T206 AKA "The Monster" Collecting Advice

[Steve D]

That's essentially how I collected the set.

First, I've always been a HOF collector, so I started with all the hall of famers. Once I had all but the big-2 of them, I pretty much quit for a while.

After a few months to a year, I got bored, and decided to collect the NY Giants and Chicago Cubs. Then I started on the Brooklyn Superbas/Dodgers. After that, I went after the Highlanders/Yankees. Then I started on the tougher "rarities" I didn't already have. After that, I realized i might as well go for the set, so I went full bore. The one thing I did to make it a bit tougher, was to collect the Southern Leaguers with only Old Mill backs.

I still would like to get a Magie, and if I'm really lucky, a Plank, but I'm happy at 520 cards.


Steve

[KMayUSA6060]

Originally Posted by Steve D

That's essentially how I collected the set.

First, I've always been a HOF collector, so I started with all the hall of famers. Once I had all but the big-2 of them, I pretty much quit for a while.

After a few months to a year, I got bored, and decided to collect the NY Giants and Chicago Cubs. Then I started on the Brooklyn Superbas/Dodgers. After that, I went after the Highlanders/Yankees. Then I started on the tougher "rarities" I didn't already have. After that, I realized i might as well go for the set, so I went full bore. The one thing I did to make it a bit tougher, was to collect the Southern Leaguers with only Old Mill backs.

I still would like to get a Magie, and if I'm really lucky, a Plank, but I'm happy at 520 cards.


Steve

Bingo. And that's what this post is about: ways to not let The Monster defeat you.

And I'm considering the SLers with only Old Mill backs as well. We'll see when it's time to cross that bridge.

[brianp-beme]

For me the Monster has actually been a little baby chicken pecking at me for my attention, saying 'hey there, you collect prewar cards, collect me'. That little chicken Monster was tough to avoid, always popping up and elbowing out other cards just as worthy as them. Many times I had to buy one just to stop the pecking for a little while. 35 years later I have over 500, and I swear I will keep swatting away and then submitting to their constant pecking until their goal of 518 for me is met.

So not much of a strategy. More like a defense mechanism.

Brian

[ty_cobb]

Ive been off the forum for some time, and over the years Ive (unsuccesfully! ) taken a few runs at the T206 set. First run I had 3 Ty Cobbs and a good batch of 250 or so Polar Bears and Sovereigns that I bought from Michigan area through the Trader Speaks magazine. I took another run at it 1998 or so when ebay first started and I had nice mix of rare backs, many brown and red hindus , lenox, uzit , lots of carolina brights, then I started on some Blacksox cards..lol,,, I like the catcher poses ,,,its endless,enjoy the pursuit.

[clydepepper]

I think if you just go for the 'Big Three' first, everything else will fall into place.

[Rich Falvo]

I started out collecting the Providence team, fully expecting to move on to another team. Then my collection went horizontal as I decided to collect different backs for Prov. After I finish getting the easier backs, I will probably have to move on to another team.

[T206Collector]

I find it helps to remind myself that the Monster wants you to quit -- don't listen to it.

There is almost an expected "ease" of completion that removes the urgency to add to the set. Virtually every T206 card is available for purchase today on the BST, eBay, at auction houses, at a show, etc. And individually most do not cost that much. I think that plays into the Monster's efforts to discourage completion, i.e., "I can always click 'Buy It Now' tomorrow."

The OP's suggested plan is an excellent way to maintain focus and drive. Good luck to all the slayers out there in hobby land!