Question about buying T206s

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Posted By: Leslie Westbrook

I'm a t206 collector on a budget, and for the past year I've been buying only raw t206s from seemingly reputable Ebay sellers (no problems yet, knock on wood). But I'm curious as to whether it would be smarter to buy graded cards instead (of course I wouldn't be able to afford to buy as often).

Basically what I'm asking is whether or not buying fewer, but more expensive lower-grade, graded T206s is a better move than buying raw cards for lower prices.

You may all say this is just a matter of personal taste, but I want to make sure I'm not missing something or overlooking a bit of wisdom in this area.

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Posted By: Dave F

Leslie...I would buy graded. If you look at graded cards in the PSA 1-3 range...I think your going to pay compareable money to a raw T206 in fair condition. You can get a PSA 2 lets say for $28-30 bucks. So far the card itself and the card having already been graded (another $15)...your getting it for $28-30...plus, the reassurance the card is legit, not altered, not trimmed....etc. (I know non-grading guys..insert joke here.)

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Posted By: Dave F

Here is an example of a "2" I bought for $30...(or so). Basically the card $15...plus the grading that was done (also a $15 value). Tell me where your going to get this card raw for $15? Whoever is selling like this raw for that price....email me.

Also...I should add...don't know why this is a 2!

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Posted By: Leslie Westbrook

You've made your point most excellently. Thanks for the tip. And I agree...you're not going to find that t206 or any other for that price raw.

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Posted By: Cobby33

It kind of depends on what your purpose is. If you're trying to complete a near-set, then definitely lower-condition raw. If you're doing team sets or other varieties, it might be worth buying lower grades. IF you're ever going to sell any of them down the road, you're probably better off graded. Also the advantage to buying graded is that if you decide later to grade them, you won't be incurring that extra expense.

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Posted By: Dave S

Leslie--you know your budget and your preferences in regards to slabbing. If you're working on your own set and not concerned with re-selling, or impressing others with the slabs...and you've had luck with "raw" purchases, why not stay that route? Less expense, less space, etc. You might want to keep a lookout for multi-card lots, helps considerably with shipping costs. Think it holds true with any significant set, not only 206's...

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Posted By: Adam

I tend to buy T206 commons raw and HOFers graded. That has worked well for me. I also collect only PSA, but when I see a good deal (which I define as getting a graded card for at least $15 less than I would expect to pay), I don't mind buying non-PSA graded cards and then submiting them to PSA for crossover (crossover costs $15 . . . so that's where I spend the "$15 savings").

For those who buy commons graded (Dave, et al.), what do you find the average price for a T206 PSA 1 common is? Maybe $25?

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Posted By: Dylan

I really just look for the best deals period. I buy probably a little more cards slabbed, just because a lot the more obscure sets seem to have a majority of the cards slabbed that i see for sale. But I dont limit myself to one or the other. Just keep your eyes open for the cards you want in the grade you want. If its raw obviously look the card over closely and request high resolution scans, if they dont send them to you, then price accordingly.

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Posted By: MVSNYC

it is a personal preference...

i started collecting raw cards almost 20 years ago...then slowly got into graded cards. my personal choice is PSA graded cards. for me, there are several reasons, much higher resale value, there is a comfort level (most of the time) that the card is not altered, and it presents well and is sealed and preserved...

but i am sure you will see others who prefer raw and they will give you their reasoning...it is a personal preference for sure.

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Posted By: Jimmy

over the years I have bought both ungraded cards and graded to balance out my collection and what I sell. This will help with understanding cards better and give you some cards to still look at without it in a plastic holder.

Take care

Jimmy