Advice for a Newbie
 

I just wanted to say hello and thank you from a new member. I am back in the collecting game after exiting in the 90's. I was wondering if anyone had any good sites to share or advice. I would also appreciate any pitfalls you all are aware of. For instance I already stumbled upon coaches corner auctions and was wondering if I should be wary of anywhere else? My thoughts and prayers are with those of you affect by Sandy. I guess it is good to have a distraction sometimes like this hobby. I guess I should mention my collection is centered around owning at least one of each hall of fame player (some will need to be in lower grades due to trying to stay married ie funding).

Depends on what you collect but you might look up Joe's vintage sports cards in Mahomet Liiinois.

Don't overspend, and try to stay focused within the things that you want to collect. If something you want is too expensive, there will almost surely be another coming along for sale soon. Buy cards that you are happy with. That is, don't buy cards in too "poor" a condition where you will want to upgrade soon after buying it. On ebay, be very careful of any ungraded cards of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, or any other cards of significant value. More likely than not, it will be a reprint or fake rather than a really great deal. The only reputable third party graders are PSA, SGC, Beckett (BVG) and perhaps GAI. For any other grader, treat the card as if it were raw, and that there are very likely reprints or fakes inside the holder.

Are you wanting to collect autographs, cards, other? Easier to give auction house advice when you've narrowed it down.

Take your time, learn about the cards you are interested and if there is a question of authenticity pose it to the board BEFORE you buy it, not after. Oh, enjoy yourself!

You might want to peruse this: Old Cardboard's List of All Sets by Year

Best Regards and Happy Collecting :)
Craig