T206 Distribution Vs. T205

[usernamealreadytaken]

This is an elementary question, but what was the distribution process for t205's? I understand they were issued contemporaneously with T206's in the same brand. In other words, if I had a tax-stamped 1910 Piedmont pack, how would I be certain it didn't contain a T205?

[barrysloate]

T205 were issued a bit later than T206. Because all T205 have the completed statistics for the 1910 season, it is believed the were issued in early 1911. By then T206 distribution was reaching an end.

But I don't have the answer to your tax stamp question.

[Matt]

Making a number of assumptions, we can infer support for Barry's statement:

Using pop reports, we can say that about 3.5 T206s were produced for every T205. Assuming T205 production only commenced when T206 ended, and they were only produced over 1909-1911, we can roughly estimate that T206s were produced until the end of April 1911 and T205s were produced the final 8 months of 1911.

Aside from the stated assumptions, we'd be assuming that T205s were as widely inserted/distributed/purchased as T206s in their time and an almost certainly faulty assumption that production commenced Jan 1st 1909 and ended Dec 31st 1911. As such, April is a very rough estimate, but illustrative nonetheless.

[Edwolf1963]

"Using pop reports, we can say that about 3.5 T206s were produced for every T205."

Along this line, may I ask - (and my apologies if this has been addressed many times before) .. seems that the T205's held a slightly higher value than similarly graded T206's a few years ago. Would appear not to be the case today, I'm wondering why..? Perhaps just perception, just seems that auction values of T205's has dropped in the last couple years. I realize basic economics of supply and demand, perhaps the demand for the T205's vs. T206 has fallen off .. or is there more to it..?

Also, are there any premiums assumed for the T205 backs..? I see that some sellers list/highlight the back, but can't see where any real price bump is associated with it?

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Edwolf1963

Along this line, may I ask...

Also, are there any premiums assumed for the T205 backs..? I see that some sellers list/highlight the back, but can't see where any real price bump is associated with it?

Ed - a few things - certainly there are more T206 collectors then T205 and that effects value. Also, the numbers were for total populations - that isn't to say a given player is more or less rare in T205 then in T206; remember the T206 set is much bigger.


There are certainly premiums for backs, though not for the common backs usually seen (e.g. PB, Piedmont, HLC). Drum and BroadLeaf carry significant premiums.

[asoriano]

Originally Posted by Edwolf1963

Also, are there any premiums assumed for the T205 backs..? I see that some sellers list/highlight the back, but can't see where any real price bump is associated with it?

Backs that command the highest premiums:

1) Hindu (I've always believed that the Hindu was tougher than the Drum)
2) Drum
3) Broad Leaf (Green or Black; about the same in terms of rarity)


Backs that command a very small premium, and in some cases, no premium:

1) American Beauty
2) Cycle
3) Piedmont 42 (Much, much easier to find than a T206 Piedmont 42)


Backs that command no premium:

1) Hassan
2) Honest
3) Piedmont 25
4) Polar Bear
5) Sovereign
6) Sweet Caporal

[FUBAR]

along the same lines as the orignal question... How is one to ensure there is actually a baseball card inside the cig pack??

I have seen alot of other "t206" type cards with planes and other type stuff on them.

Something i always wondered!

[rdwyer]

As for packs, I have a Recruit pack that has overprinting of 1912 Factory 240, 1st District, PA. This is the only pack without a doubt that contained a T205, because that factory only produced T205's and nothing else. (Non Sports included)