Posted By:
Eric EichelkrautHey Wade,
As two well-in-the-know "type collectors" such as Glen and Leon have already provided great answers about "type collecting", I wanted too lend my two cents on the topic, and possibly another way to look at vintage card collecting. Type collecting is one of the hobbys most refined sort of collections, and also as previously mentioned, very very expensive! To me, I don't much care about predetermined letter designations (w,t, n etc..), but rather on rare vintage cards that visually appeal to me, which come from a timeframe that I prefer. Along with the many rare issues that I hunt for, my biggest thrill are for cards that have not yet shown up in publication, and are considered "uncatalogued".
In determining what sort of cards you want to collect, you're best off deciding whether or not you want every single issue that falls under a "type letter" designation, or if you want to create your own checklist, and collect the issues that appeal to you. Another possibility is to work on a vintage card set, which offers possibly one of the most rewarding experiences. Whichever you choose, always buy the cards that you like, you'll never go wrong.
Good luck with your collection!
Eric