Question for the T206 set builders

[steve B]

90+ cards, 92 plus a few I haven't put in the spreadsheet yet.

But that's taken me 32 years!

I'm more of an opportunistic collector, and I collect most any card from any era. I like the old stuff much better though. I've had a few "vacations" from collecting cards, but I still got a few each year.

Getting setup with the spreadsheet let me see that I was missing a few common backs,I don't know how I missed getting either of the SC overprints. so that's been a big help. I'm thinking of picking a group to try to complete, which might be a bit of fun.

Steve B

[Jantz]

David

Here is my advice to you. Buy the HOFers, Southern Leaguers and Tough Variations first. I say this because if you get further into this set and your collecting interests change or something happens in your life where you may have to sell some of the cards, you at least have T206s from the set that carry demand. Collectors, whether they are building this set or not, always have interest in the HOFers or rare cards. Also, just having a complete subset of the HOFers is a nice collection in itself. Once you have all the HOFers or SLers out of the way, if you choose to finish the set, it will go alot easier.

Hope this helps

Jantz

[majordanby]

i started out with HOF'ers, specifically portraits, and tough variations. got through all cobbs, mathewsons, johnsons, youngs and added magie and o'hara. But, financial reality hit, so i redefined my collection...sold off the cobbs and several other HOF'ers. Right now, i'm only collecting T206's with high eye appeal, but low technical grade. i've pretty much settled on this focus...keeps the buying and prices low.

i think you'll find yourself going back and forth, reselling and buying and changing focus. the only thing is to not lose focus...and varying your collecting style and pace will help you do that.

[jupin11]

I'm at about 200 right now. I had to hold up because law school got in the way. Anyway, I had a very basic approach. Twice a week, I would look at what was being offered on ebay for the coming week. For almost every single card that I needed/wanted, I would snipe a low ball offer (-10-20% of the cheapest sold on recent ebay listings). I won a couple every week and I was happy every time. This takes a little time and a little commitment but it will pay off.

[drdduet]

Once I got really serious and committed to taming the monster, I completed it in 2 years. My strategy was based on getting the more expensive cards out of the way first. After getting all the HOFers, I hit the Southern Leaguers, then I tackled the scarcer commons. I got my hands on a few large lots for good prices, so that helped out. Back then I also picked up the rare backs so that my set does include at least one of each back type as well.

I wouldn't recommend treating the task as a sprint, enjoy the journey.

[ethicsprof]

I'm with Darren---don't sprint; enjoy the journey.
I battled the Monster for around 25 years,spending the last 7 or so in singleminded pursuit. After such a long battle, the taming,as i define it,
was most invigorating.
Remember: the Monster wants you to quit. Don't listen to it!

all the best,
barry

[Zach Wheat]

David,

I took the Ted Z approach. I looked for opportunities to buy large lots of cards (100+ cards). However, I ended up with mutliple "doubles". Since I rarely sell cards once purchased (the Black Hole Theory of Card Collecting) I did not consider selling my doubles.

In this environment, perhaps there is a good opportunity to pick up some key HOF'ers. Whatever path you choose, enjoy!

Mich Wheat