sale that will cost you no fees. The more the card is something a collector cannot simply shop around for anywhere, the more likely the collector will be eager to do a private sale with you.

esquiresports · August 27, 2014 4:17AM

The DM23HOF list is a good one. It's a nice summary of the most popular HOF-ers (Paige aside) and their best regular-issue cards. I personally would avoid test-issue and one-off cards.

And not to be Debbie Downer or amateur financial advisor, but if you have access to a 401(k), I suggest you max that out first (use the inheritance money to cover it).

ClockworkAngel · August 27, 2014 4:58AM

<< The DM23HOF list is a good one. It's a nice summary of the most popular HOF-ers (Paige aside) and their best regular-issue cards. I personally would avoid test-issue and one-off cards.

And not to be Debbie Downer or amateur financial advisor, but if you have access to a 401(k), I suggest you max that out first (use the inheritance money to cover it). >>

Blasphemy! That's no fun. Instead of Debbie Downer, how about Salty Scotty? ;-)

TopGun, can I ask how much you are looking to invest?

Most of us will give you the same cards. Some of us might feel stronger about certain cards. DM23HOF covered a lot of my thoughts. Depending on your budget, I'd go with PSA 9 or 8.5 and avoid anything lower or anything in a 10 for anything post 1970. For the most part, avoid anything but rookie cards, with the exception of Mantle IMO

1986 Fleer Jordan RC is my #1 choice.
1979 OPC Wayne Gretzky RC
1963T Pete Rose RC
1968T Nolan Ryan RC
1980 T Rickey Henderson RC (I think this card will pick up a lot of steam. Rickey is one of a kind)
1969T Reggie Jackson RC
1980/81 Larry Bird/Magic Johnson RC
1976T Walter Payton RC
1981T Joe Montana RC
1986T Jerry Rice RC
1965T Joe Namath RC

For anything pre-war, DM23's list is good. You won't go wrong with any nice regular issued Mickey Mantle either

Jordan and Gretzky are bigger than their respective sports. They made each league as popular as they are. What they mean to each sport is not measurable. Calling those 2 iconic cards would be an understatement so their place in the hobby should just keep getting stronger....

Most importantly, Have fun! The chase is the best part...

DM23HOF · August 27, 2014 5:04AM

I agree with the above in that ANY mainstream Mantle issue with great eye appeal will never steer you wrong. Especially with nice eye appeal, Mantle cards are incredibly liquid, selling almost instantly.

summerof68 · August 27, 2014 7:14AM

You can't go wrong with any regular issue PSA 8 Jackie Robinson cards

Mintacular · August 27, 2014 7:48AM

I would say "no". With resell fees of 10-15% you are likely to lose....The only way to beat this is to buy something extremely rare/popular and all very high grade PSA 8-10 and MAYBE down the road you might make a few bucks, but likely not as I think card collecting is a slowly but surely fading hobby

judgebuck · August 27, 2014 8:38AM

T206 Ty Cobb green background
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53
1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig
1939 Play Ball Ted Williams
1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Willie Mays
1954 Topps Hank Aaron

Buy only reasonably centered cards, and buy in the highest grade that you can afford.

But, due to fees to be paid when you sell, your starting out behind.

And, will these cards be priced at lower level if economy slows? High grade, high priced cards are very, very high at this time, IMO.

JMO on all this. Good luck.

Tomi · August 27, 2014 8:45AM

"Jordan and Gretzky are bigger than their respective sports. They made each league as popular as they are. What they mean to each sport is not measurable. Calling those 2 iconic cards would be an understatement so their place in the hobby should just keep getting stronger...."

I would strongly disagree about Gretzky. He was the most popular hockey player, but his RC does not have the investment potential as does the Bobby Orr RC. Orr's rookie in a PSA 8 just a few years ago was in the $5-6,000 range. Now they are in the $13-15,000 range. Wise collectors will go to vintage and pre-war before they even think about modern. Doesn't matter how great players from the 80's and later were, vintage and pre-war is the way to go. If you are talking hockey and investment, Bobby Orr should be at the very top of the list. Just my opinion.

dtkk49a · August 27, 2014 9:26AM

I would not buy cards as an investment. Take your money and buy some Facebook and Google stock and let it sit for 10-15 years. It's a better gamble.

Lefthander · August 27, 2014 9:37AM

I recommend simply buying the cards that appeal to you. I've never purchased a card for investment/appreciation purposes. It was just by "luck" that many years ago starting as a kid I purchased cards for pennies or small dollars, insisted on mint condition, kept 'em protected and that many are now worth four and five figures.

scotgreb · August 27, 2014 10:37AM

Topgun -

Maybe it goes without saying but I'll say it anyway . . .

When buying and selling assets, what you pay is often as important as what you buy -- particularly with sports cards -- as the variability in prices is fairly substantial.

Whatever cards you intend to purchase, do your research and be patient when buying and selling.

My 2c

Scott

bounce · August 28, 2014 5:48AM

<< "Jordan and Gretzky are bigger than their respective sports. They made each league as popular as they are. What they mean to each sport is not measurable. Calling those 2 iconic cards would be an understatement so their place in the hobby should just keep getting stronger...."

I would strongly disagree about Gretzky. He was the most popular hockey player, but his RC does not have the investment potential as does the Bobby Orr RC. Orr's rookie in a PSA 8 just a few years ago was in the $5-6,000 range. Now they are in the $13-15,000 range. Wise collectors will go to vintage and pre-war before they even think about modern. Doesn't matter how great players from the 80's and later were, vintage and pre-war is the way to go. If you are talking hockey and investment, Bobby Orr should be at the very top of the list. Just my opinion. >>

i think you'll be in the minority on this one.

