Another Diablo 2 question

Currency should still be rated in terms of High Runes. Any rune at Ist or above (some people consider Gul+ because Ist can be gotten from Hell Forge) are generally all considered "High Runes" and are of similar value. Certain ones such as Jah and Ber (Ohm and Vex come to mind as well) are a bit more valued for their common use in several Rune Words. Last I played, Mal were considered about half a HR, and Um were about a quarter of a HR I believe. I recall good OS items as being a simple way of obtaining runes. Something like an E4osCrypticAxe could go for multiple HRs back then. Not sure about now though. If you want to know why, Cryptic Axes spawn at ilvls that made them default at 5 sockets when Larzuk socketed them, and people wanted 4os to make Infinitys, and Insights. The occasional lolPride.

http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/
Under the Diablo 2 Trading Forums, you should be able to find current prices for things and opportunities to purchase. Can't recall a great trading site. This one went through a bit of restructuring since I've played to accommodate Diablo III information.

As for capping at 50 Strength, you need at least 77 Strength to wear an Enigma Dusk Shroud, the lowest Strength requirement Elite Enigma. Otherwise, the only alternative I've ever commonly seen were Breast Plate Enigmas, which I personally frowned upon, but you're free to make that decision yourself. I think it would be much easier to purchase the Enigma itself rather than the runes to make it, especially if duping is still prevalent since the runes have a chance of poofing.