Posted By:
Bruce BabcockThis is really unfortunate. The amount of time it took us to determine if those cards were fake could be measured in nanoseconds - not because we are forensic experts, although a couple of us probably are, but just because we have been around the block a few times.
I got back into the hobby as an adult during the year of Fernandomania and Donruss. If I remember right, the 1952 Topps Mantle had just surpassed the insane plateau of $3000(!). I had become friends with a couple of guys who owned a local card shop and ran a monthly show with about 30 dealers. Through them I saw (and held) my first T206, Old Judge and Goudey cards. I waited quite a while to buy any, but when I did, I knew one when I saw one. The internet and grading services have their place, but there is no substitute for experience and knowledge.
My first N172 - $30.