Are rare backs getting ridiculous?

[Seattle799]

Prices seem to be getting ridiculous for rare (but not super rare) backs...

A common PSA 4 Tolstoi for $283.78? Is that high or do I just not understand how much a kinda rare back is worth?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1909-11-T-206-TOLSTOI-BACK-DEL-HOWARD-CUBS-PSA-VG-EX-4-RARE-BACK-/140947517419

[freakhappy]

Prices seem to be getting ridiculous for rare (but not super rare) backs...

A common PSA 4 Tolstoi for $283.78? Is that high or do I just not understand how much a kinda rare back is worth?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1909-11-T-206-TOLSTOI-BACK-DEL-HOWARD-CUBS-PSA-VG-EX-4-RARE-BACK-/140947517419

Yeah, backs have been going nuts lately and I'm not sure why. It also seems like people are hyping them up to be more rare or special than they really are. Just a year ago I grabbed a Tolstoi and EPDG common PSA 2-3 range for $40-50...nowadays that's unheard of. I would say they will settle down, but I'm not so sure.

T206 Freaks, oddities, anomalies, print errors, etc., have really taken off. The one that gets me the most is the minor errors. I get that people like to collect them, but the premium some are bringing in are just crazy. That being said, if people are willing to pay the price, then it is what it is.

[teetwoohsix]

Sometimes it could be a case of a rare combination. I don't know if this is, if you have access to pop reports you can check. I know pop reports don't have every known example out there listed, but it's an ok way to gauge the scarcity (in a way).

This card is graded "poor", but a friend checked the pop reports for me and it's the only one graded by PSA with none graded by SGC. So, I figure it's a rare combination. That doesn't mean someone else doesn't have one- and I know PSA didn't used to keep track of the backs....but, the fact that SGC doesn't show one is a good sign of a tough combo.

If this isn't the case, I don't have the answer :o

Sub set collector who hasn't seen one forever? Don't know. It's a nice card though.......

Sincerely, Clayton

[Matthew H]

IMO, the hype, buzz and overall enthusiasm created by some of the discussions here have helped fuel the runaway train. I feel bad for some of the guys who've started the whole thing, it's probably getting hard to pick stuff up.

[AMBST95]

Just for someone in my boat who is building the Monster, I try to pick up a rarer back (non piedmont, Sweet Cap) when I can to add a little life to my set, but you're right...it's coming at a cost. I would hope the market would just stabilize a bit until I get my set built. I feel like a lot of older collectors who have a lot of the rarer backs locked up in their collections keep the market from being inundated with rare backs which helps set an added premium on top of their lower population. The market will eventually reach a point where it levels off or even starts a small dip and this could create a, "I better cash out now" atmosphere which could drop prices significantly.

[pkaufman]

If you want to make some cash, take a look at David Hall's want ad in the latest SMR. It's all about rare backs.

[bn2cardz]

Sometimes it could be a case of a rare combination. I don't know if this is, if you have access to pop reports you can check. I know pop reports don't have every known example out there listed, but it's an ok way to gauge the scarcity (in a way).

This card is graded "poor", but a friend checked the pop reports for me and it's the only one graded by PSA with none graded by SGC. So, I figure it's a rare combination. That doesn't mean someone else doesn't have one- and I know PSA didn't used to keep track of the backs....but, the fact that SGC doesn't show one is a good sign of a tough combo.

If this isn't the case, I don't have the answer :o

Sub set collector who hasn't seen one forever? Don't know. It's a nice card though.......

Sincerely, Clayton

Well according to cardtarget (http://www.cardtarget.com/cgi-bin/gm_price_history.cgi?cardID=1450824611&variation=209&grader=all&grade=all&submit=Display) there are at least two other ones out there. With one being a PSA 5 prior to them labeling by backs. Also PSAs population report is now free and no membership is needed. Also SGC is free, but you will need a free log in and a lot of patience to use theirs.

[sportscardpete]

The two arguments for the high prices are 1 - they were undervalued to begin with or 2- it is a bubble.

I've always thought it was just 2. After a little more time I'm starting to believe it is a mixture of both reasons.

Another reason could be that some collectors may be scared of buying other sets with the 2007 + 2008 price drop in the back of their heads.. t206's are fairly liquid and a safer investment than say a more obscure caramel/bread set. All the money is just being poured into this set where any slightly scarce card is going for crazy prices.

