My son's National epiphany

[Matvoo]

Oh mrvster
You are a t206 addict

[Luke]

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!

[glchen]

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!

[tjv815]

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

[kailes2872]

We are on the same page. He told me that he wanted to collect a T206 Pirates set but I had to remind him...

[ZachS]

Originally Posted by kailes2872

We are on the same page. He told me that he wanted to collect a T206 Pirates set but I had to remind him...

If you love your son you'll get him a Wagner for his birthday.

[kailes2872]

Originally Posted by ZachS

If you love your son you'll get him a Wagner for his birthday.

I guess it is time to come clean to him that he doesn't really own a Wagner card that cost 2.8mm...