FURTHER UPDATED -- T206 524-Card Set Complete & On PSA Registry

[Rhotchkiss]

I was lucky to come across a collector willing to part with his Wagner and Doyle Nat'l. This means I now have all of the "Big 4" from the 524-card T206 set. Here they are- I thought it would be very cool to see them in one place, especially on this board with so many T206 enthusiasts.

[Golfcollector]

Congrats!

[Jcfowler6]

Bravo


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bbcard1]

Great job!

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

Amazing! Congrats!

[OldOriole]

Very cool achievement! Many of us are living vicariously through your awesome pick-ups.

[Seven]

I think I'm going to have to go into a life of crime If I ever want to afford this! Beautiful post.

[slantycouch]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing. It's always great to see these four together.

[BruceinGa]

Wow, thanks for sharing!!

[mrvster]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

SPEECHLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jamie_h]

whoaaaah! congrats!

[trambo]

Nice work! I'm exactly those cards away from all 524! They're probably not nice enough for your collection so feel free to just mail them to me...haha!

Seriously, though. Congratulations! Massive cards and I appreciate you sharing them!!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

>picks jaw up off floor<

wow.

[thecomebacker]

Beautiful! Congrats!

[rjackson44]

terrific wow

[brewing]

F#$%ing incredible. Thanks for sharing.

[ullmandds]

Well now Ryan...it'd be foolish not to complete the whole set...just for kicks and all!!!

[Scott L.]

INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing!!!!!

[DeanH3]

Serious congrats Ryan. You have such a great passion for this hobby, I know you will enjoy those cards to the fullest extent!

[GasHouseGang]

All I can say is...

[Ronnie73]

Incredible task completed!! The Wagner is basically a money thing but the Doyle is more of an availability and money thing. Extremely rare for both to happen at the same time. Congratulations!!

[brianp-beme]

Smokes Holy! With that Doyle you are required by Net54 law to post a scan of it on this thread: https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=281100 The Doyle was the only 'common' that no one was able to provide a scan of from their personal collections.

And update your T206 Monster Number, or start it up...you have 480 points with those 4 cards alone.

Congrats, Brian

[nebboy]

Wow o wow congratulations and thanks for the eye candy

[ALBB]

Yea, but that Wagner is in rough shape .........LOL

[glchen]

Wow! Incredible. Congratulations!

[Goudey77]

Epic achievement congratulations!

[Blunder19]

Hell of an accomplishment!... and a shout out to Net54 for helping connect collectors so that we can achieve all these crazy goals we set for ourselves..

Congrats Ryan!

[charlietheexterminator]

Incredible accomplishment Ryan

[maniac_73]

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!

[tazdmb]

Congrats, I know the seller. Hope all is well with him, surprised he would let them go.

[Hankphenom]

Not sure we'll ever see a post like that again, in fact I thought it was a joke at first. Anyone else want to show their examples? Anyone? Bueller?

[hcv123]

That Doyle is insane!!!!! Incredible to think I've seen quite a few more Wagner's than Doyle's. Incredible additions to an incredible collection! You must be "flying" right now!! Thanks for sharing.

[Howe’s Hunter]

Congratulations. One question ... Wagner ... Piedmont or Sweet Cap?

[T206.org]

Oh my! So cool! Thank you for sharing!

[T206Collector]

This is indeed a special event. The Doyle separates you from so many T206 enthusiasts because, as said before, money alone cannot buy that happiness.

[todeen]

Much cooler than reading about it in some hobby magazine that comes out months after the feat. Congrats on your achievement. You should consider getting a PSA Collection Line named after you!

[Rhotchkiss]

Sincere thanks guys. I really appreciate the kind words and I love the responses - I tell my "laymen" (non-collector) friends, and some of them maybe understand the Wagner, but none the Doyle. Its great that places like this exist where I can share with so many awesome people who get it.

[NYYFan63]

Wow! What a great accomplishment. Congrats!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[buymycards]

They are wonderful! Thank you for posting them.

Rick

[HawkFan70]

Wowsa....congrats!

[ValKehl]

Well done, Ryan. I can hardly wait for the next collector get together you host for show & tell (like the one you did a few years ago). But this time, you may need to hold it at a banquet hall or some other large facility, because attendance will likely be off the charts!

[3-2-count]

Congratulations Ryan.

Well done. Enjoy.......

[Sean1125]

Incredible.

[sreader3]

Well done. I would think (although I don’t know) that there have been only a couple of hundred 523 sets compiled throughout history and far fewer 524 sets (due to Doyle). Elite company.

[MVSNYC]

Awesome, Ryan. Very happy for you!

You might need to update your avatar now. ;)

[JohnP0621]

Fantastic. That Doyle is Amazing. As are the other 3.
Thanks for sharing as most of us will only get to see those cards in someone else's collection.

Best Regards
John P

[Natswin2019]

Wow! Congrats

[Powell]

Congrats, Ryan!

[HobokenJon]

Congratulations. One question ... Wagner ... Piedmont or Sweet Cap?

For those keeping track, this is the "Connecticut Wagner." It has a Sweet Cap 150 back and sold at an REA auction in 2010. You can see the back scan on the REA web page. The photos are small, but if I squint hard enough it looks like the Factory number is 30.

See the matching cert. number 31641776 here:
http://www.t206resource.com/WagnerSales.html

https://robertedwardauctions.com/auction/2010/spring/3/1909-1911-t206-honus-wagner-connecticut

Well done, Ryan!

Just curious . . . Has there ever been a known instance of anyone completing the full back-run of Honus Wagner T206 cards? That would consist of Piedmont 150, Sweet Cap 150 Factory 25, and Sweet Cap 150 Factory 30. Is there a known instance of any one person owning two of them?

[Throttlesteer]

Now you just need to upgrade those beaters.

Congrats!!

[Rhotchkiss]

Congrats, Ryan!

Thanks Powell. I couldn’t have done it without you! ;)

[tedzan]

Awesome !

Ryan

Look forward to seeing you in Philly in September.


TED Z

T206 Reference (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=237816)
.

[lloydchristmas]

So awesome, congrats Ryan!

[Jdoggs]

Nice congrats!

[chriskim]

That's a nice Plank but only graded 2.5? Got to has paper loss on the back.

Ryan, time to get the Cobb back if u don't have one yet.

[BeanTown]

Ok, a couple of questions. First off big Congrats and bigger kudos for posting on here as many collectors are private.

1. What's your favorite out of the group and why?

2. Is it safe to say we will not be seeing them all in SGC holders in the near future?

My favorite is the Plank, as that card hits my eye right.

