Starting T206 set Looking for advice on how to begin

iggyman · #1 08-20-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LukeLyon

Anyway, if anyone has any advice on where to look, where to trade, how to buy (singles or lots, etc.) or anything else that can help me get started, I would greatly appreciate it. I will be checking back frequently and can answer any questions anyone might have for me. Thanks!

First of all, take a really deep breath..........................okay, now exhale. Good! I can see that the monster has you in its clutches. I should probably advise you to run the other way and seek counsel from a woman therapist. But alas, I'm obviously too late.

I can only offer my sincere sympathies and a little advice. Don't sprint! Don't get derail with color variations, upgrades, printer scraps, partial N's, T213's, caramel cards, and back advertisements until you are at least 150+ cards into it. And please do not tell your family, friends, neighbors, and heaven forbid your wife/girl friend about this disease! Keep it under wraps for the first few years and come to this site when you need a fix.

Now, to answer your questions. If you want to purchase, sell, or trade T206 cards, this site is a good place to start (check-out the B/S/T section). You have to be quick, but good deals can be found on here. Obviously, eBay is another great spot, although be very very careful with the reprints. They are easy to spot once you get comfortable with how T206's are printed (if you are not sure, ask a board member). Auction houses (REA, Huggins & Scott, Brockelman and Luckey, etc) are where the big boys play and that is where the big T206 lots can be found. It sometimes feels like the auction houses are selling T206 cards every week! My only caveat, do your homework before pulling the trigger on one of the big lots. A good site for an idea on card value($$$) is www.t206.org/value.php or if you ever get the graded card bug then it's www.vintagecardprices.com (but you will have to pay for that service). That is all I have for tonight. Good luck! It will be a fantastic ride!!! Almost better then XXX............okay, it's not that good, but for some of us it comes close.

Lovely Day...

mintacular · #2 08-21-2010, 12:41 AM

I am a huge amateur compared to these guys but can tell you that most commons in low grade condition with common backs (Piedmont/Sweet Cap, etc.) can be had between $10-$20/ea (sometimes even lower if you are ok with paper loss, torn corners, writing...)So don't get carried away with book $ or the age of these cards, etc. Of course, this is a huge generalization and "low grade" itself ranges from p-vgex and also impacts cost in a major way... Also, unlike post-war cards, the backs of these T206s can really impact the value of these cards. Enjoy your quest, they are quite the slice of life. Take it slow, hang out on the boards for a months before you start throwing big cash around

joeadcock · #3 08-21-2010, 08:34 AM

Slow, and no hurry.

Frank

nodgrass · #4 08-21-2010, 10:17 AM

I agree with Scot Reader. Definitely educate yourself first. Then determine the condition of cards you want to acquire based on what you can afford. When I was building the set, I approached it from the perspective of trying to average buying two cards per week (around 100 per year). With this in mind you can figure how much disposable income you have per week and determine what grade of cards you can afford. My set was PSA 4 and 5 with a few 6's here and there. Buying good to vg condition ungraded cards is, of course, a much more affordable approach and probably what I would choose to do these days.

Try to mix in HOF'ers and Southern Leaguers right from the beginning and learn who they were and what they did. It will keep you interested and moving forward.

One thing that was not fun, at least for me, is acquiring 150 PSA 3 cards and then deciding to build the set in a higher grade. Definitely think about it, try to determine a direction, and stick to it.

Piratesfan1418 · #5 08-21-2010, 12:25 PM

As a senior in high school (1996) my brother bought me a t206 Larry McLean who was pictured in his catcher's gear. I caught as well and it was a better gift than all the money I was given that day. I still have that card...

Flash forward to last year when I started reading about the history of the Pirates. I fell in love with the 1900-1910 era of baseball and picked up a few more t206s. I've fallen in love!

I still collect modern cards but it's so focused that I rarely add to that part of my collection. I'm up to 15 different t206s and really enjoy adding 1-2 every couple weeks.

PS I bought the book "The T206 Collection" and I've really enjoyed reading the stories of the individuals who make up the set. You may find that interesting and helpful.

Brad (32)

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