[buymycards]

Interesting question, Bill. It may depend on which set you are working on. You have a lot more choices with a readily attainable set, such as 33 Goudey's or T206's. I collect Louisiana issues, and with a set such as Weil Baking, you have to pick up cards when they become available at a reasonable price because there aren't many of these cards around.

With a set like T206, the "completionist" side of me (is that a word?) wants to complete the set and the tightwad side of me wants to complete it at the lowest cost. Let's say that you decide to collect only SGC40 T206's. Chances are that you will pay more than you should for some of the cards so you can make some progress on your set. Otherwise you will never complete it. When it comes time to sell, you will never get your investment back on these cards. IMO, the only way you can be sure to recoup your money would be to patiently wait to purchase cards that are selling for well under the average value, but once again, it will take many years to complete the set.

If you look at a card like a SGC40 T206 common, there are dozens, or hundreds of each card, and I don't see any scenario where they will increase in value, especially if your family would need to dispose of them fairly quickly after your death and they can't keep them on the market long enough to get the best price.

So, why not collect a slightly lower grade and have the satisfaction of being able to see those cards come through the mail every couple of days and watch your collection grow?

If you are only concerned about long term investment value, then an entirely different line of thinking will apply, but there are many board members who are much more knowledgeable than I am who can point you in the right direction.

Enjoy your set!

Rick