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#1
08-04-2014, 10:37 PM
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Kevin...
From your posting, it's obvious you have a fine relationship with your son. Others have made a number of excellent suggestions. I would especially agree that a Type collection would introduce Conner to what the cards actually look and feel like, and could make an exceptional display - if that appeals to him. In the end, of course, it comes down to personal preference and budget. For me, creases do not trouble as much as ink-on-front . Frankly, creases give the old cards character. T205's in fair or so condition still retain the essence of the card and provide a great look at deadball era baseball. (The bio's on the back really are a plus for me and the player selection represents the time well.) T205's carry many of the features of today's cards: color, interesting biographies, facsimile autographs (on the NL'ers) and "gold" borders. Another possible avenue which is still affordable (though not nearly as appealing to most as colorful cards like T205's) is the Exhibit card. Large format (postcard size) and available (at least post 1938) at quite reasonable prices, one can put together quite a representative collection for not too much money. Again, if creases are acceptable, the prices are even more tempting. This is a great hobby. I hope you and your son stick with it. Last edited by SteveMitchell; 08-04-2014 at 10:40 PM. Reason: Correct a typo 
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#2
08-04-2014, 10:55 PM
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Steve,
When I was 8 years old (in 1980). a really nice teacher's assistant gave me a shoebox full of 71-75s. There were probably 200-300 cards and all were stars. Several Aaron's, Mays', Clemente's, Kaline's, Gibson's etc. I was 8 and all I did was collect baseball cards - yet someone told me they had value. So, I asked my mom to take me to a local card show. I proceeded to sell everything for $8. I am not sure why I was so eager to sell. All I did was collect baseball cards and I wasn't going to be able to buy anything better than what I just sold. In recent years, I have collected all topps sets back to 1957. I will keep going until I get all of them and then leap into prewar. The one thing I have tried to instill into the boys is love the cards for the joy of collecting not the dollars. If it is about the dollars then we can take your allowance and find a mutual fund. I don't mean that they shouldn't appreciate the value and find the best deal, but to this day, I regret that decision to sell my cards for $8 - even though they have all been replaced. It is probably why I can't seem to part with any of my doubles even though it could help the progression of my set building. When I go, the boys know my cards will be there and they are not supposed to sell them. Of course, if they are destitute that is a different story, but hopefully that won't happen. Long winded way of saying, I think I have them down the right path of enjoying the hobby for all of the right reasons versus what a VCP or card target or SMR or, Beckett tells them their collection should be valued. I hope it sticks but I think the foundation is there.
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#5
08-05-2014, 02:20 AM
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I'd recommend he pick up a few low grade, presentable cards of his favorite HOFers. '33 Goudeys, T206, T205, T201, game cards would all be good places to start. I would advise against any kind of set building on such a tight budget. Some people have the right resolve to work on the monster for 20 or 30 years, but most bow out because the task seems too daunting when cards are coming in very slowly.
When I was 17 and got my first job I did pretty much what I am advocating. I collected HOF RCs, which included a few T206s and Goudeys. They all appreciated over time, and even though I moved away from post-war, I was able to trade or sell most of them for a profit when I returned to collecting a few years ago. The good news is it's hard to really go wrong. Most of the major pre-war sets are going to hold their value, so even if he started out getting a bunch of low-grade T206 and then changed his focus, he could get his money back when he sells them. Good luck, whatever he chooses!
__________________
ThatT206Life.com
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#6
08-05-2014, 02:26 AM
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I would advise:
(1) Buy raw, but purchase cards with nice eye appeal. (e.g., if your son is focusing on lower grade, then look at cards with slight back damage or other defects that don't detract too much from the eye appeal of the card.) However, for big name cards (like Cobb, Ruth), you should probably buy graded. (2) If it's too good to be true, it probably is. (e.g., if you are purchasing a card that is raw or not from the Big4 TPG's of PSA/SGC/BVG/GAI, and the HOFer or other big name seems to be really cheap, the card is probably a counterfeit or Altered/Trimmed at best) (3) Be careful when purchasing raw as if a seller describes the card as VG, it may only be comparable to a card that is graded as poor by a reputable TPG. That is, don't always compare the price of a graded card that is VG to a raw card that is described as VG by a seller. Trust your own eyes and if the seller does not offer a back scan, ask for it. (4) When possible, compare prices with previously sold history on ebay. This will give you an idea whether you are overpaying for a card, as you should be especially wary of purchasing BIN's as these are typically overpriced. (5) Always buy cards you like and have fun. If you are always purchasing cards where after you purchase the card, you never look at it again, you should re-assess whether you are really collecting what you want. If you are always unhappy with the condition of the card after you purchase it, you should probably look to collect higher grade cards. If you are constantly selling your cards soon after you purchase them b/c you want to upgrade them, you'll inevitably lose a lot of money which could be going to more cards. Good luck to you and your son! Last edited by glchen; 08-05-2014 at 02:27 AM.
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#7
08-05-2014, 10:43 AM
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Kevin,
It's great to read about your experience with your so at the National. I have two young sons and a daughter, and I am hoping one of them, if not all, will have a passion for card collecting as I do. Right now, the boys will take any card, and put it in their binder - whether it's a 2014 Brock Holt, or some old Superman cards from my friend the Guru. Anyway, just a thought. Why not look to build Pirate (I believe your son's favorite team) team sets with some of the pre war sets. I do that with both the Red Sox and White Sox. It's a great way to add a number of different cards and learn about the issue and players of the past. Granted, some cards are out of reach now, but this is a lifelong hobby. So much fun. Whatever the decision, I am sure this will be a fun start. TJ
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#8
08-05-2014, 11:04 AM
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We are on the same page. He told me that he wanted to collect a T206 Pirates set but I had to remind him...
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