P.s.
Please don't start collecting Ty Cobb, Joe Jackson, baseball currency, cabinets, and postcards. 😆

[nsaddict]

Won't be impressive until the Wagner is upgraded. Just kidding, this line came to mind immediately "they're real and spectacular". CONGRATS! And thanks for posting.

[chriskim]

This private sale would easily be over $1.5M..... just my guess.... but would worth every single penny!

[Rhotchkiss]

This private sale was over $1.5M

And, this is exactly why many people don’t post these things and remain private.

For the record, First, I do not know Chriskim- I have never spoken to him (assuming it’s a guy), don’t think I ever emailed or PMed with him, and would not know him if he hit me with a bat.

Second, this statement is incorrect. Yes, it is correct that I acquired both the Wagner and the Doyle in a private sale. But the number stated is quite inaccurate regardless of whether he is referring to the combined deal or just the Wagner - could be more or less, it’s nobody’s biz

Its amazing that there always needs to be one idiot.

And BTW Chriskim- I do have a cobb-cobb back. I acquired that too in a private sale. Why don’t you post some false BS about the price of that deal?! You are a moron.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Not even sure what the point of "outing" the amount is even if you have accurate info.

[cardsagain74]

Like everyone else, totally floored

Question for all the pre-war people here (as I am not one!):

Is the Doyle, especially in grade 4, likely worth more than the Wagner here? I know it's exceedingly rare, but curious how the market is for those cards lately

[chriskim]

And, this is exactly why many people don’t post these things and remain private.

For the record, First, I do not know Chriskim- I have never spoken to him (assuming it’s a guy), don’t think I ever emailed or PMed with him, and would not know him if he hit me with a bat.

Second, this statement is incorrect. Yes, it is correct that I acquired both the Wagner and the Doyle in a private sale. But the number stated is quite inaccurate regardless of whether he is referring to the combined deal or just the Wagner - could be more or less, it’s nobody’s biz

Its amazing that there always needs to be one idiot.

And BTW Chriskim- I do have a cobb-cobb back. I acquired that too in a private sale. Why don’t you post some false BS about the price of that deal?! You are a moron.


Ryan, pls accept my apology, I meant to say your investment would have been at least $1.5M. Your Doyle is best of the best and definitely worth to invest on.

[Powell]

I never thought I’d sell either. Ryan’s a great guy and they are going to a good home.

[Jdoggs]

I never thought I’d sell either. Ryan’s a great guy and they are going to a good home.

Wow you have an incredible collection.
Anything else for sale?:)

[x2drich2000]

Ryan, great pickups, so what took you so long? I was starting to think you had just forgotten about getting the Wagner. :)

On a serious note, if you don't mind sharing, I'm just curious with cards of this magnitude, how is the planned delivery? Shipping USPS? Flying out to pick up? Carrier Pigeon?

DJ

[Rhotchkiss]

Ryan, great pickups, so what took you so long? I was starting to think you had just forgotten about getting the Wagner. :)

On a serious note, if you don't mind sharing, I'm just curious with cards of this magnitude, how is the planned delivery? Shipping USPS? Flying out to pick up? Carrier Pigeon?

DJ

Thanks DJ. To answer your question, I am flying out to pick them up in person.

Jay, you asked:

1. What's your favorite out of the group and why?

Not sure, but its not the Magie (although I love it). I really love my Plank, but its no Wagner.... not even close. And, believe it or not, I am almost as excited about the Doyle as I am the Wagner. The Doyle is flat-out impossible. As a T206 guy and someone who loves the super-rare, to me, getting the Doyle is unreal; based on what I could find, there have been 3 public sales in the past 20+ years, and I understand most Doyles are in major collection s and will never again see the market (at least not for many many years). But alas, I think my favorite is of course the Wagner -- its an F-ing Wagner for God's sake!

2. Is it safe to say we will not be seeing them all in SGC holders in the near future?

I won't cross any of these. I really don't cross anything (yet). Historically, the few times/year when I buy a raw card and want it graded, I go SGC. But I am so upset with them over their new population report, that I may look to PSA going forward; and if SGC continues to trip over themselves, which I am convinced is a huge reason PSA cards are valued over SGC, I may cross some of my more common SGC cards over to PSA down the line. The Doyle, however, will always remain in that flip; I dont think I will even go for the new flip.

Also, a few have asked if I will put together a complete, 524-card set. Yes, of course. How can I not do that? There literally cannot be more than 8-9ish of those out there (thanks to the Doyle), and I doubt there are actually more than 2-3 in existence currently; Powell just broke his up, so that is one less complete set out there. I am not really a set guy, but I feel required to put these together with their 520 friends. Anyone have a mid-grade, complete 520-card set they want to trade/sell?

[baseballandhockeyfan]

Wow! Incredible cards. Thanks for sharing, and congratulations!!!

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Wow...just...wow...I will own a Wags someday...I hope lol.

Absolutely an amazing accomplishment. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

[Jdoggs]

Have there been any public sales of a complete 524 card T206 set and if so by which auction house?

[Bridwell]

Congrats, Ryan! Awesome cards!

[Powell]

Not a chance for a complete set from an auction house. I believe I’m the only one with all 524, but now 522. It took years to acquire the Wagner and the Doyle.

[Leon]

Not a chance for a complete set from an auction house. I believe I’m the only one with all 524, but now 522. It took years to acquire the Wagner and the Doyle.

The only one what, with all 524? I know of at least one other member, and probably more, with 524.

[Powell]

Have there been any public sales of a complete 524 card T206 set and if so by which auction house?

I’m not challenging you, Leon. I’ve never seen an auction house auction all 524 and no published registry I’ve ever seen has 524. It’s certainly possible in a private collection but very very rare and just the number of Doyle’s makes it very rare.

[rats60]

Have there been any public sales of a complete 524 card T206 set and if so by which auction house?

The only people that I know who have completed the 524 set are Larry and Jeff Fritsch and Powell. The Doyle was only known to Fritsch until Bill Huggins discovered the 2nd one in 1987 which Fritsch bought. I have never seen a set for sale either complete or by the individual cards.

[TCMA]

The only people that I know who have completed the 524 set are Larry and Jeff Fritsch and Powell. The Doyle was only known to Fritsch until Bill Huggins discovered the 2nd one in 1987 which Fritsch bought. I have never seen a set for sale either complete or by the individual cards.

It was a different era (not sure if this counts) but my father had acquired 523 by 1972. Doyle error had not yet been discovered, of course. His set plus printing errors and other interesting oddballs sold through Lew Lipset in 1984.

[rats60]

It was a different era (not sure if this counts) but my father had acquired 523 by 1972. Doyle error had not yet been discovered, of course. His set plus printing errors and other interesting oddballs sold through Lew Lipset in 1984.

