Colgan’s Chips Values
 

I would like to hear some thoughts as to why this particular set doesn’t seem to bring similar values as just about every other set from the c1910 era, of which there are many. The reason I ask, as an owner of a mid-grade Colgan’s Chips Honus Wagner in a SGC 4.5 holder with no significant defects, I consigned the card to a major auction house last month and it closed last night at $3,000 (including BP) which netted me $2,500. I bought the card during the third quarter of 2021 for $2,950 so ended up as a $450 loss to me and I thought I got a pretty good deal on it. Not the worst thing in the world but I have seen almost nothing but strong prices for nearly every career contemporary card of Wagner that sold at auction lately. This seems to follow a trend for these Colgan’s Chips as I have had similar recent past experiences with Eddie Collins and Tris Speaker. Is it the circular nature of the cards that makes them unpopular with collectors? I know they aren’t the most obscure cards out there nor are they anywhere near as common as T206’s and the like.

Possibly because it is not a "true" card issue, and not a mainstream collectible. Same goes for things like S74 silks, BF2 Ferguson Bakery felt pennants, etc.

Thank you for the reply, Bob. Aside from the round shape of it, I would think that the advertising on back makes it just as legitimate of a card as a Croft’s Candy or anything else. Those items that you mentioned are made of fabric and obviously wouldn’t qualify as cards, you are correct. I also don’t believe any of the TPG’s grade S74 Silks or Ferguson Bakery pennants but they all grade Colgan’s Chips cards.

it makes Colgans an opportunity. One thing is for sure: the market gets to everything eventually. They will get their turn on the rollercoaster.

For me it’s the round card, great images though.

They are also printed on thin paper, not cardboard, like most cards are either. I agree they are a great collectible, and have quite a few myself. They just don't get the same appreciation (and value) since there is less demand for them as they aren't what is typically thought of as cards. Less demand = less value.

As Adam alluded to though, as other, more mainstream card prices rise, collectors eventually look to other more affordable options, like Colgan's Chips cards. Especially HOFers and stars.

I also like other oddball issues like the S74 silks and BF2 felt pennants. And you can get those graded as well. It is PSA only I believe that doesn't grade the S74s and BF2s. I know SGC grades them both. Not sure about Beckett. Had heard CSG grades the silks as well. Haven't heard if they're doing the BF2s yet, but if they're doing the S74 silks, I assume they'll grade the BF2s as well.

I have always appreciated that some folks don't appreciate the round shape. I consider them equal to other, more rectangular cards...they came in a round tin along with the product, are cardboard, and have advertising on the back to boot, like most good 1910 era cards do. My thought is no worries about my eye demanding sharp corners on these critters. However, throughout my collecting over the years, they have always been considered a step below other cards to many collectors.

But just like their squared off relatives, centering can be an issue...beware of imitations!

Brian

I've been buying them over the last year or so. Gotta love the Horner portraits.

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...0Cobb%201.jpeg
https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...ollins%201.jpg

I like the look of the chips and at some point I am looking to get one. My dream "chip" is the 1912 e270 tin tops joe jackson.
But it is In my opinion a niche market for collectors because of the size and shape vs cards/postcards that have similiar shapes and sizes.
Also the pricing is a bit inconsistent because not many sell and the demand seems to fluctuate

I am with ya thinking the Colgan's are undervalued. They have real actual outstanding photos. They are cardboard, doubt they are much thinner paper stock than T206. All the grading companies grade them. They are in short supply, but also are other way more spendy issues. The set contains all the major HOFers, nice. They were widely distributed, with candy, just like other issues. To me, they just ooze vintage. It may simply all boil down to the shape, I guess.

SGC definitely grades the silks. I have a couple.

Wow, that Cy Young is a winner.

+1

Yes, but they could do a bit better job though. Really inconsistent in how they grade them. I do give them credit for only grading the S74-1 white silks missing the backing as "Authentic" only.

Hope it’s cool to post this here but I would LOVE to add 1-2 hof chips to my collection if any of you are thinking of selling.

I think there is an Addie Joss, right? That would be ideal

I bought an empty tin about 6 months ago and need a card to add to it

PM me!

Thx

Jeff

I got my Wags in the dark ages:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...Wagner%201.jpg

I wanted it ever since I was a kid collector.

The stock is thicker than the thin stock Coupon cards. Feels about the same as a Zeenut. I have an Evers I've been lazy about slabbing, so I can compare various types by feel. Got a Tinker too; looking for a comparable Chance to finish the trio

These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."

I assume you are referring to the E254 Colgan's set, inasmuch as you showed a very nice E254 of Cy Young. If so, I guess that you don't consider Walter Johnson to be a major HOFer, as WaJo is NOT in the E254 set. Of the three Colgan's sets, WaJo is found only in the E270-2 Tin Tops set.

Tin top Cobb
 

Very undervalued in my opinion and the Tin Tops & Red Borders are awfully scarce… although the “Skydash” find of Tin Tops made them more attainable

I don't mind
 

hanging onto this 1 and only PSA graded red border example till the market appreciates it a bit more! There are 2 SGC graded examples - 1 comparable to this one and 1 that looks considerably worse. I believe a board member owns 1 of those.

10yrs ago no one cared about T205 gold borders, now they are as hot or hotter than T206s. Colgan's Chips are 'WAY' undervalued!!!

