T202 or T205 for a novice prewar collector?

[EvilKing00]

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

[Cozumeleno]

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.