With ~57 Wagners there have been several complete sets and I have seen a few sold in the same auction. It is a great accomplishment. With only ~9 Doyles it becomes much tougher to get 524. There may be a few others in the last ~30 years that have done 524 but just not made it public. We know that 1 is in Richard Russell’s collection, so only 8 possible sets with 2 complete, assuming Fritsch hasn’t sold either of theirs, plus Powell’s now broken up. This is only the 10th known sale of a Doyle and only 2 of the 9 have been known to sell more than once. It is nice to see Ryan interested in filling out the 524 as the Doyle belongs in a set in my opinion.

[tonyo]

Ryan,
I really appreciate you sharing your cards with the forum. Makes owning a Wagner feel "real" .............. like something "one of us" can achieve........ not to mention the Doyle, Plank, and Magie.

cheers, and have a great week everyone
Tony

[MuncieNolePAZ]

Awesome. Congrats! Thanks for sharing.

[Leon]

I’m not challenging you, Leon. I’ve never seen an auction house auction all 524 and no published registry I’ve ever seen has 524. It’s certainly possible in a private collection but very very rare and just the number of Doyle’s makes it very rare.

No worries, Powell. Having managed this forum for around 17 yrs I have gotten to know some hobbyists. I even remember a few names (I suck at remembering names).

And a shout out to Ryan, which I should've done before. Congrats. Even with having the means it's not an easy task.

[sb1]

Congrats Ryan, as a former member of the 523 club, the Doyle is beyond great. The Wagner is a Wagner, but pales in comparison to the rarity of the Doyle.

[mrreality68]

Congratulations Ryan.
You been a hell of a collector and give great advise and feedback
Amazing to see them

Thanks for sharing

Jeff

[RCMcKenzie]

Nice cards, gang. Don't forget Pfeffer Chicaco, Murr'y, and Dopner.

[Leon]

Nice cards, gang. Don't forget Pfeffer Chicaco, Murr'y, and Dopner.


I don't think those are included in the 524 :).
Do all T206 guys think those are needed for the set to be complete? Seems there are probably some other variations/misprints too.

[Bigdaddy]

Ryan, simply awesome and thanks for sharing.

How do you store/view your collection of T206?

[Rhotchkiss]

Cards are in-hand: I flew to Detroit and met Powell in person at the airport. We shot the breeze for a little, looked at some cards, and now I am headed back. Ultimately, neither of us wanted to trust these to the mail/Fedex. So awesome to see them in person and to hold them; the Doyle is particularly nice, with the Wagner, it’s just amazing to be holding something so storied. Great day!

Bob- I don’t really believe in those variations- that is, I don’t think those print anomalies are needed for a complete set. And where does it end? Missing red ink, Doyle with the . I will stick to the mainstream 524.

Bigdaddy- I prefer Flickr for online galleries. The actual cards themselves sit in a safe. Sadly, While I look at pics on my phone and Flickr account, I don’t look at the actual, physical all cards often

[trambo]

I am not really a set guy, but I feel required to put these together with their 520 friends. Anyone have a mid-grade, complete 520-card set they want to trade/sell?


Not today on the 520 but I did think about it at the Philly show in February. Decided to improve my set from 4.25-5.0 before I even think about selling/trading it. It's on the registry if you (or anyone) wants to see it. Same username. I'm a few cards short of having all 520 scans out there but feel free to take a look if you're so inclined.

Again, congrats on the pickups! Those are just incredible!!

[philliesphan]

Congratulations on a spectacular pair! Amazing eye candy, wonderful additions.

Congratulations!!!

[Jdoggs]

Congrats Ryan I like posts with huge acquisitions like the Wagner!
Any pics of cards in hand?

[RCMcKenzie]

Ryan, glad y'all were able to make the deal. As far as variations, Anson had an interesting blog post on the Pfeffer Chicaco here www.prewarcards.com/2018/08/01/jeff-pfeffer-t206-chicaco-error-print-variation-chicago-cubs/

As long as you are not going for a Beckett set, you should be okay. I know I collect T206 without regard to a set. There are so many fun ways to collect T206.

[BRY68]

Wow! Congrats

[PhillyFan1883]

Congrats bud.

[Steve D]

They always say to get the key cards in the set first if you can, but jeez!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Ryan!!!!! :D

Steve

[ClementeFanOh]

Congratulations on reaching the top of baseball collecting Everest! Trent King

[mrvster]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:


no words can do this justice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I can not be happier for you my friend!


just wow, wow:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[phikappapsi]

hey, Ryan.

What's your net worth? How much cash do you have on hand? Annual income? How many square feet is your house?

***this was dripping with sarcasm, before anyone asks or reacts***

[RCMcKenzie]

There's a whole cottage industry based upon what cards sell for. I don't think it's rude for someone to ask or speculate how much you paid for a baseball card. If you'd rather not say, that's okay too.

[phikappapsi]

There's a whole cottage industry based upon what cards sell for. I don't think it's rude for someone to ask or speculate how much you paid for a baseball card. If you'd rather not say, that's okay too.

I think private sales are generally private for a reason; and that asking anyone about their finances (which is ultimately what that is) is beyond rude.

[Jwkeen]

Congrats! That is amazing. Acquiring the Wagner and Doyle at the same time has to be one of the greatest transactions in hobby history.

[RCMcKenzie]

I think private sales are generally private for a reason; and that asking anyone about their finances (which is ultimately what that is) is beyond rude.

I doubt he took his last million and bought some baseball cards. I disagree with you about it being "beyond rude". It doesn't leave any room for actions that are actually rude. Take care, I need to get back to work so I can buy some more baseball cards. Rob

[phikappapsi]

I doubt he took his last million and bought some baseball cards. I disagree with you about it being "beyond rude". It doesn't leave any room for actions that are actually rude. Take care, I need to get back to work so I can buy some more baseball cards. Rob

I must come from a different time/place. I was simply raised that another person's pockets are absolutely none of my business.

[samosa4u]

Daaammmmmnnnnn!!!!! Well done!

Are you gonna' get that Wagner into a new PSA case?

I think you should PSA that Doyle.

[RCMcKenzie]

Joe, we are talking about 2 different things.

Let's say we were on a residential real estate chat-board, and someone posted a nice house. It would not be rude for people to ask how much it went for. "Hey, I just picked up Elon Musk's Willie Wonka house?" "Awesome, what'd you get it for?" etc

It's not the same as asking your brother-in-law how much he owes on his mortgage. I think we basically agree. It was a bst sale. Not unlike the ones where people delete the asking price after the sale. Rob

[rats60]

Joe, we are talking about 2 different things.

