T202 or T205 for a novice prewar collector?
 

So I have always collected postwar and still like it, but I am also a history nerd who keeps coming back to tobacco cards. I have flirted with T206 a couple of times, but I want to have a shot at completion. I have looked at several sets that I think I could probably handle and have read a ton of old Net54 threads. It seems the two sets I keep coming back to are the T202 Triplefolders and the T205s. I was feeling pretty set on the 205s, but the 202s kept popping up in the discussions.

In reading on the 202s, it seems like Cobb pops up pretty often due to variations in the set (correct me if I am wrong). So even though there are only 132 cards listed, are there really more due to the variations? I like Cobb of course, but he isn't cheap.

I understand the 205 basic set consists of 208 cards with a number of variations and backs. Initially I would probably just shoot for the basic set, and go on from there if I ever completed the 208 card basic set.

After saying all that, which way should I go? Either way, I would probably be looking at an average VG set with some G and some VGEX mixed in. I couldn't help but notice that many of the portraits were shared in both sets. I really like the look.

I know there are a lot of collectors with experience with these two sets. I would appreciate your insights. Thanks.

Robert

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T205 cards are awesome and beautiful. Also quite available. Should be able to afford the set without breaking the bank.

Completion is relative. Most people think a 520 T206 set is "complete", but it's not.

If you like T206, do a back set, like Polar Bear or Sovereign. You can complete those sets and I think that's a legitimate definition of complete.

To your question though, I'd do the same thing with T205. Try and put together a complete brand set, Polar Bear and Piedmont are probably the easiest.

I collect both, but fell in love with the T202s about 10 years back. I'm not going after the set or anything, but keep picking up ones I like. You can't go wrong with either set, and like was mentioned with T205s, the T202's won't break the bank either. One thing I like (in addition to the obvious-- action shots, portraits, great player combos, back write ups, etc) is that the T202s can still look amazing in low grade. Some of my best looking ones are "2". All sets have their share of nice looking low grade examples, but just seems T202 has a higher proportion than the norm.
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Correct there are 132, and guys like Cobb, Mathewson, Meyers have far more appearances than some others. These aren't variations, but unique combinations of players and/or center panel photos. Some of the player pairings are blah, but many are classic. Baker Collins is a great duo, as are Speaker Wood, Cobb Jennings, Matty Meyers, McGraw Bresnahan, etc, and of course the Tinker Evers (center) Chance combo. There 3 back variations, most common being the black font Factory 649, next being red font Factory 30. The black Factory 30 is pretty scarce, though seems there's no premium attached to it. I think some board members have worked to compile checklists for each of the back variations.

Again, can't go wrong with either set, and good luck whichever way you go.

The t205 and t202 sets have the same exact images for each player, but the t205 set came first and has more of the art work, (t202 is a cropped image) and gold borders that t202 dosnt. The t202 set came after the t205 set but does has 2 players in the set t205 dosnt, wood and blair. 202 also has the center panals including a joe jackson.

Imo the t205 set is better, it came first, has beautiful art work & borders, also the AL and NL have a different look and the minor league cards are just amazing, t205 also has stats and bios for players on back, and has many different backs.

Either way u cant go wrong, choose which ever appeals to you more. When your done with the set start the other one

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The t205 is mine the t202 isnt

I don't think anyone can make up your mind - collect what you want. And what's to say you can't do both? If you want to stick with one, I'd recommend buying a few commons, getting them in person, and seeing how you feel about each once you have them in hand. There have been plenty of cards I've bought over the years where my opinion drastically changed once I saw some in person.

Personally, I like the T205s in part due to their basic size and the fact that I can get them into the tobacco sheets in a binder. The folders always seemed a little awkward to me and if I were going to collect them, I think they would present the best slabbed, which would be an additional cost in either having them graded or buying graded examples.

Both sets are beautiful - best of luck in whatever direction you go.