[bbcard1]

As for me...and one could argue that I often do the wrong thing...I am selling the rare backs that aren't a part of my set. I have gotten good, but not great prices from them. Some rare backs, Brown Hindu comes to mind, seem to be historically overrated while Cycle and EPDG have probably been underrated.

[E93]

I think that with the advent of T206Resource.com and general increased knowledge of T206 backs, more collectors are collecting subsets with back-consciousness than ever before. Increased demand=higher prices.
JimB

[tbob]

Prices seem to be getting ridiculous for rare (but not super rare) backs...

A common PSA 4 Tolstoi for $283.78? Is that high or do I just not understand how much a kinda rare back is worth?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1909-11-T-206-TOLSTOI-BACK-DEL-HOWARD-CUBS-PSA-VG-EX-4-RARE-BACK-/140947517419


Yes they are. Other than a Drum, Uzit and a red Hindu, all types, I have no interest in collecting tougher backs now that my T206 set (minus big 4) is done. I can't criticize anyone chasing tough back cards, more power to them. They probably think I'm nuts for collecting an E94 master set and the T210 set, so I can't throw stones :D

[atx840]

Definitely those 1/1s, HOFs or very low pop examples that master set builders are hunting for. I still find common RHs & Lenox backs going for decent deals lately.

[Leon]

The back prices almost make me want to sell mine. When I look at my buy prices from 10+ yrs ago..,.It makes me think I would stand to make a little profit.....

T206 Hindu-Brown Marquard-hands/hips GD.. 75
T206 Red Hindu Geyer gd+ 425
T206 Amer.Beauty 460 subjects Schlei vg 70.
T206 Blank Back Fritz AUT 600 (more recent)
T206 Broadleaf350 Moeller-NJ gd-vg 20
T206 Carolina Br. Mcaleese vg-ex 70
T206 Cycle-460 Geyer vg 100
T206 Lenox Chase/Trophy vg-ex 265

[iwantitiwinit]

Leon I'll take the Chase!!!!!!!

[Zone91]

Been new to the T206 set I am glad that there are so many rare backs to collect...it offers a challenge only comparable to the 1887 Old Judge cards with so many picture variations. It can easily become a life long challenge and as a young collector I need that type of rare material to keep me busy for the next 40 years.

As far as their prices go I guess it does not bother me to pay extra for a actual rare card.

[AndyG09]

If you want to make some cash, take a look at David Hall's want ad in the latest SMR. It's all about rare backs.


I don't get the SMR. Does anybody have a scan of David Hall's want ad? Thanks in advance!

Best,

Andy

[sb1]

I don't get the SMR. Does anybody have a scan of David Hall's want ad? Thanks in advance!

Best,

Andy

You can go to PSA's website, there is a PDF online copy for free

[t206hound]

You can go to PSA's website, there is a PDF online copy for free

Go to page 28:
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=150867

[AndyG09]

Big thanks to Scott, Erick, and Chris B. for helping me out.

Best,

Andy

[teetwoohsix]

Well according to cardtarget (http://www.cardtarget.com/cgi-bin/gm_price_history.cgi?cardID=1450824611&variation=209&grader=all&grade=all&submit=Display) there are at least two other ones out there. With one being a PSA 5 prior to them labeling by backs. Also PSAs population report is now free and no membership is needed. Also SGC is free, but you will need a free log in and a lot of patience to use theirs.

Thanks Andy.

So mine plus those two makes three,,,,plus, you can be sure that there are probably a few others out there in personal collections. I'd say that sounds like a rare combination to me :)

I knew I didn't have the only one known because T206Resource already had it confirmed, and I know they only confirm it if it's for sure.

I didn't know the pop reports were free, thanks for that information, I appreciate it !! I don't go to those sites so I didn't know, thanks again.

Sincerely, Clayton

[bn2cardz]

Thanks Andy.

So mine plus those two makes three,,,,plus, you can be sure that there are probably a few others out there in personal collections. I'd say that sounds like a rare combination to me :)

I knew I didn't have the only one known because T206Resource already had it confirmed, and I know they only confirm it if it's for sure.

I didn't know the pop reports were free, thanks for that information, I appreciate it !! I don't go to those sites so I didn't know, thanks again.

Sincerely, Clayton

I am not saying that it wouldn't still be a hard to find combination (I really wouldn't know) but I thought I would pass the info on to you.

[teetwoohsix]

I am not saying that it wouldn't still be a hard to find combination (I really wouldn't know) but I thought I would pass the info on to you.