Let's say we were on a residential real estate chat-board, and someone posted a nice house. It would not be rude for people to ask how much it went for. "Hey, I just picked up Elon Musk's Willie Wonka house?" "Awesome, what'd you get it for?" etc

It's not the same as asking your brother-in-law how much he owes on his mortgage. I think we basically agree. It was a bst sale. Not unlike the ones where people delete the asking price after the sale. Rob

Mile High Card Co. is auctioning off a PSA 1 Wagner in August, so you will get an idea of value in a couple months.

[Jdoggs]

Mile High Card Co. is auctioning off a PSA 1 Wagner in August, so you will get an idea of value in a couple months.

SMR for t206 Wagner psa 1 is $550k so should sell somewhere in that vicinity.

[Thromdog]

Ryan, congrats on acquiring these guys....fantastic! I do hope you’re able to acquire a solid 520 to go with them, which is a great idea. Hopefully one of these registry guys will help you out.

[PhillyFan1883]

SMR for t206 Wagner psa 1 is $550k so should sell somewhere in that vicinity.

SMR is not a reliable source to gauge the price of a historic card like this. Honestly, I think its safe to say SMR is not reliable source for any card for that matter. A PSA Authentic with three of the 4 boarders chopped off sold in late 2019 for 540k. That puts the mile high copy coming up well above that. You would have to think 150k-450k more. Check out vintage card prices dot com to see actual sales of any vintage card.

[rats60]

SMR is not a reliable source to gauge the price of a historic card like this. Honestly, I think its safe to say SMR is not reliable source for any card for that matter. A PSA Authentic with three of the 4 boarders chopped off sold in late 2019 for 540k. That puts the mile high copy coming up well above that. You would have to think 150k-450k more. Check out vintage card prices dot com to see actual sales of any vintage card.

With the large jumps in prices of modern cards, it will be interesting to see if that translates to the Wagners. A Trout card just sold for 922k, why wouldn’t a Wagner sell for more?

[Edwolf1963]

Smh, I have several of these laying around. Mine even say "RP" which I'm sure stands for "Real Pure" so I know they're authentic :D:);)

.. seriously, congratulations and thanks for sharing!

[maniac_73]

I like to check this thread daily just to see the cards again lol. Still so awesome and love that you shared it with us!

[Tao_Moko]

The Doyle is essentially an unobtainable card in my eyes so it's amazing to see it done. Unique only to the Olberman proofs which are obviously not considered in any set calculation. I remember reading the story about Larry Fritsch finding the Doyle while sorting through thousands of cards in the '70's and thinking how fun it would have been to make a discovery like that. Congrats on the acquisition.

[conor912]

I dont collect the set and generally ignore any thread with T206 in the title, but glad I popped into this one. A great accomplishment indeed!

[pawpawdiv9]

Mount Rushmore being replace with these 4 iconic pieces of cardboard.
WOW! You sir are on fire!!!!
I understand the Wag..but have zero knowledge of this Doyle..all i ever seen was the other s in the set. Dont know why its so rare and etc.
You have a impresive collection and would love seeing your whole collection on Flickr or whatever.
Congrats.
Btw....birthday coming up...Leon it be great to see a T-shirt with the Big 4 on it commerorating this awesome acheivment.

[Steve D]

I understand the Wag..but have zero knowledge of this Doyle..all i ever seen was the other s in the set. Dont know why its so rare and etc.


Here are the basics:

Joe Doyle played for the New York Highlanders in the American League, and Larry Doyle played for the New York Giants in the National League.

Originally, the Joe Doyle cards were printed with the caption "Doyle, N.Y. Nat'l".

Apparently very early in the print run, the caption was corrected to delete the "Nat'l" reference. Noticeably, no effort was made to adjust the centering of the remaining caption, or to add the correct "Amer"; all the corrected Joe Doyle captions are off-center to the left.

The error was never noticed until the 1970s, when Larry Fritsch discovered it. To this day, I believe fewer than ten copies of the "Doyle, N.Y. Nat'l" cards exist.

Steve

[PhillyFan1883]

With the large jumps in prices of modern cards, it will be interesting to see if that translates to the Wagners. A Trout card just sold for 922k, why wouldn’t a Wagner sell for more?

I agree whole heartedly my friend. My suspicion is the Mile high Wagner coming up will trade for 750k-1mil.

I just go back to the copy with three boarders trimmed off trading for the amount of a nice house in the burbs as my new gauge. Although that sale felt like pent up demand also because the card had not traded in a while, but none the less their is a new comp that suggest a big number..

[Howe’s Hunter]

A private sale I understand the concept of. But how in the world does it happen?

Ryan is sitting at home and decides, “Hey, it’s about time I buy a Wagner and a Doyle rarity.” You don’t just go on eBay and find those, so how do you even know where to start looking, or who to contact?

Or was it more Powell was sitting at home and said, “I’ve had that Wagner, and the Doyle long enough. Think I’ll sell them. Hmm, bet Ryan would want them, think I’ll give him a call.”

I’m really glad that both parties seem happy with the outcome of their deal, but my mind is just reeling trying to figure out how something like this happens.

(If by chance there is a secret Wagner Owners Society (secret handshake, meeting once a year at an undisclosed location, etc.), if anybody talks to the owner of Howe’s old Piedmont Wagner, please tell them I would really like a color photocopy or scan, as that is the closest I’ll ever get to it. Thanks)

[Jdoggs]

SMR is not a reliable source to gauge the price of a historic card like this. Honestly, I think its safe to say SMR is not reliable source for any card for that matter. A PSA Authentic with three of the 4 boarders chopped off sold in late 2019 for 540k. That puts the mile high copy coming up well above that. You would have to think 150k-450k more. Check out vintage card prices dot com to see actual sales of any vintage card.

Well SMR for psa 2 Wagner is $1,350,000 and mile high sold one for that price last October so I wouldn’t say SMR is not a reliable source for any card for that matter.

[RCMcKenzie]

Ed, a poster asked in the T206 bst if anyone had a Wagner because he knew someone who wanted to buy one. Powell said he had one. Ryan posted he wanted one. That's why I called it a bst sale, and not a private sale. I stood up for the guy that got trashed for guessing the sale price. They both seem happy with the deal, so all is good. Rob

[oldjudge]

Not being a T206 collector I don't understand why the Doyle NY trades at such a premium to the normal card. There are comparable errors in the Old Judge set(same image, incorrect nameplate) that trade at virtually no premium to the normal card, even though they are quite rare. For me the T206 set would be complete without it since there are only 523 distinct images. This is just a variety. But then again, as I said, I don't collect T206s.

[PhillyFan1883]

Well SMR for psa 2 Wagner is $1,350,000 and mile high sold one for that price last October so I wouldn’t say SMR is not a reliable source for any card for that matter.