Yes, that Orr card is brutally tough in high grades, and there will always be people out there willing to pay for it. But that's somewhat of a condition rarity as mentioned above.

In terms of continued collectibility Gretzky should have room to move higher. If you listed the best hockey players ever, Orr would be at best a distant 3rd behind Gretzky and Howe.

Tomi · August 28, 2014 9:38AM

In terms of continued collectibility Gretzky should have room to move higher. If you listed the best hockey players ever, Orr would be at best a distant 3rd behind Gretzky and Howe.[/q

Orr a distant third. He was the most complete hockey player to ever lace up the skates. Gretzky just played offense and did absolutely nothing on defense. Orr won scoring titles as a defenseman. He was the best at both sides of the ice. I would def. put Howe ahead of Gretzky, but NO ONE is ahead of Orr. He didn't have a long career due to injuries because he played so hard, but the game was changed forever by Orr (literally). Talk to anyone who watched both play, it's not even close. Just check out how many serious collectors on the PSA registry collect each player. Orr by a mile.

ClockworkAngel · August 28, 2014 10:02AM

<< In terms of continued collectibility Gretzky should have room to move higher. If you listed the best hockey players ever, Orr would be at best a distant 3rd behind Gretzky and Howe.[/q

Orr a distant third. He was the most complete hockey player to ever lace up the skates. Gretzky just played offense and did absolutely nothing on defense. Orr won scoring titles as a defenseman. He was the best at both sides of the ice. I would def. put Howe ahead of Gretzky, but NO ONE is ahead of Orr. He didn't have a long career due to injuries because he played so hard, but the game was changed forever by Orr (literally). Talk to anyone who watched both play, it's not even close. Just check out how many serious collectors on the PSA registry collect each player. Orr by a mile. >>

I'm really not considering who the best is with my opinion. I am only referring to what each player did for their sport. Wayne Gretzky came to LA and turned California and the country into a hockey country. Orr didn't turn a country and /or state into hockey fans. Hockey was still pretty muchdisregarded in the western half of the United States

mbz430e · August 28, 2014 10:29AM

<< I would say "no". With resell fees of 10-15% you are likely to lose....The only way to beat this is to buy something extremely rare/popular and all very high grade PSA 8-10 and MAYBE down the road you might make a few bucks, but likely not as I think card collecting is a slowly but surely fading hobby >>

Mintacular nailed it, the only way to look at collecting cards for anything other than self gratification and personal accomplishment is extremely risky. There needs to be long term demand and there is no guarantee that this will exist in another 20 to 30 years. This upcoming generation is a non ownership group, they rent homes, lease cars and are addicted to Redbox. This being said, as much as I love this hobby and the passion others have for it try to make your money now. If you are hell bent on sticking with cards long term, you need to look at scarcity. History shows that there will always be a buyer or two for items that are in short supply so they can claim ownership over someone else and in the process create envy. I would look prewar only, study the population reports and designate what you can afford and buy the highest grade possible. Gold and silver would be a safer long term investment, the history of precious metals and their demand have a 2,000+ year track record.

ClockworkAngel · August 28, 2014 11:44AM

<< 

<< I would say "no". With resell fees of 10-15% you are likely to lose....The only way to beat this is to buy something extremely rare/popular and all very high grade PSA 8-10 and MAYBE down the road you might make a few bucks, but likely not as I think card collecting is a slowly but surely fading hobby >>

Mintacular nailed it, the only way to look at collecting cards for anything other than self gratification and personal accomplishment is extremely risky. There needs to be long term demand and there is no guarantee that this will exist in another 20 to 30 years. This upcoming generation is a non ownership group, they rent homes, lease cars and are addicted to Redbox. This being said, as much as I love this hobby and the passion others have for it try to make your money now. If you are hell bent on sticking with cards long term, you need to look at scarcity. History shows that there will always be a buyer or two for items that are in short supply so they can claim ownership over someone else and in the process create envy. I would look prewar only, study the population reports and designate what you can afford and buy the highest grade possible. Gold and silver would be a safer long term investment, the history of precious metals and their demand have a 2,000+ year track record. >>

All true, but there is no guarantee about anything we put our money in. I've always maintained that as long as we have a decent economy, cards will hold their own. If the economy tanks, everything will tank, including cards

NickM · August 28, 2014 1:20PM

1958 Topps Jim Brown (football).

Nick

Lefthander · August 28, 2014 1:20PM

<< In terms of continued collectibility Gretzky should have room to move higher. If you listed the best hockey players ever, Orr would be at best a distant 3rd behind Gretzky and Howe.[/q

Orr a distant third. He was the most complete hockey player to ever lace up the skates. Gretzky just played offense and did absolutely nothing on defense. Orr won scoring titles as a defenseman. He was the best at both sides of the ice. I would def. put Howe ahead of Gretzky, but NO ONE is ahead of Orr. He didn't have a long career due to injuries because he played so hard, but the game was changed forever by Orr (literally). Talk to anyone who watched both play, it's not even close. Just check out how many serious collectors on the PSA registry collect each player. Orr by a mile. >>

Tomi, I agree with your assessment.

In card collecting, I believe Bobby Orr is to hockey what Mickey Mantle is to baseball. Ranking hockey players, there is Orr and then there's everbody else, starting (in order) with Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Hull.

The best vintage cards to invest in?

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