I suggest also picking up 1970s and '80s issues of hobby magazines, especially The Trader Speaks, when they're affordable. Even though I read these 30-some years ago when they first were issued, they're still educational now because they provide a glimpse as to the mindset of many collectors at that time.
As an example, in the late 1970s it was accepted within the hobby that 1954 Dan-Dee cards were a pretty scarce regional. Time has shown that Dan-Dees are more plentiful than what was once thought. I think it's good to have reminders that we're continually learning about this hobby and that "facts" can change.
In addition, even though a lot of the checklists you'll find in these publications have since been updated, it's interesting to track how and when new examples of an issue were discovered. Finally, it's enjoyable to browse through the old ads. If you were a collector then, you find yourself shaking your head about what could have been.
Last edited by Rob D.; 09-05-2010 at 12:47 PM.
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