SMR is not a reliable source for prices. Their prices are a rough estimated round about they update when they aren’t swamped grading altered cards as normal.

Why would they estimate the Wagner PSA 1 at 550k when a copy traded for 609K in 2017? Check auction links below. And more importantly how can they conclude a PSA 1 is the same price of an authentic wagner with three boarders chopped off?. Their prices never make sense. I just worry about collectors that use SMR for their pricing, and I have felt this way for a long time. Not trying to be combative to you specifically, I just have frustrations with SMR and people using it. It may be great for modern but I doubt it.

https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/1909-11-t206-sweet-caporal-150-30-honus-wagner-psa-authentic-altered/a/50018-50001.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515

https://catalog.scpauctions.com/1909_11_T206_HONUS_WAGNER__THE_ORIGINAL_WAGNER__PS

[Rhotchkiss]

Ed, a poster asked in the T206 bst if anyone had a Wagner because he knew someone who wanted to buy one. Powell said he had one. Ryan posted he wanted one. That's why I called it a bst sale, and not a private sale. I stood up for the guy that got trashed for guessing the sale price. They both seem happy with the deal, so all is good. Rob

This is generally correct. I had been after a Wagner for some time and put some feelers out. Then, a few people posted on BST they wanted a Wagner, so I jumped in and posted myself. At this same time, Powell posted on one listing that he had a Wagner. I reached out to Powell, we spoke on the phone, and we made a deal. Note, however, that cards like this just done get sold/bought that easily; this is true with $5,000 cards, let alone T206 Wagners. Both parties needed to get comfortable with one another and pre-qualify. I was able to learn who Powell is through common acquaintances as well as through articles, especially the ones about his collection in the Detroit Institute of Arts. Also, I became comfortable about the provenance of the card (the Connecticut Wagner). After I did my research on the Powell and the card, I was ready. I expect Powell did the same about me, as I know several people vouched for my character and ability to close the deal.

Regarding the Doyle, while I was on the phone with Powell working out a deal on the Wagner, Powell mentioned he would probably just break up the balance of the set now because it was no longer 524. Naturally, I asked if he would sell the Doyle, and he said if he got $X, he would. So I offered his asking price and he accepted. Going in I had ZERO expectation or hope of getting both cards, but when the opportunity presented itself, I had to act - who knows if I would ever get another chance to own a Doyle. So, I cut a deal on both the Wagner and Doyle, and that's how that happened.

With respect to the post by the guy who "guessed" the price: His initial post was much more of a statement, not a question, and implied that he knew the transaction intimately and what the price was, which he did not His post was amended (to what it currently says) only after I "trashed" him. Chris, I do accept your apology, but only warn that words have meaning and how they are written is important -- a question or opinion should be phrased as a question or opinion, as applicable, not as a factual, unequivocal statement.

Regarding price - I am not against telling certain people, privately, what I paid; I have in fact already told a number of people who I know and trust. But, for several reasons, I am not posting the price publicly, on a chat site. First, I have no interest in hearing people's opinion of my transaction - I am thrilled and that is all this community on-whole needs to know. Second, this site is open to the public, and I do not need anyone in my private/personal and business life, many of whom don't understand or care about cards, knowing what I spent on a baseball card. The exact price is not a secret, but its not for public consumption either.

I will disclose that I paid a lot for the Wagner, and far above SMR, which I have always thought was wildly inaccurate for all cards. Powell was not "motivated" to sell the card and the price needed to be sufficient to motivate him; indeed, he named his price and I said yes. Currently, there are a number of people actively and aggressively pursuing a T206 Wagner. Thus, I had competition and had to act (and that';s how I roll). I expect the T206 Wagner in Mile High, which was not available when I cut my deal, to trade for a record-high price for a 1. I agree with Conner that it will sell between $750k - $1mm, and I would not be surprised at all if the card went over $1mm. I feel the fellow who bought the PSA 2 for $1.4mm+/- earlier this year probably got a great deal in retrospect. So you have a borderless "A" selling for $540k (before tax) in September 2019 and a very pretty "2" selling earlier this year for $1.4mm+ (with tax) - there are your comps and should guide where Mile High's 1 may trade.

Regarding the Doyle, it was not as expensive as the Wagner, but close. To me, the Doyle is priceless. T206 Wagners are tough, but they can be had if you are willing to pay (I am an example). The Doyle is simply impossible. Very few exist, and they never sell. It is my belief there are 8-9 known, which means there can be no more than 8-9 complete, 524-card T206 sets. To think that T206 is the ultimate baseball card set and the Doyle, not the Wagner, is the primary obstacle to achieving a complete set - (to me) the Doyle is really really special.

I hope that answers some questions, most notably confirming that both parties are happy; indeed, I am over the moon.

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

I agree with a previous poster that said he has been revisiting this thread frequently to view the cards. I too have found myself looking at the cards almost daily.

And now Ryan has given us all some insight into the thought process and inner workings of how an ultimate baseball card deal can happen (by the way, hopping on an airplane and completing a baseball card deal at an airport sounds like something out of a movie :) )

This is truly a fascinating thread.

Ryan thank you for sharing this so we can all enjoy it too.

John

[Powell]

What Ryan says is 100% accurate and I hope and expect he will receive the same joy I received from the Wagner and Doyle. I had no intention of selling when Ryan reached out, but a deal was made at the highest level of professionalism on both sides. Today, the Wall of Cards comes down. Heritage is picking up 522 — #3 on the Registry with many 1 of 1 specimens this morning. It was a 16 year labor of love. However, a new wall of 522 is going right back up with a mid-grade set. I’m still very much in the hobby. I’m more focused on type collecting and building nice collections of Ruth and Cobb, especially Cobb whom I believe got a bum rap from a biographer who betrayed him. My favorite Cobb is the Plow’s Candy E300 which is about as rare as the Doyle. I’ve enjoyed the Board and appreciate all.

Powell

[MVSNYC]

Wait, Ryan, people vouched for you?

:)

I was happy to be the first person Ryan told about this transaction; he knew I'd be up that late at night! He did not have to go into such great detail here about the inner workings of the deal, but he graciously did (and Powell confirmed). Hopefully people will respect their privacy, and not pry on pricing. Very cool (monumental) transaction, going to the perfect home. Congrats, guys.

[Bpm0014]

Powell/Rhotchkiss, thanks for posting all of that. Was a fun read fellas.

[Seven]

Certainly enjoyed reading through this. I think seeing a deal of this magnitude, will the be closest I'll ever get to actually owning a Wagner. Unless they triple my salary, every year for the next handful of years! More and more I'm enthralled by this community.

