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Posted By: scott brockelman

Steve,

I think the absolute answer may lie with each individual collector. For the most part I would say that to truely be rare and highly sought after are the 2 major components as others outlined above. I would define that as low pop cards in the mainstream sets.

To answer your questions:

Certain 1909-11 Caramels, high grade, major HOFers--Absolutely, most of the early caramel sets E90-1 thru E107 in high grade with known scarcities being a major plus, for example E90-1 Speaker or E102 Cobb, you could not go wrong on these in mid grade or higher.

T205's, high grade, major HOFers --Again a yes, and I would even say commons in 8-9 here, they are much tougher than other T issues in high grade, evidenced by the low pop of Wendell's T205 set.

T3's, High grade, major HOFers-- Yes, again, even in 5 or better on commons and HOFers.

Cracker Jacks, high grade, major HOFers -Ditto

Other suggested cards, scarce/rare type cards in mid grade or higher(many will only be found in lower to mid grade) i.e. Victory tobacco, Mono, E99/100 in nice condtion. there are many more, just a few examples. Also almost in any D card in solid VG or better. And don't forget 19th century tougher issues, G & B, Gypsy Queen, etc

question: high end is equivalent to PSA 6, 7 or 8 ? It depends on the issue, in Caramels 6 or higher would be ideal. Basically each T issue is independent, I would look at the POP reports, lets say T206 with over 4,100 by PSA alone in 7, not really that rare, in 8 over 2,200 still not rare, 260 9's, now we are getting down to desirable levels. In T205's the numbers drop quite a bit approx 800 in 7, 181 in 8 and 4 9's. T207's and T204's are even more extreme.

I think one has to use some "6th sense" as well, going thru ebay on a daily basis you see so many Cobbs, Matty's, Johnson's etc of common issues you quickly realize they are just not that rare. However when you spy something that you just never ever see, that 6th sense kicks in and tells you, you may not see one of these for a long time, if interested, load up and bid or have no regrets. This is the type of card that may appear on ebay once a year or less. Ditto with the major auctions. Browsing thru them you again become benign to the run of the mill cards seen daily, but really become excited when something you have not seen forever or never shows up.

Scott