Such amazing stuff people have! And so cool to see emerging themes among the cards in a collection.
MBM, you somehow manage to have high-grade cards that still look undergraded! That is my dream Mantle RC right there-- a centered 7 with snow white borders.
The approach I've taken has been like my own spin on the PSA "Top 250 Sportscards" book. Basically choosing cards that I love on an aesthetic level, but when viewed as a whole, they should also form a well-rounded picture of both baseball's legendary players and baseball card history-- all eras. So there is a type-aspect to it, in that I'd want one M101-4/5 card, one CJ, one e90-1, one 52 Topps, etc. Ideally, one day, I'll have all sets and great players represented. Where it is possible to choose, I like centering for eye appeal.
Like many I adore back wear, as it can make a card with a very expensive front affordable. I always love it when a friend or family member will look at a card, then go on to the next one, and not even look at the back!
Chronologically, some key pieces...