[jggames]

So much fun to read. Thank you guys for posting.

[tiger8mush]

Not being a T206 collector I don't understand why the Doyle NY trades at such a premium to the normal card. There are comparable errors in the Old Judge set(same image, incorrect nameplate) that trade at virtually no premium to the normal card, even though they are quite rare. For me the T206 set would be complete without it since there are only 523 distinct images. This is just a variety. But then again, as I said, I don't collect T206s.

Hi Jay, would it be similar to an N172 pose/image that has a corresponding Players League nameplate variation that sells for multiples?

p.s. Nice cards Ryan :)

[clydepepper]

Ryan- W-O-W!!! This is absolutely stunning!!


be sure to check with Buzz Aldrin to find out how to follow up...


.

[atx840]

Thank you for sharing the cards and the story behind acquiring them, that Doyle is sure special (the only example I got to hold in person) :eek:

[oldjudge]

Hi Jay, would it be similar to an N172 pose/image that has a corresponding Players League nameplate variation that sells for multiples?

p.s. Nice cards Ryan :)

Hi Rob! I don’t know a PL card that sells for that kind of percentage premium over the regular version. Nothing close. A factor of ten to twenty would be huge. This is a factor of ten thousand.

[tiger8mush]

Hi Rob! I don’t know a PL card that sells for that kind of percentage premium over the regular version. Nothing close. A factor of ten to twenty would be huge. This is a factor of ten thousand.

good point :)

[clydepepper]

Hey Ryan - I now that you just got the Wagner card, but if you're open to a trade, I have a 1990 Fleer Jose Uribe error card in my safe. You could throw in some cash to make it an even swap...


.

[rats60]

Well SMR for psa 2 Wagner is $1,350,000 and mile high sold one for that price last October so I wouldn’t say SMR is not a reliable source for any card for that matter.

When that card sold SMR was 775k, so it wasn’t accurate. That was based on a sale of 776750. The new sale of 1353625 was an increase of 74%. Apply that to the 550 and you get a new price of 958k. After that the Authentic with 3 sides cut off sold for 540k and again they didn’t raise the price. If you use the median between an A and 2 sale it would be 947k for a 1. If you use their valuation of Plank the 2 is 1.41 times the value of a 1. Apply that to the Wagner and you get 957k. Just based on more recent sales a 1 should be worth around 950k, even if they are conservative price it at 900k.

All this doesn’t factor in the recent jump in prices. There are clearly people throwing around big money for cards. We have a Trout selling for over 900k and a LeBron currently in auction at 900k. All it takes is 2 people with the money wanting a Wagner and the price could go even higher. Wagner is the one vintage card that should see a bump from the big money being paid for modern cards. When Gretzky paid 451k the his Wagner, it was expected to go for much less, so it shouldn’t be a surprise if this card goes over a million dollars.

[Leon]

I have to agree the Doyle would be the one to have (for me) if going for the 534. Wagner's can be had with money. That isn't always the case with the Doyle.


.

[Jdoggs]

When that card sold SMR was 775k, so it wasn’t accurate. That was based on a sale of 776750. The new sale of 1353625 was an increase of 74%. Apply that to the 550 and you get a new price of 958k. After that the Authentic with 3 sides cut off sold for 540k and again they didn’t raise the price. If you use the median between an A and 2 sale it would be 947k for a 1. If you use their valuation of Plank the 2 is 1.41 times the value of a 1. Apply that to the Wagner and you get 957k. Just based on more recent sales a 1 should be worth around 950k, even if they are conservative price it at 900k.

All this doesn’t factor in the recent jump in prices. There are clearly people throwing around big money for cards. We have a Trout selling for over 900k and a LeBron currently in auction at 900k. All it takes is 2 people with the money wanting a Wagner and the price could go even higher. Wagner is the one vintage card that should see a bump from the big money being paid for modern cards. When Gretzky paid 451k the his Wagner, it was expected to go for much less, so it shouldn’t be a surprise if this card goes over a million dollars.

Ok we shall see if your valuation is correct or not.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I have to agree the Doyle would be the one to have (for me) if going for the 534. Wagner's can be had with money. That isn't always the case with the Doyle.


.

534??? I'm out. :D

[rats60]

Ok we shall see if your valuation is correct or not.

And we will see how close your valuation of 550k is.

[Jdoggs]

Never did a valuation just stated what SMR says.
SMR may be off too or close to accurate, we shall see.

[rats60]

SMR for t206 Wagner psa 1 is $550k so should sell somewhere in that vicinity.

You said it should sell in the vicinity of 550k. We shall see how accurate that is.

[Jdoggs]

Yes rats we will see.

[Leon]

I think Wags cards are going to keep going up. They have almost never gone down aNd I don't see it in this atmosphere.

.

[Rich Falvo]

Count me among those who keep coming back to this thread just to see the cards again. I know I could Google pictures at any time, but it just seems different when it's one person owning them at once.

[Rhotchkiss]

I wanted to update that I have officially completed the 524 T206 set!

I recently acquired a near complete PSA registry set (thanks Gary). After picking up a few laggards and adding some from my collection, I can proudly say that I have assembled a complete, 524-card T206 set. Every card except my Doyle and a Cobb, Bat On, are in a PSA flip, with an average grade of 5.62. I expect (with some help) to register the set, and I may attempt to cross the Doyle and Cobb, down the line. If I do cross the two cards and register the set, it will be the only 100% complete, 524-card T206 set on the active registry and only the 2nd 100% complete set ever registered.

I love baseball cards and I love the T206 set most of all, so I am super-psyched to accomplish this.

Quick note that, before he sold me the Wagner and the Doyle, Powell (the original owner of the Connecticut Wagner and the Doyle) had a complete 524-card T206 set (in a much higher average grade than mine). I could never have done this without him and his willingness to part with those two amazing cards (and a Demmitt, St. Louis).

Thanks to Joe, JP and Memory Lane for helping me complete the bulk of the set.

Thank you Bill, Bob, and Hank for helping me fill a few holes.

A special thanks to Troy for your help and advice, and thanks also to Michael, Luke, Jay, Andrew, Steven, and Bryan for your guidance. And thanks to all of you who offered me cards, sets, and parts of sets, especially Ron, Scott, and Rob.

[MVSNYC]

Really psyched for you, Ryan. Congrats, fantastic accomplishment!

Best,
M

[Leon]

Congrats Ryan......

[RCMcKenzie]

Nice going, Ryan. What's next? Upgrades? Tougher backs? T205? T207? n172?

[oldjudge]

Congratulation Ryan. Collecting is about fun, and it is easy to tell that you are having a gas.

[Bridwell]

Congrats, Ryan. Well done!!

