T206 Set Opinion

[ruth-gehrig]

Hi there. I've always been a vintage baseball memorabilia collector until about 2 weeks ago when I found some T206 commons a local guy had. Now I know they call this set the MONSTER for a reason. I get that part. I know collecting this set is a marathon and not a sprint. I get that too. What I'm wondering is in your T206 experience what is the low estimate of putting together the set(minus 4) with lower grade cards. I'm thinking of cards that either are or appear to grade 1-3, something like that. Thanks

[steve B]

Time or money?

if you don't care about condition it should be pretty quick to get very close, Maybe set-8 or 10.

Going with all low grade cards, figure $15-20 for commons 75-100 for typical HOF players, and maybe 50-100 for Southern leaguers. It can be done cheaper if you're patient and good at hunting for or negotiating for bargains.

So 15-22 thousand for the easy ones. The next 6-8 will be tougher and more expensive.

But as you get into them you'll start looking at backs. And the badly trimmed or creased cards might become less appealing. Especially once you get that one really nice one....

Geez I just realized how little it would have cost when I started collecting. And how much junk I spent that money on..... Ah well, there's also a bunch of stuff I didn't buy that's worse junk than what I did buy, and it's all been fun so far.

Steve B

[atx840]

I would think individually or in small lots 15-20k at the prices cards are going for would do it. Best bet would be large lots.

Here is a 355 lot from last week for $6600. Link

[bbcard1]

I am working on a very low grade set...have only been really serious for about a year and have it down to 120 or so to go. I am seeing this as my "rest of my life" set. I really hope to complete it by the end of next year (minus the big four) and then just work on upgrading it. At this point it is GENERALLY poor to fair...hope to eventually get it up to good. I have a good job, but haven't broke the bank for it...also have two kids to get through college. The key for me has been 1) I am able to be grade tolerant and 2) I have traded A LOT.

[ruth-gehrig]

Thanks for all the info. Congrats bbcard1. Sounds like you've made substantial progress so far. Keep it up!