I'm Finished!

[Scott L.]

With the addition of the 4 cards pictured below I've finished my version of The Monster. Out of respect to Joe P. I wont say "I tamed The Monster" or "I completed the set" because he's right I didn't but I did manage to get to 518 of 524. I'll be on the lookout for the Demmitt and O'Hara and at this point I think I'll probably try to pick them up but who knows when so I'll call it finished at this point.

I thought it would be interesting to share some "stats" on my "set":

Backs

1 brown hindu
1 cycle 460
1 cycle 350
2 tolstoi
1 EPDG
3 sovereign 460
12 sovereign 350
4 soverign 150
30 old mill (24 of the 48 Southern Leaguers)
1 ab 350 no frame (SGC 80)
2 sc 150 overprint
2 sc 350-460 overprint
1 sc 350-460 fac 42
34 sc 150 f 30
10 sc 150 f 25
10 sc 350 f 25
4 sc 350 -460 f 25
10 sc 350 -460 f 30
71 sc 350 f 30
70 piedmont 150 f 25
30 piedmont 350-460 f 25
198 piedmont 350 f 25
20 polar bear

Grades

28 PSA 1
77 PSA 2
51 PSA 3
11 PSA 4
1 PSA 5
19 SGC 10
58 SGC 20
105 SGC 30
142 SGC 40
24 SGC 50
1 SGC 60
1 SGC 80

It would be impossible to say thank you to all of the people that I bought cards from and helped me in other ways so I'll offer a blanket one here. I sincerely appreciate everyone that I bought a card from, made a trade with or helped out with information on this great set.

A few special thank you's to Anthony Stephensen and Mike Healer for allowing me to purchase a couple high dollar cards on a payment plan.

To Lee Behrens who sold me the last 3 SLers seen below that I needed out of his personal collection.

To Ted Z. for answering a bunch of emails on a variety of different subjects without hesitation.

Best wishes for a healthy, prosperous and safe 2010!

Regards,

Scott

[Jacklitsch]

Congrats Scott. Having been there I know the great sense of accomplishment one derives from "completing" the set.

[PolarBear]

Congrats! If you didn't tame the monster, at least you caged him.

[Matt]

Scott - congrats!! What's next?
Hold down the fort in Conshohocken 'till the next time I'm in town

[ChiefBenderForever]

Congrats !! That is truly an amazing feat !

[Scott L.]

Thanks guys. I bought quite a few cards from Matt and some cool auto's of Joe Doyle and Paddy Linvingston from Steve that make awesome companion pieces to my set.

As for what's next I'm 6 cards in to an E96 set. A little smaller and easier on the wallet! They don't seem to be for sale that often (at least on ebay) so I think it will occupy me for awhile.

Matt

Next time you're in "Conshy" beers are on me!

[Mikehealer]

Congratulations, you should be proud. You are a pleasure to deal with, good luck with the E96 set.

[FrankWakefield]

Well done, Scott. A singular moment in one's collecting. It takes, discipline, patience, and a flow of dollars... A good way to end the old year.

[pkaufman]

why would anyone want to collect a set they can never finish ?

[Matt]

Originally Posted by pkaufman

why would anyone want to collect a set they can never finish ?

I've found in life, that some people, usually wise ones, find value in the process.

[Jantz]

Congratulations Scott!

How long have you been working on it?

Jantz

[pkaufman]

Just a thought provoking question ....I am sure there is some merit in collecting the T206 set, but really, can it ever be completed unless you are a millionaire ?

[trobba]

Nice job Scott, it was great dealing with you, class act all the way!

Rob

[Scott L.]

Originally Posted by pkaufman

why would anyone want to collect a set they can never finish ?

Matt is spot on. I like the process. I'm definitely a set collecter, I enjoy the chase of finding cards I need and the satisfaction of finishing. I admittedly can't get all the way there but if I win the powerball I'll get it done just for you.

[pkaufman]

I guess I am just a set collector at heart, but one of the reasons I have never begun to tackle the T206 set is the stumbling block of the last 3-4 cards.

[Scott L.]

Thanks Jantz

I started it about 2 and a half years ago. Paul Davidson was my first card.

Rob

I was a little sad that I knew couldn't remember and list all the people that helped along the way but I owe you a debt of gratitude. We did many deals and they were all top notch.

"thank you"

[Scott L.]

Originally Posted by pkaufman

I guess I am just a set collector at heart, but one of the reasons I have never begun to tackle the T206 set is the stumbling block of the last 3-4 cards.