[Rhotchkiss]

Congrats, Ryan. Well done!!

Thanks Ron!

[trambo]

I wanted to update that I have officially completed the 524 T206 set!

I recently acquired a near complete PSA registry set (thanks Gary). After picking up a few laggards and adding some from my collection, I can proudly say that I have assembled a complete, 524-card T206 set. Every card except my Doyle and a Cobb, Bat On, are in a PSA flip, with an average grade of 5.62. I expect (with some help) to register the set, and I may attempt to cross the Doyle and Cobb, down the line. If I do cross the two cards and register the set, it will be the only 100% complete, 524-card T206 set on the active registry and only the 2nd 100% complete set ever registered.

I love baseball cards and I love the T206 set most of all, so I am super-psyched to accomplish this.

Quick note that, before he sold me the Wagner and the Doyle, Powell (the original owner of the Connecticut Wagner and the Doyle) had a complete 524-card T206 set (in a much higher average grade than mine). I could never have done this without him and his willingness to part with those two amazing cards (and a Demmitt, St. Louis).

Thanks to Joe, JP and Memory Lane for helping me complete the bulk of the set.

Thank you Bill, Bob, and Hank for helping me fill a few holes.

A special thanks to Troy for your help and advice, and thanks also to Michael, Luke, Jay, Andrew, Steven, and Bryan for your guidance. And thanks to all of you who offered me cards, sets, and parts of sets, especially Ron, Scott, and Rob.

Congrats on the achievement! Definitely not a normal way of doing this but great to see you getting it done so efficiently...haha! Glad to help the little I did as well! Now I can be jealous looking at your set....haha! Kudos and congrats again!

[ZiggerZagger]

Congrats Ryan -- really pleased for you!

You've had some help from some great folks along the way, some of the best people in the hobby!

It takes a community to help put the set together, and has been the most enjoyable thing I've done in the hobby personally. Hope you've had the same experience.

Hit lowly #519 last night myself, and can only imagine how it must feel to get to the mythical 524! Enjoy it fully!
|

[iwantitiwinit]

Way to go Ryan.

[Rickyy]

Wow late to the thread...but congratulations Ryan! What an achievement!

Ricky Y

[111gecko]

Congrats...what an accomplishment this is.

[DeanH3]

Congrats Ryan! Just want to pile on and say Ryan has always been top notch in all of our interactions. I'm proud to call him a friend. Well done Ryan.

[pawpawdiv9]

Shazamm!!!
I gotta ask this---Anyway these will be put on display at a museum or something.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

very cool. very, very cool.

[tonyo]

Once again , thanks for for letting the board be a part of this Ryan! Brings a smile to my face :)

much appreciated

[tedzan]

Ryan

From your Bresnahan (bat) card and Cy Young (glove) cards, which were your first T206's (circa late 1980's) to a complete 524-card T206 set....WOW !

It doesn't get any better than that in this hobby.

CONGRATULATIONS !

Hope to see you at the September Philly Show.


TED Z

T206 Reference (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=237816)
.

[Rhotchkiss]

Sincere thanks everyone for the kind words.

[Rhotchkiss]

Hi everyone, I am please to announce that my Joe Doyle has been crossed over to PSA (at a 3.5), which means once I get my Lajoie Portrait on the registry, the "Hotchkiss 524 Set" will exist as the only, active 100% complete, 524-card, T206 set on the PSA Registry (and only the 2nd one ever registered). Currently the set sits at 7 overall, where it will likely remain -- until I get knocked down (because I dont plan on doing much/any upgrading). Here is a link to the set:

https://www.psacard.com/psasetregistry/baseball/t206-sets/complete-t206-player-image-set-wagner-doyle-ny-natl-plank-magie/publishedset/354543

Hopefully, within a few months, front/back pictures of each card will be attached to the registry set.

NOW - my goal is to get this set into a museum (it does not belong in a safety deposit box or safe). Does anyone have connections to any museums? We have the Smithsonian (and many others) here in Washington DC (hometown), which I am going to approach. But I am open to all options. Thanks

[Powell]

Congrats, Ryan!!

The Smithsonian would be awesome!!

[Cmount76]

Amazing! Congrats on the accomplishment and I completely agree...it belongs in a museum to be seen and appreciated. (If you can manage to do an east coast museum, I will be there to appreciate it)

[tedzan]

Hey Ryan, ole buddy,

The most appropriate Museum would be the BASEBALL HALL of FAME in Cooperstown. It would be appreciated there more than in any other museum.

They have had a T206 set on display; however, it does not compare with your's. And, I know it does NOT have the Doyle N.Y. Nat'L card.

Take care my friend.


TED Z

T206 Reference (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=237816)
.

[maniac_73]

Hi everyone, I am please to announce that my Joe Doyle has been crossed over to PSA (at a 3.5), which means once I get my Lajoie Portrait on the registry, the "Hotchkiss 524 Set" will exist as the only, active 100% complete, 524-card, T206 set on the PSA Registry (and only the 2nd one ever registered). Currently the set sits at 7 overall, where it will likely remain -- until I get knocked down (because I dont plan on doing much/any upgrading). Here is a link to the set:

https://www.psacard.com/psasetregistry/baseball/t206-sets/complete-t206-player-image-set-wagner-doyle-ny-natl-plank-magie/publishedset/354543

Hopefully, within a few months, front/back pictures of each card will be attached to the registry set.

NOW - my goal is to get this set into a museum (it does not belong in a safety deposit box or safe). Does anyone have connections to any museums? We have the Smithsonian (and many others) here in Washington DC (hometown), which I am going to approach. But I am open to all options. Thanks

Speechless. I feel privileged that you shared this journey with us. Its like Im witnessing history as it happens lol

[t206fanatic]

Congrats Ryan, that's fantastic. Can't wait to see the pictures!

[bnorth]

Hi everyone, I am please to announce that my Joe Doyle has been crossed over to PSA (at a 3.5), which means once I get my Lajoie Portrait on the registry, the "Hotchkiss 524 Set" will exist as the only, active 100% complete, 524-card, T206 set on the PSA Registry (and only the 2nd one ever registered). Currently the set sits at 7 overall, where it will likely remain -- until I get knocked down (because I dont plan on doing much/any upgrading). Here is a link to the set:

https://www.psacard.com/psasetregistry/baseball/t206-sets/complete-t206-player-image-set-wagner-doyle-ny-natl-plank-magie/publishedset/354543

Hopefully, within a few months, front/back pictures of each card will be attached to the registry set.

NOW - my goal is to get this set into a museum (it does not belong in a safety deposit box or safe). Does anyone have connections to any museums? We have the Smithsonian (and many others) here in Washington DC (hometown), which I am going to approach. But I am open to all options. Thanks

Congrats on the COMPLETE set.:)

Be very very careful when it comes to dealing with museums.

