Dating T206 Cards

[M's_Fan]

I love my T206ers, but not in that kind of way, I'm talking about finding out exactly what year in which they were printed.

SGC usually puts a date on a T206 card, either 1909, 1910, or 1911, but then sometimes SGC just puts "1909-1911." Is the "1909-1911" card graded right before lunch or quittin' time?



PSA doesn't bother, and just puts "T206." Why doesn't PSA put a date on it? To save time, or because its not clear whether it was 1909, 1910, or 1911?



Is dating a T206 card an exact science? Is there some sort of formula to follow? Or is it a complex inquiry due to a variety of factors, such as back, factory, set #, etc? What formula/criteria does SGC and others use?

[FrankWakefield]

When they do date, and are close to getting it right (not always the same), they usually do it by considering the series. Read the book by Scot Reader about T206, and read Mr. Lipset's 3rd volume of his Encyclopedia of Baseball cards, the section on T206's, to get a good grip on dating the cards.

[Mikehealer]

It is based on the advertising backs and the "number" of subjects stated on the
back. Those that advertise 150 subjects are dated 1909, 350 subjects are dated 1910 and 350-460 subjects and 460 subjects are dated 1911. All others
that do not designate one of the specific numbers (Hindu, Old Mill, EPDG etc)
are dated 1909-11.

[srs1a]

SGC dates a 150 backside 1909, 350 gets 1910 and 460 gets 1911 (like your Schlei). Any of the "Large series", etc get a 1909-1911 (like your Hindu). This isn't exactly accurate and you might want to read Scot Reader's work to get a better idea.

edited to add: 3 in a row, it must be right!

[FrankWakefield]

srs is right. It is not at all as simple as series 150 = 1909. Even though that may be what the grading folks do... If the question is how do they date them, then it really is that simple, and they're wrong. If the question is how does one correctly date, then read that stuff.

[M's_Fan]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

It is based on the advertising backs and the "number" of subjects stated on the
back. Those that advertise 150 subjects are dated 1909, 350 subjects are dated 1910 and 350-460 subjects and 460 subjects are dated 1911. All others
that do not designate one of the specific numbers (Hindu, Old Mill, EPDG etc)
are dated 1909-11.

So that's the formula they use, good to know. Yes, I was wondering what formula SGC uses, and also if it is accurate. Sounds like it isn't that simple and sometimes SGC gives it an incorrect date on the label. Thanks!

[joebrandon1977]

Would a 1909 card deemed by SGC be worth more than a 1910 or 1911? And a 1910 be worth more than a 1911?

Assume condition / rating was the same.

I've searched for this, but haven't found much information on it. Will be interested to here some thoughts.

[FrankWakefield]

Joe, I think the straightforward answer to your question is no.


However, the series 150 cards are usually found with slightly more wear. Those cards had more time to be in the pockets of kids when not in their grimy hands. So I can see how someone after all possible backs of a certain player, team, or for a master set might consider a very slight premium for a 150 series card in great condition as to the same front with a 350 series back. Very slight... and only a few people might pay that difference. Generally, the cost differences have nothing to do with the year, it's about the fronts, the backs, the captions, the player, the scarcity...