It definitely sucks that I can't finish it and to your point I'd probably never start another set that I knew I couldn't but I think the size of the near set and the time and patience it takes help sooth the disappointment a little more than say if you were trying a 30 card set.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Originally Posted by pkaufman

I guess I am just a set collector at heart, but one of the reasons I have never begun to tackle the T206 set is the stumbling block of the last 3-4 cards.

You can't compare the T206 set to any other set. Many people find a niche T206 piece and work on that. Some collect Hof portraits only, others a mix of portrait and action. Some Southern Leagues. Some only rare backs, or certain backs. Some only by team. Myself pretty much just Chief Bender and every possible back on all three of his cards. Technically it is impossible to finish the set even if you are a billionaire because some of the backs are impossible to get and new ones are being found almost monthly. It's not about completing the set, it's all about the journey and what you want to chase, and whatever that is when it comes to T206, you will most likely never finish but have quite a fun challenge on the way.

[Scott L.]

Originally Posted by Matt

Scott - congrats!! What's next?
Hold down the fort in Conshohocken 'till the next time I'm in town

I also have a 55 Topps set in PSA 5 and 6 that I'm missing the Clemente and a mixed raw and graded 52 Bowman set that I'm missing the Mantle and a common or two that I stopped on once I got into T206's. I'm going to try and finish those off as well.

[HRBAKER]

Scott,
Congrats on a job well done!
Jeff

[pkaufman]

Scott, you have made an excellent point.....this was of course no 30 card caramel set. I guess that a near set of 518 is an acomplishment in and of itself. Happy New Year !

[yoyot1]

Congrats, I'm closing in myself. May not get there in 2010, but will definitely get closer.

[GoldenAge50s]

Congrats Scott!

If it's complete to YOU, then it's COMPLETE! End of story!

[rc4157]

Nice job Scott, it has to feel very good to reach 518. Good luck on the next endeavor.
RC

[T206BrownHindu]

Awesome achievement, buddy!

[Steve D]

Congratulations Scott!

I just hit 50% on my set last week, and hope to "finish" it in 2011


Steve

[rfurnish]

Congrats on the set.....very impressive.

[ethicsprof]

Scott,
What a great way to end the old year and bring in the new!
Congratulations on taming the Monster,as you define it!!!
and congratulations on having so many friends and colleagues contribute to this great accomplishment which in many ways equals or surpasses the
quest itself.

all the best,
barry

[Jacklitsch]

Originally Posted by Scott L.

Thanks guys. I bought quite a few cards from Matt and some cool auto's of Joe Doyle and Paddy Linvingston from Steve that make awesome companion pieces to my set.

As for what's next I'm 6 cards in to an E96 set. A little smaller and easier on the wallet! They don't seem to be for sale that often (at least on ebay) so I think it will occupy me for awhile.

Errata: Scott that's a "Larry" Doyle.

Happy to help and happy to help get you started on e96 with the Murray.

Again, congrats!

[T206.org]

Well done, Scott! Certainly something to be proud of. Upgrading should be enjoyable too if you decide to go that route.

[Myachelydra]

Congrats Scott. Quite the accomplishment.

[lharri3600]

well scott,
you did it. i'm happy for you, and i'm glad i was able too help. maybe we can get together soon. i'm coming home late spring.
larry

[lharri3600]

by the way scott, i'm back on another quest to "tame" the monster. cancer is gone!! feeling great.

[White Borders]

Congrats Scott, Great Job!

[PolarBear]

Interesting responses on the issue of "completing" a set.

Here's my perspective based on coin collecting for 20+ years, which was my main collecting pursuit as a kid. I no longer collect (or even have any) coins. I moved on about 8 years ago when it became more like an "industry" than a hobby.

T206 is much like the early large cents in coin collecting. Ted would be the William Sheldon of the card hobby. That's one of the reasons I'm facinated by his research. It's like watching Sheldon unveil the complicated secrets of the early large cent die pairs, but we're watching it real time, not reading a book written 60 years ago. But that's another observation.

Back to "completing" a set.

Collecting T206 mirrors the evolution of coin collecting in many ways. The first thing I noticed about collecting T206 was that it's collected as a "date set". That is, one of each date (subject) without regard to mintmark (back).

Coin collecting was like that until mintmark research in the 1890's changed the perception of what constituted a "set". i.e. Philadelphia Mint, New Orleans Mint, Dahlonega Mint, San Francisco Mint, Carson City Mint, Charolotte Mint, etc. The date on the coin became of less importance in many cases than the mintmark.

In my mind, T206 is either a superset of all dates/mints or 16 different "sets" representing the 16 (I'm convinced T213-1 is a T206 issue and I'm not including the Cobb back) different "mints" that issued them. Rarely does anyone collect coins as a "date set" any longer and I think the future of T206 collecting is headed toward specialization in back (mintmark) collections.

