Oldie but a Newbie - back collecting N172s

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Posted By: Joe Gonsowski

After a 12 year hiatus I'm back and astonished over the state of the market. These cards have really taken off, glad I got my foot in the door back before college made me a poor boy. I'd probably be too intimidated to start from scratch now.

I started when I was ~15 years old with a goal of obtaining all the Detroit Wolverine N172s. I was and still am particularly interested in the 1887 "0" numbered cards (0481 - 0508).

I hope a lot of my old trading friends are still out there, Bob Richardson? Paul Gigliotti? I also purchased items from Lew Lipset (of course), Kit Young, Barry Sloate, etc. They were all good sources for me at one time or another.

OK, what am I most surprised about?

1) Value of these cards. Certainly the best investment I made during the 80s and early 90s, and I recall many saying I should have started earlier because the prices were getting high (back then). This trend will make it more difficult to finish off my collection (yeah right, like I'll ever "finish"). Are the asking prices at Dave Levin's, Mike Wheat's, and other sites an accurate reflection of card value? Not that I'm singling anyone out, but I'm still in shock. I may have to consider more trading than buying.

2) Ned Hanlon!, what happened here? He used to be nearly a common, now he is priced higher than Dan Brouthers and Big Sam Thompson! I see he was elected into the HOF in '94 but still, more valuable than Brouthers & Thompson?, almost on par with King Kelly? Why has the market lifted his value so high?, his cards are not that hard to find (3 "0" numbered cards with Detroit all reissued with Pittsburgh). I’m going to have a hard time getting used to this (I still need two of his “0” cards, although I do have a nice N284 and cabinet of him).

3) eBay and the whole move to internet buying / selling. Quite different from the mail auctions and ritual scanning of SCD I was used to. Is SCD still a good source?

4) Scams, I acted like the newbie I am, and placed a bid on N300 Brouthers from bellyfly69. What a sad joke. I can’t afford to be naïve in this hobby.

5) Professional grading, is it standard to get all your premium cards graded? I'm considering sending some cards out but a 19th century card just doesn't look right in those dorky new holders. Can you get it professionally graded but have it returned as you sent it (ie not sealed)? Kind of defeats the purpose but at least you know what you have (an authentic card graded at xx). I’m certain my current collection is 100% authentic, but after reading many of these threads, I’m paranoid over my future acquisitions.

My apologies if this wasn't an appropriate post, I just found this board last night and I'm excited to be here. Looks like the 19th century collector has matured (ie you guys definitely have you sh#* together). I have a lot of reading / catching up to do.

Excellent forum, looking forward,
Joe Gonsowski
Westland, MI