Why do you collect backs?

[ullmandds]

I have always loved rare backs because the fronts are usually easy... whereas the fronts with rare backs are not!!

[Rhotchkiss]

Initially, because they are rare. Now, because I am addicted

[Brian Van Horn]

Just stretching the subject to the M101-4/5s and other back sets. It is simply the fun of finding the backs:

[Rich Falvo]

I like to collect players from the Providence team. There are very few of them in any set. Collecting the different backs is a way to expand my collection. Plus, it's just fun chasing down rarities.

[mybuddyinc]

Back in January 2016 I had finished a 520 T206 set. All Pied. and SC, on purpose. Commons vg; HOF/sl good (Demmitt and O'Hara acceptable). I sold any non-pied/sc back and any high grades from lots I won, so to finance this project. FUN set to put together, based on condition ........... but, when I was done, I was done. Not to sound egotistical, but it had gone as far as it could...... so I sold it.

Now being a T206-ahaolic (I can quit any time I want, I just don't want to ), I still needed my T206 fix. Just after selling old set, I bought a fairly large lot of cards. About 50 with mid-tier backs.............. thought, why not ??!!! My original goal was to get 520 with ~50% backs between PB and Pied.42. After about 6 months I hit 50%............. and said, once again, why not go for more . Now sit at 507/520 .

What I find is the search is a bit more fun, and what I have learned about the T206 set is quite unreal and amazing. The nuances of the set are so much more intricate than I ever thought !!!!!!!!!!!

Also IF I'll ever reach 520, I never really be done. There are always "back upgrades" to be gotten, and more knowledge to be learned.

Fun stuff, Scott

[rats60]

I like the artwork of the t206 backs. That is why I am trying to get one of each back. I am also collecting t205, but I don't collect the different backs on those. It would be a case by case basis for me.

[Ronnie73]

I collect different T206 backs because honestly a basic 520 card Piedmont/Sweet Caporal/Polar Bear set is a simple task if you have the money. Collecting the different front/back combo's is kind of like treasure hunting and needing to be at the right place at the right time to score a rare combo. Also, searching and buying one card at a time kind of brings me back to when I was a kid building a Topps set one pack at a time. I guess the last reason is I needed something that can not be completed. Other sets that I've completed, I lost interest in right after the purchase of the last card and then either sold the set or broke it up which I don't enjoy but also don't want to keep something I've lost interest for.

[Leon]

Back collecting is a lot of fun and adds variety to the common fronts...

From the previous collection...

[orly57]

Makes sense. Chasing rarities, while frustrating, is really fun. I also see the point about how a rare back makes what is usually a readily-available card into something more special.

[KMayUSA6060]

It's a collection of history. Advertising is boring nowadays. The outlets are no longer unique, and it's pretty easy to reach the masses. They had to be creative back then, and the backs are proof.

[SMPEP]

Why? Because it's 50% of the card.

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

I have always loved rare backs because the fronts are usually easy... whereas the fronts with rare backs are not!!

Exactly! Also, I really like the advertising on cards. Frequently, the same player image was used for several pre-War sets, making the backs as or more interesting than the fronts. For example, this Sam Rice image was used for several sets, but many of the backs it can be found with are scarce:

[Leon]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

Exactly! Also, I really like the advertising on cards. Frequently, the same player image was used for several pre-War sets, making the backs as or more interesting than the fronts. For example, this Sam Rice image was used for several sets, but many of the backs it can be found with are scarce:

Hey Val
Some time ago we had a thread about doppelganger collectors. I think you and Dan Mckee might be close to the ticket for me...Love me some backs of cards. Even Heinie is agreeing with a WTF gesture. The rarer the better!!

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by Leon

Hey Val
Some time ago we had a thread about doppelganger collectors. I think you and Dan Mckee might be close to the ticket for me...Love me some backs of cards. Even Heinie is agreeing with a WTF gesture. The rarer the better!!

Hey Leon,
My first instinct re your including me in the same category as Dan Mckee was to consider it an insult (hi Dan!), but then I quickly remembered that my drinks at the Net54 "dinner" at the National are on your tab, so all is good!

I can match your Leader Theatre, but I'm still wanting a Shotwell for my type collection. I assumed that obtaining scarce type cards would become easier after you sold your fantastic type collection a couple of years ago, but it appears to me that you have gotten back into the game.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

Hey Leon,
My first instinct re your including me in the same category as Dan Mckee was to consider it an insult (hi Dan!), but then I quickly remembered that my drinks at the Net54 "dinner" at the National are on your tab, so all is good!

I can match your Leader Theatre, but I'm still wanting a Shotwell for my type collection. I assumed that obtaining scarce type cards would become easier after you sold your fantastic type collection a couple of years ago, but it appears to me that you have gotten back into the game.

I can't get it out of my blood, Val. Here is one I didn't have when I still had my 19th Century type collection many years ago..
I guess this one doesn't have a back but it has a printed front, and was part of a set, which is sort of scarce for a cabinet card.....

[DeanH3]

I don't specifically collect backs, however I have really come to appreciate them more over the last few years. I really enjoy the graphic and typographical design of many of them. Definitely want to add an Croft's Candy. Those red back Croft's are awesome!!

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by Leon

I can't get it out of my blood, Val. Here is one I didn't have when I still had my 19th Century collection type collection many years ago..
I guess this one doesn't have a back but it has a printed front which is sort of scarce for a cabinet card.

Very nice Leon! A Joseph Hall cabinet of the Washington team is one of my Holy Grails.