Need info on Tobins

Okay I am sure everyone has seen the Tobin Litho's for sale on the board. I am interested in them and as I see they seem to be overpriced even according to a book. So here is what I would like to know.

1. How many are there readly available??
   What should be the average cost of a grade 4 or higher as I don't collect much prewar unless it is mid grade.
   Are blank backs worth more than advertised??
   Should I start with color or the B/W or does it matter??
   
   I appreciate the info if you all have any

[barrysloate]

They are all readily available, but Anson and Kelly will cost you more.

They are generally more desirable with advertising than with blank backs.

The B & W are scarcer, but the color ones are more attractive. I would try to complete the color set, and maybe pick up one B & W as a type.

I'll let others chime in on the prices.

[rhettyeakley]

I'll echo what Mr. Sloate said. I prefer the ones with advertising on them, and I'm sure most do as well, but that being said there isn't any premium one way or the other. I disagree a bit with you that the ones for sale are "overpriced" and don't worry about what any book says about them, the prices may be a bit high but not totally unreasonable as they are the two biggest stars in the set.

These are fairly tough to find better than VG (by baseball card grading standards). That being said, the color set is a very do-able set with a little patience, the B&W's are much tougher and will sell for more, but aren't all that attractive.

Anyways, I hope this helps a bit.
-Rhett

thnks for the feedback on this matter. What are we looking for prices for those. Are they about were they need to be. Each will not break a 5 grade due to minor creases so I am guessing a 4 solid is good. Also Is it better to find them already graded?? I am asking to be certain an investment is worth while or could I do better playing it out and waiting on Ebay or an auction house

[matty39]

I think you better stick with the color Tobins. The black and white set is extremely difficult. A full set of black and whites sold in a 2005 Mastro auction for around 5000. The same year Goodwin and Co. sold six lower grade Tobins for 2600. The black and whites usually sell for about twice the color set.
Tobins are difficult to find as well centered as the above mentioned two. Many are found off center and if graded are considered trimmed.

There is also a third set of Tobins. There are 8 known in the set and are found in black and white only. They are baseball caricatures and can be identified by small 49 in one of the lower corners.

[edhans]

Agree with most of what the others said. The black and white versions are significantly scarcer than their color counterparts, though the price doesn't always reflect it. The cards can be found imprinted on the front, stamped on the reverse or completely blank. I suspect that the imprinted ones are generally preferred by collectors. The prices listed may be somewhat on the high side, but certainly not outrageous. Here's a picture of my Keefe. Note the stamp on the reverse. That is the reason for the MK qualifier. When I sent the card to SGC it came back a 1.5 due to that stamp! Shows a fundamental lack of understanding about this issue.