Super Expensive Rare Error Cards
 

Question about super expensive rare error cards (I'm a T205 collector, so this was prompted by the T205 Hoblitzell No Stats currently up for auction): I collect cards for my personal enjoyment, and that enjoyment comes from looking at them. I can't justify spending five figures on an error card, even when I can afford it, because I just can't see getting that much enjoyment from looking at, say, a T205 Hoblitzell no stats, as compared to spending the same amount on a beautiful T205 Cobb or Mathewson, for example. So my question is this: for the people who do spend that kind of money on very rare error cards, is it because 1)you do get that kind of enjoyment from the card, and spend a lot of time looking at it, 2)you just really want to complete a master set, 3)the rarity means as much or more than an equally expensive card whose value comes from the player or the condition, 4)you think they are good investments, or 5)you just have so much money that it is not a major financial sacrifice?

It's #1 for me, but I do prefer error cards that have a clearly noticeable variation from the correct version, and I collect both versions (or all 3 or 4 or whatever) so I can see the contrast. Error cards are one of the oldest narratives in the hobby, and there are notable examples from the very beginning all the way to 2006 Alex Gordon. One of my favorite ways to collect.

https://allthecubs.com/card-filter/?...tax=collection

For me, 1, 2 and 3 are all true.

1 is harder to define thoroughly. I pull down a box of cards a lot of evenings, they all get ‘used’ and it’s more fun to pull out the very tough cards for me, the ones you don’t see just anywhere. A lot of my collection is oddball rare stuff, often things that fall through the cracks and are unique or nearly unique but not well known. When I come across a tough card, especially if it’s one not really known elsewhere, there’s usually a fun story to remember of how I got it, whereas a T206 of Y big name is just a money question. A big name isn’t as fun as something tough to my eyes, which is an entirely personal preference.

2, when I build a set it’s pretty much always a master set. I like the completionist approach and building the entirety of the picture of the production for the sets I like enough to build. I have a ton of fun with the research side of things too, which is much easier when I have ‘everything’ on the table in front of me rather than scans. It’s easier to catch details that alter become new discoveries of X or Y element of production or issue or variation.

3, rarity is fun. I like the collecting part of collecting, I like that it takes a long time and makes a rewarding quest to finish something tough. It took me 20 years to build T220, still awaiting the final card for my T218 master after 21 years. Finishing the tough tough variations or SP’s for the sets I liked as a teen is a ton of fun. I don’t get as much joy by buying a commodity card of a big name that has 37 to choose from on eBay if you’re willing to spend the dough.


4 - this approach is probably a horrible investment if it was treated as one.

5 - I wish.

For me it’s a combination of 3 and 4, and maybe 2 if I am going to for a master set. Ultimately, everything I buy is for investment. I think the facts that a card is rare and necessary for a master set of a popular set (like t205) makes it a pretty good investment. I think Hoblitzell no stats is a great investment card for that reason. I think Magie error is a great card bc it’s the most famous error (after Billy Ripken F Face)

A combination of 2, 3 and 4. I've chased errors and variations ever since I became aware they existed,. If it was listed in the greatly-missed SCD book, I wanted it.

1) I have collected errors since I started collecting almost 40 years ago now. I love the fact they are different than the normal version. I love them all too. Errors they correct, wrong backs, black fronts/backs, and printing errors of any kind.

I have no idea of real value but you would have to pay me enough to buy a seriously nice ocean front property to give up my favorite error cards. I purchased a 1990 Score wrong back pair of my 2 favorite players directly from Score back in the day. Yes I have a Wade Boggs/Roger Clemens wrong back pair and they are by far my favorite possession.

PRIMARILY 1 and 2 for me - and YES, I spent plenty (for me) on a T205 Hoblitzell - No Stats...

I LOVE having a "Master Set" of T205s - tho I STILL need a Collins - Yellow Elephant...

When I talk cards with people who "know cards" and tell them that I have a T205 set, INVARIABLY, they will ask, "Do you have The Hoblitzell - No Stats"???

And I can say "Yup, I do..." rather than, "No, but..."

#2) for me. I generally collect 1952 Topps for Post-War cards and print variations as well as errors. The set has some expensive print variations (Campos partial border, red star black star, gray back cards and Yellow House versions). IMHO, the set is not truly complete without the major variations. Sort of like collecting cards of one particular player, but not having his rookie card.

For me I enjoy looking at a rare 1 of a kind error... this is my "current" favorite card in my collection..

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/195798945@N03/53206987585/in/album-72177720299785043/" title="T206 Cy Young Ghost - Brown Old Mill Overprint"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53206987585_46ee88ba79_b.jpg" width="593" height="971" alt="T206 Cy Young Ghost - Brown Old Mill Overprint"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jamie, meh, not bad. :)

Cool thread. For me, it's a combo of 1 & 3, with a little 4 thrown in.

I collect a lot of the same things that Jamie does (Ryan too)...I think we look at very rare cards as works of art, especially the printing errors, they're unique, no two exactly alike. Just fun as hell to look at, and own...

[QUOTE=Blunder19;2410838]For me I enjoy looking at a rare 1 of a kind error... this is my "current" favorite card in my collection..

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/195798945@N03/53206987585/in/album-72177720299785043/" title="T206 Cy Young Ghost - Brown Old Mill Overprint"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53206987585_46ee88ba79_b.jpg" width="593" height="971" alt="T206 Cy Young Ghost - Brown Old Mill Overprint"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>[/QUOTE

BAD ASS!!!! LOVE IT!!

I do not have the money to collect such cards, or perhaps I do, but then this type of card would be the only ones that I could collect. I have a mental switch in my brain that I can turn off that allows me to collect a set that has a 'Hoblitzell No Stats' type card in it without feeling upset or like I am missing out.

I consider it a gift from the collecting gods to have such a cranial switch installed.

Brian

Great card. I think I have seen that one before!