Where to start on T206 collection?

[polakoff]

Hi all,

As I mentioned before though I'm a lifelong collector I'm new to tobacco cards. I'm looking for a new collection to start, as my two current player collections are pretty maxed out on what I've got and I don't have much that pops up anymore for me to buy.

I decided I'd like to start collecting Brooklyn T206 cards. As a twist, I want all my cards to be graded, and I want them all to be graded by SGC. I decided I'll only buy raw if I can get it cheap enough to where it pays to send it to SGC. I realize these restrictions will make the cards tougher to find, but that just makes the hunt more interesting.

Now, I'm at a crossroads as to where to start, so I figured I'd gather some opinions. Do I start by trying to fill out all of the more common backs? One player at a time? Is there another method you've used to fill out your collections?

Also, is there a place I can find a complete checklist by team of all the back and pose variations available?

Thanks in advance - I'm still learning after all these years in the hobby!

[kamikidEFFL]

Hey man well I myself was going to take the T206 plunge but decided not to but this site below is very helpful. Also the book, The T206 Collection: The Players & Their Stories is a must have for any hobby collector.

http://t206resource.com/index.html

The site has everything to do with the T206. Great checklists and such. As I was told buy what you can when you can. I myself am all about having all my stuff graded by one company but others here say if its a good price buy it. As for raw graded stuff I am truly not a fan but hey to each their own. I wish you best of luck on this MONSTER. Your going to need it.

[polakoff]

I figure it'll keep me occupied for the rest of my life, especially considering I can always keep upgrading my cards if possible. Definitely a long term project. I miss the hunt of collecting something.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Are you going for a Brooklyn master back list?

[polakoff]

That's the plan, eventually. I'm 27 so I figure I've got some time to make it happen.

But that's kind of what I'm looking for feedback on - I recognize how difficult that will be and is likely a lifelong project, so for those who have been collecting the monster, do you find it more satisfying to complete a player along the way? To try and complete one back and then move on? To get one of each player first regardless of back? (That's where I'm leaning)

[Jantz]

If Brooklyn is your pick, then if it were me, I would begin with a nice Dahlen. Knock the hardest one out first.

Then again what the hell do I know. I'm building a basic T206 set and a back specific T206 set at the same time.


Jantz

[Luke]

If you're going for a master back run, I think you just want to always be looking, and always have the funds available to be able to quickly go after it when a scarce back comes along. My approach with t206 has always been: there are so many cards I need, that I don't need to search for any one card in particular, and I don't need to overpay for any one card. You will have to make strong offers for the rare backs when they hit the market, but I wouldn't go out of your way looking for the common backs. Over time, you'll get them all via ebay auctions at prices you're happy with. No need to overpay for them right now. I agree with Jantz that getting a nice Dahlen would be a pretty cool way to start, especially if you can get a tougher back like a Sovereign. Good luck!

[egbeachley]

Go slowly so you don't overextend your budget and never use the buy-it-now feature on Ebay or you will drastically overpay. Also, take your time and buy cards you like. There is no need to rush since this is one of the easiest sets to complete. Even the tough cards (Wagner, Plank, Doyle) are available at least once a year. This strategy assumes you aren't collecting by backs.