Thanks-I always welcome good information & I do appreciate it !! :)

Sincerely, Clayton

[bn2cardz]

more evidence of t206 backs going for crazy prices.
In last night's sterling sports auction a SGC 40 pink Chase Old Mill sold for $1300 (http://www.sterlingsportsauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=16240).

6 months ago a raw one sold for just $75 according to CardTarget.com
an sgc 60 last sold for $275
http://www.cardtarget.com/cgi-bin/gm_price_history.cgi?cardID=1878912621&variation=225&grader=all&grade=all&submit=Display

[iwantitiwinit]

I saw the Old Mill Chase go for 1300 and immediately thought to myself I have to sell my Pink PSA4 Sovereign. If I could get a price near 1300 it'd be bye bye .

[CMIZ5290]

more evidence of t206 backs going for crazy prices.
In last night's sterling sports auction a SGC 40 pink Chase Old Mill sold for $1300 (http://www.sterlingsportsauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=16240).

6 months ago a raw one sold for just $75 according to CardTarget.com
an sgc 60 last sold for $275
http://www.cardtarget.com/cgi-bin/gm_price_history.cgi?cardID=1878912621&variation=225&grader=all&grade=all&submit=Display

The Chase sold for crazy money I thought. After all, it's only an Old Mill back....

[npa589]

I don't know you guys, I think this McGraw went for a fair amount.

http://goodwinandco.com/LotDetail.aspx?lotid=27390&searchby=0&searchvalue=None&page=0&sortby=0&displayby=2&lotsperpage=100&category=111&seo=1909-11-Old-Mill-T206-John-McGraw-Glove-At-Hip-SGC-Authentic---Only-Old-Mill-Copy-Graded-By-Any-Grad


..............


:eek:

[bn2cardz]

I don't know you guys, I think this McGraw went for a fair amount.

http://goodwinandco.com/LotDetail.aspx?lotid=27390&searchby=0&searchvalue=None&page=0&sortby=0&displayby=2&lotsperpage=100&category=111&seo=1909-11-Old-Mill-T206-John-McGraw-Glove-At-Hip-SGC-Authentic---Only-Old-Mill-Copy-Graded-By-Any-Grad


..............


:eek:


The worst thing about that is the description... "Recently discovered,this Old Mill McGraw is the only copy known to exist"

I guess they forgot to look at their own archive to see the one they auctioned in 2011 in an SGC 30 case that sold for $327. (http://www.goodwinandco.com/LotDetail.aspx?lotid=19934) (Thank You CardTarget)

[CMIZ5290]

I don't know you guys, I think this McGraw went for a fair amount.

http://goodwinandco.com/LotDetail.aspx?lotid=27390&searchby=0&searchvalue=None&page=0&sortby=0&displayby=2&lotsperpage=100&category=111&seo=1909-11-Old-Mill-T206-John-McGraw-Glove-At-Hip-SGC-Authentic---Only-Old-Mill-Copy-Graded-By-Any-Grad


..............


:eek:

+1, big time....

[atx840]

McGraw and the Devore from the Rudy Strejc collection went unexpectedly high. Pays to have 1/1s commons.

Auction ("http://loveofthegameauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=492)

[GregMitch34]

So: Is the feeling that the current craze is based not just on overall scarcity of back but if the card in question happens to be the top graded or near the top graded? Hence that Chase going for so much despite "common" Old Mill back. In other words if, let's say, a PSA 5 Bill Bradley portrait with a Sovereign back happened to be highest graded, or only one higher, it might go for $300, not $100?

I wonder if going for "back scarcity" is based partly o boredom with so many collecting t206s for so long based on other criteria, or paying more attention to pop reports and feeling, yeah, they have a nice card but there are 29 out there better and maybe pure scarcity will rule the roost in the future? I would think that the combination is very tempting: the most "liquid" card issue plus going for scarcity. Could feel like less of a gamble and with more of a payoff....

[MVSNYC]

I've always been captivated by the rare backs, been collecting them for 20+ years. I think Jim B nailed it...more collectors interested in them nowadays and certainly a lot of resources and forums (and threads) covering T206's from every angle. There's also a handful of big collectors working on master sets, which is a beast to do, but there's some out there trying, so that has been driving prices up. I'm glad I got mine when I did.

But, like anything else, there often are cards that slips thru the cracks, so keep an eye open! ;)