Also, one of the first things I thought about the T206 set is that the Magie and Doyle errors shouldn't be counted toward completness. These are varieties like the 1922 "no d" cent and 1955 "double die" cent. Sure, they're collected and command high prices, but no one thinks you need a 1922 "no d" cent or a 1955 "double die" to have a complete collection of Lincoln cents.

Also, based on the reading I've done so far, I'm not convinced the Wagner or Plank was ever "issued" with a Piedmont back. Printed sure, but were they ever actually put into Piedmont packs and placed in "circulation"? In coin collecting, it's generally recognized that unless a coin was issued into circulation, it isn't required for a complete set. i.e. the 1838-O half dollar or 1895 dollar. Sure, you'll need a Wagner and Plank if you're doing a complete Sweet Caporal "set" but otherwise not. Same reasoning for Demmitt STL and O'Hara STL. They're only needed to complete a Polar Bear set.

I'm convinced of a couple of things. First, someone really needs to write a book on the T206 "set" that incorporates Ted and Scot's research. Second, I believe T206 collecting will evolve over the next few years into T206-1 through T206-16 sets, and be collected primarily that way, which includes recognizing T213-1 as a T206 issue.

So, is Scott's set "complete"? No, but he only needs 4 cards to complete his "date set", not 6. Still it's a huge accomplishment. He could always evolve into a Piedmont set, dispensing with those four as well, which aren't needed for a "complete" Piedmont set, based on my theory anyway. :-)

[E93]

Congratulations. That is awesome.
JimB

[matthew]

Nice job with the set.

I have a question about the SLers. When I was collecting, the last one of the 48 that I needed was Jordan (ATL) & I see it was one of the last 3 for you. I know it is not ranked as being a difficult SLer, but has anyone else noticed Jordan being more difficult than a normal SLer? Thanks.

[jp1216]

congrats - nicely done. The monster nibbles at my toes every night. I enjoy the different backs, portraits, HOFers, stories, etc that go along with it. I feed the monster from time to time, but will never slay it. My 'sub' sets are fun. Whether its Cleveland players w/ different backs to same pose/different backs etc. I'm hooked. The UZIT Lajoie on eBay last month was a real test. I passed - but will bite someday (hopefully a lesser Naps player).... My son is 4 now and starting to 'enjoy' cards with me. Another generation is born... He loves looking at 'old baseball cards'.... Me too....

[T206BrownHindu]

Originally Posted by matthew

Nice job with the set.

I have a question about the SLers. When I was collecting, the last one of the 48 that I needed was Jordan (ATL) & I see it was one of the last 3 for you. I know it is not ranked as being a difficult SLer, but has anyone else noticed Jordan being more difficult than a normal SLer? Thanks.

I know I picked two Jordans up rather quickly in assembling my SL'er collection, but I've noticed recently that not very many have showed up for auction.

Mark

[DixieBaseball]

A fine accomplishment ! Congrats and Happy New Year to you !!

[pkaufman]

Don, congratulations to you....that is the most interesting summary of T206 collecting I have seen in some time. I agree with you that the T206 set may eventually evolve into back type set collecting.

[Scott L.]

Thanks for all of the kind words guys.

Larry that is just wonderful news, certainly the best part of this thread!

I agree with Mark that the Jordan just seemed to dry up a little recently. I remember seeing them on ebay from time to time and just never ended up winning one. I think the Bay and Breitenstein show up far less often.

[Robextend]

Congrats Scott!! I love to hear when sets are completed, especially one of this magnitude that compares to no other. I had to scrap my quest at 15%, however one day, probably many years from now, I will hopefully follow in your footsteps.

Rob

[MVSNYC]

Originally Posted by pkaufman

why would anyone want to collect a set they can never finish ?

because there is the possibility, that someday...he just may.

congrats! great job!

[Anthony S.]

All I can say is Thank God the title of this thread was in reference to a baseball card set and not something more ominous. Congrats, Scott.

[uffda51]

A great acomplishment. I gave up before I got to 75 cards.

[benkenobi13]

I've been stuck at 517 since the national. Just need the Otey, Rockenfeld, and Kleinow(Boston) to finish it up. I've been sidetracked with type cards and the like recently. Having been there, almost, I know what a relief it is to finish taming the monster. Best of luck with the E96's.

[teetwoohsix]

Congrats Scott!!
You have the same idea of being finished as I do,and it is always inspiring to find out it's been done!!I have a long way to go,but I don't mind the ride!!I am very happy for you,and wish you luck on your next goal!!
Regards,Clayton