[RCMcKenzie]

Congrats on the COMPLETE set.:)

Be very very careful when it comes to dealing with museums.

I can't imagine gifting anything to a museum. They will likely de-access it and split up the money in administrative salaries. I'd go with fire-proof safe, and flickr account display.

[Bridwell]

Congrats, Ryan. That's an awesome set!

[chriskim]

Ryan,

Congrats on switching over your Doyle from SGC to PSA. PSA should have at least giving it a 4. But either way, it is still the highest grade Doyle known to exist. Congrats once again!

[bnorth]

I can't imagine gifting anything to a museum. They will likely de-access it and split up the money in administrative salaries. I'd go with fire-proof safe, and flickr account display.

I have a horror story myself as did many other members when donating to a museum was discussed on here before.

Letting a museum display it would be great. Letting the HOF display it would be amazing. Donating it to a museum would be horrible IMHO.

[tedzan]

I have a horror story myself as did many other members when donating to a museum was discussed on here before.

Letting a museum display it would be great. Letting the HOF display it would be amazing. Donating it to a museum would be horrible IMHO.

Ben

I agree with you regarding the HOF Museum. In post #164 here, I suggested to Ryan that this would be best. And of course, only LENDING them the cards for display.
The HOF Museum is constantly modifying many of their exhibits. So, Ryan's T206 set may on display for several years, then replaced with another display.

Virtually, every year since 1985 I have set-up at the Cooperstown BB card Show during HOF weekend. I was always impressed with the crowd that gathered to see the
various BB card exhibits in the Museum.



Hey Ryan, ole buddy,

The most appropriate Museum would be the BASEBALL HALL of FAME in Cooperstown. It would be appreciated there more than in any other museum.

They have had a T206 set on display; however, it does not compare with your's. And, I know it does NOT have the Doyle N.Y. Nat'L card.

Take care my friend.


TED Z
.

[Rhotchkiss]

To be clear, I would lend, not donate. I plan on retaining ownership of the set and letting my kids deal with it after I am gone. But I would be fine if they sat (on loan) in a museum for many years; the set deserves to be seen, not stowed away, plus I have nowhere to keep it.

[bnorth]

To be clear, I would lend, not donate. I plan on retaining ownership of the set and letting my kids deal with it after I am gone. But I would be fine if they sat (on loan) in a museum for many years; the set deserves to be seen, not stowed away, plus I have nowhere to keep it.

I love Teds idea on the HOF, it's why I mentioned it.

[Rhotchkiss]

I love Teds idea on the HOF.

So do I! I have been in contact. Stay tuned...

[jjp3rd]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brianp-beme]

So do I! I have been in contact. Stay tuned...

Definitely loaning (if they will take it) would be the route. Here is an excerpt from a NY Times article about the Baseball HOF and their donation/loan policies:

At the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., the acquisitions policy is slightly less stringent. It accepts certain items on loan if a particular exhibit is short on alternative artifacts.

“The lifeblood of any museum is its collections,” said Jeff Idelson, the president of the Hall. “Our policy is that artifacts that we acquire are donated. We have some items that are on loan, and the only time we have an interest in accepting a loan item is when we can’t tell a story because we don’t have anything to tell the story.”

A prominent example is the glove Willie Mays used to make his famous back-to-the-plate catch in the 1954 World Series. It has been on loan to Cooperstown since 1992.

But the cap Bobby Thomson wore when his 1951 playoff home run clinched the National League pennant for the New York Giants, which had been in the museum’s care for more than 27 years, was returned to its owner. In May, it was auctioned for more than $173,000.

Though much of its permanent collection is not on exhibit, the baseball Hall pledges to care for those items it accepts in perpetuity. Other museums sometimes sell objects from their collections and reinvest the proceeds in new acquisitions, as industry ethicists recommend, or to pay operating expenses.

Brian

[Bigdaddy]

Ryan, if the museum thing doesn't work out, how about a really spiffy online exhibit? You would retain the cards, but high-res photos of the front and backs could be put into a very cool virtual museum. Lots of museums are doing this now with collections they have and sometimes ones that may not be on display.

A good web designer could put something together with a searchable database that you could also browse and with links to player and HOF bios. You might look for all T206 Cincinnati Reds for example, or all SL cards. There could also be links to the PSA database and even videos of some of the players. There is so much you could pull together here and it would be accessible to so many more people than being at a single museum. I know it's not the same as seeing the cards in person, but there are other interactive threads you could pull on. T206reference.com has some of these things, but I'm thinking bigger with more interactive content.

Just a thought as it sounds like the museum road can be full of potholes.

[111gecko]

You could always go Stanley Cup style to the members here..each one of us keeps it for a couple weeks and then it goes to the next person...HA!

[Rhotchkiss]

An online exhibit would be ok, but I am going to have pics (ohhh quality scans) of the entire set attached to the registry, so it will be online there. I really would like to get it someone where people can view it in person

[Jewish-collector]

How about the Babe Ruth Museum ans Sports Legends Museum in Baltimore ?

https://baberuthmuseum.org/

[Exhibitman]

In this era, scan and create a site. Most of us aren't going anywhere in the near future anyway. Or even more fun, learn to operate a graphics/book-making program and create your own coffee-table book. Might be a fun diversion from binge-ing Netflix.

[Rhotchkiss]

Today I got my Lajoie Portrait registered, and my set now sits in the PSA Registry as the only 100% complete, 524-card, set on the current PSA T206 with Big 4 registry (and only the second ever registered).

I am hopeful that pics of every card will be posted in the registry by the end of August, which means I will have my digital gallery on the registry. I continue to search for a brick-and-mortar museum to exhibit them (on long term loan).

Sincere thanks to JP and the folks at Memory Lane for helping this tech-idiot (me) through the registry process and for getting the set registered.

[Seven]

Glad to hear it! The set is a true beauty. Best of luck finding a museum to display this.

[BRoberts]

Great accomplishment! You should post the story of your set on the website www.greeneggers.com. Even though the site is dedicated to cooking on Big Green Eggs, there are A LOT of baseball card collectors (and off-topic posts) who would LOVE to know about this amazing feat!!!

[Baseballcrazy62]

Very very special!! Congrats and well done!

[rats60]

SMR for t206 Wagner psa 1 is $550k so should sell somewhere in that vicinity.

After the first day the Mile High Wagner is sitting at 756k with bp. It looks like a smart move buying before the next one was auctioned.

[LuckyLarry]

really cool!
Larry

[rats60]

Wagner sells for 1.17 million dollars, almost double what the last PSA 1 sold for 3 years ago.