In my opinion, the shape and size of these disc “cards” is what holds them back in popularity and price and I think that will always be the case. Similar to diecut cards and supplements, the fact that they are not “cards” in the traditional sense, will forever hold them back; note Post cards, which by their own name are “cards” and cabinets, which have a separate and established following/cache and are more widely accepted, do not, in my opinion, suffer so much from the same shape affliction, but are nominally penalized as well.

I own one round card. I don’t like it. I bought it bc it’s a very rare Wagner. I did make a run at the round Thorpe in ML a few months ago, bc I collect Thorpe and it’s super rare. Maybe I would like to own a Joe Jax. But aside from that, I have no real interest in round “cards”, even Wagner, Cobb, etc., and I suspect that is the hobby feeling in general. It may change, and I hope it does, but I am not betting on it

The Colgan’s Chips sets have always been some of my favorite sets.

The round size puts people off for some reason and because they are not square many consider them not baseball cards. That being said many said the same thing about Exhibit cards as well due to their oversized nature as well until somewhat recently so it is likely Colgan’s could have their day in the sun at some point it seems.

Here I feature my near Master set of E254’s:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6b44G_TUWUM

One of my favorite sets--thanks for the youtube link Rhett. Would like to learn where you find the mylar sleeves you use for the binders.

Like Adam said, you really gotta love the Horner photos. My only complaint is the company's decision to spurn quality pitching, especially in the base E254 set (the E270s are of less interest to me). Like Val said, no Wajo. No Matty, Mordecai, Chief, Eddie, Marquardt or Willis. Still, the Cy is classic, as is the Joss, and multiple Waddells are a cool touch.

I really like the mix of major and minor league players--some very obscure-- and the round shape actually appeals to me. I picked this set all those years ago in some ways because I was looking for one that could not easily be altered--especially trimmed. I don't pursue them as actively as I should anymore, but they have always been among my favorites to look at. Here's a possible rookie and error card rolled into one:
https://photos.imageevent.com/imover...e254hooper.jpg

Thanks regarding the Cy Young chip. Sorry, didn't realize Walter Johnson not in set. And never, ever do I not consider W. Johnson a major HOFer, that would be silly. Come to think of it, don't think I ever have seen a Mathewson also. I remember the Skydash find - a lot of HOFers, even the Jim Thorpe!

E254 colgan's chip
 

One of my favorite sets. Over 25 yrs ago a good friend Mark Macrae got me into these beautiful gems. From then on the hunt was on. Kind of like Zeenuts you need to look at them carefully. Their are font and size differences and ones like this. Always need to check the backs no matter who the player is for the E254's Alot of my Colgan's were purchased from the late Julie Vognar RIP.

Ron

Anyone have a Clemons Louisville they would part with?

Nice Flick (Toledo). Easily the rarest HOF card in the entire E254 set. Rare back as well!

Undervalued and my favorite

Thats what I'm working on, Ronald. Very nice! I guess for now I will have to make do with these:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...20portrait.jpghttps://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...20portrait.jpghttps://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...20red%20bg.jpg
And don't forget
https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...Steinfeldt.jpg

Cy Young Colgan Red
 

This is the only one I have ....

I think the key guys are honestly
A good buy at current prices. They are a niche item but do occasionally experience a surge in popularity from time to time. One of the few things that it isn’t a good time to sell imho.

E254's
 

That's a awesome Flick Ron. Been trying to complete the set for the last 15 years. The last 20 cards all common players has been a struggle they just aren't out there and when one shows up they can go for $500 or more. The one set close to being complete on the PSA registry is missing 2 cards. I don't know why but it is my favorite set. Daryl

Colgan's
 

I like them too, and have a few in my collection.

Phil, I think the problem is the small size. There aren't many tiny cards that go for big bucks. The other problem is trying to flip a card in just 6 months. I see people buying in one auction and then re-selling in another auction a few months later. It's often not enough time to overcome the buyers premium and the tax you paid to acquire the card. Even if the card sells for 10% more than you paid, your net on the back end is a loss.

Colgan's
 

I am close to a NYAL team set. Having actual photos in my mind is much more interesting than the drawn subjects of T206, 205 etc.

Hi Daryl,
Like you I am down to last 25 with Waddell Newark only HOF needed. I have been blown out of the waters for these last ones when they come up for auction. Crazy prices for even the poorest conditions. I have had my list on the buy sell trade section for years. I have only had one fellow member reach out over the years. Here is my Wagner that doesnt fit in my album

If I ever upgrade my Waddell (Newark) i will let you know. I am on my second go for the master set after selling my initial set many years ago. I am also down to about 20 or so for mine. That seems to be the major stalling point with this set.

Ron - The Skydash Tin Top Wagner - like Wow !

I always liked and wanted to get the Tinker Evers to Chance trio, Colgans was the most affordable for me, but a year and half to complete. Nothing wrong with the T206s

That's why I've had them for 30+ years. ;)

The square cousins don't get much love either, although I'm a fan.

Rhett- I really enjoyed your video. Very cool set with many variations. Between your previous set sale & what you have now, would you have completed the master set?

I like the Colgans but they just don't really look like a baseball card.
I have made many deals like you did....buy high, sell low...
.