I was wondering what you folks think of a swap I am considering. Here it is:
Vernon Forbes Champs Cigarettes PSA 3
for
Vernon Forbes Maple Crispette SGC 50 plus $40
Assume both cards are fairly graded. Any thoughts? Is this an even swap, or does one party get a better deal? I have an opinion of course, but I'd like to see what others think. Might also be a chance to discuss the merits of both series, as they were released around the same time period. PS I thought it might be best not to reveal which side of the swap I am on, for now.
Comparison of Champ's Cigarettes vs. Maple Crispettes
June 25 2007, 5:07 PM
David,
There are different ways to approach your question:
(1) Here are the population reports on both cards:
Maple Crispette Forbes - 1 apiece of PSA 5/6/7
Champ's Cigarette Forbes - 3 of PSA 3-4, 2 of PSA 7
I am unable to pull up the respective populations for SGC despite looking up "Vernon Forbes," "Champ's Cigarette," "1923," "1924," "1925."
(2) The Champ's Cigarette is currently more popular than the Maple Crispette. Whether the same can be said 1, 5, 10 years in the future is debatable.
(3) Monetary value. Global Vintage has a SGC 50/4 Maple Crispette Forbes for $300 (I would pay about $175-$200). The equivalent for a PSA 3 Champ's Cigarette (compared to their other PSA 3/SGC 40 Champ's commons) is $175-200. I would consider the cards to be of equal value in trade.
(4) Personal preference. I personally like the Champ's Cigarette better. I consider the Maple Crispette's somewhat drab in comparison.
In the end, if you feel good about the trade and you got what you would really, really rather have (and perhaps get rid of something that you didn't prize quite as much), then that's all that really matters.
Wow, what a great response. Thank you, thank you! Sounds like I can't go too far wrong either way. To reveal the facts, I bought the PSA 3 Champs card on eBay for $99, but a reliable dealer is offering a swap as above. The Champs card has yet to arrive, so I'll look it over and decide then. Would still love any other opinions...
Honestly, I don't understand this last response. I GENUINELY appreciate the input given on this forum. Is it OK to solicit opinions or advice from this forum? I hope so. Anyway, if the last postperson wants to explain his post, my email address is dgoldmeier@yahoo.com. If I should limit my posts, please, someone, let me know what I am doing wrong.
David. This board is here for people to ask questions and get opinions from other collectors so post away. Don't mind Alan, I think he's been reading the N54 baseball board to long. Jim.
David - No disrespect intended. Jim's right - I've been on the baseball board too long. In all seriousness, I agree with the previous postings. The trade seems fair. But, do the trade if that new card will make you happy.
That a dealer is trying to swoop in on a card you don't even have in hand yet might tell you more than any of our responses. Unless the Champs card is a dog of a 3, you should keep it or at least shop it around first.
Steve makes a good point. For the most part, dealers have a good read on the current values and what the market will bear (otherwise they would either never sell their overpriced stuff or consistently lose money on underpriced stuff). Dealers usually only buy things: (1) because its a good deal (i.e. underpriced), (2) they really want it for their personal collection, or (3) they have someone who will pay even more for it. I would suspect that reason #1 is the most common reason and probably most likely in this case.
The Champ's Cigarettes are considered by many, including myself, to be one of the cornerstone pre-war, if not all of, hockey sets. The list is quite impressive of NHL HOFers: Alex Connell, Aurel Joliat, Babe Dye, Billy Burch, Clarence Hap Day, Clint Benedict, Cy Denneny, Frank Nighbor, Georges Vezina, Hooley Smith, Howie Morenz, Jack Adams, King Clancy, Sprague Cleghorn, etc., etc. As evidenced by the recent sale of the #1 Champ's set, I am not the only one who regards it so highly.
The Maple Crispettes have about half of the same list plus a Newsy Lalonde. The backs are not quite as distinctive and specific for each player as the Champ's Cigarettes are. This set does include one of the all-time short-printed cards of Sprague Cleghorn. For me, it's a great set also, but just a level below the Champ's Cigarettes.
Just thought I should let you know, I did decide to keep the Champ's card, largely as a result of your input. I received the card, and I think it's nice, but really a "low level" PSA 3 card.
