How does one put together a t206 set?

[Stetson_1883]

Ive been collecting the various graded HOFers of the set and was vaguely thinking about going for the set. How do most people put this set together? Do most buy all of cards graded or is it common to put together an all non-graded set? Do you buy graded HOFers and then buy the rest of the "commons" in bulk, ungraded? And the backs? That's a whole nother part of the equation. I guess the various ways to put the set together make it that much more intriguing to collectors.

I realize this is a very subjective question and obviously financial constraints weigh in on one's options, but I was wondering if ya'll could expound on how collecting this set is "traditionally" done, or how YOU would do it if you were collecting the set and did't have unlimited money.

Thanks in advance.

[Sean1125]

Don't ever let someone tell you how to collect. Decide your preference based on personal taste and budget.

Raw will be cheaper, graded will be easier and more readily available.

[Cmount76]

+1

Do what works for you and enjoy.

But since you asked, I recently began my attempt to slay the Monster. I have decided to break it into sub-sets; this will allow it to be more "manageable". Currently, I am working on horizontals, HOFers, and Southern Leaguers. And although it's slightly more expensive, I have decided to do a graded set.

Enjoy!

[Mountaineer1999]

I started the T206 earlier this year and I have about 100 PSA graded cards at the moment. Most cards are lower grade commons (PSA 1-4) with common backs. I wanted to make a dent in the number but have come to realize that the cards I enjoy are the star cards. So I am beginning to think I may end the chase early and just concentrate on HOFers and 'important' players from the set. I'm thinking that ten $300 cards would be more enjoyable than 100 $30 cards. SO my advice would be... get the big cards first.

[bravesfan22]

definitely what Sean said. I am currently just doing hall of famers and the Indianapolis team but i have a feeling ill continue on and do the whole set over time. kinda related to what sean said I'd do it in the order of what interests you most within the set (I.E. hofs, teams, individual player stories, leagues etc)

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

Don't ever let someone tell you how to collect. Decide your preference based on personal taste and budget.



Raw will be cheaper, graded will be easier and more readily available.

+1

Sean nailed it. There are several ways to put the monster to rest. I just buy them as I see fit. I, like many collectors, have preferences like eye appeal, graded/ungraded, backs, availability, etc., you will have to decide what fits you best.

I just search and buy what fits my preference. I have limited funds, so that dictates my purchasing power. It's been a lot of fun and before you know it, you'll have a decent amount.


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[FrankWakefield]

The idea that you should do what works for you, and what you enjoy, makes sense. Hold that as a touchstone.

Unless you buy a set or near set, you're setting out on a long term endeavor. It will test your patience and sticktoitness.

Consider ignoring the Becket numbers and collecting / sorting by team, and then alphabetically. That's how the cards were sorted by kids a hundred years ago, and also by the early collectors. Maybe pick a team and try to complete that team. That way to can attain several successes / milestones as you journey toward completion.

Storage of slabbed cards can be a pain, when compared to natural cards. And, you can gather more natural cards than you can slabbed cards with the same amount of money; so going natural can get you farther along quicker. Even if you chase the natural cards you may well find yourself occasionally getting a graded card because you can find it while there's no such natural card to be found. Then, do you break it out? I do much of the time. Or do you leave it slabbed? I still have a few that I've yet to liberate. Most collectors never break out a graded card.

A good aspect of gathering natural cards is that you can sort a team by series, and see the evolution of the series, the changes in uniforms, and poses. Easy to see with cards side by side. Not so easy when cards are in slabs.

If you're going to sell the cards in a few years, then you maybe should lean toward graded cards. If you're going to keep them a while, it shouldn't matter.

Learn to spot trimmed cards. You need to reach a point where you can discern them even in an eBay photo. Even if you're ok with them being in your collection, you should still be aware of what they are.

High quality natural cards are a bit of a pain, you don't want to handle them so much that they acquire dings and lose value. A G to VG natural card, with good color and registration, is a joy to hold.

So think about acquiring cards in a way so that you can have occasional success points. Keep a list of the cards, date the acquisition and giving it a number. It's neat to see how long it takes you to get half of the cards, 300 cards, then 400, then 450, then 500. I think I got to 513 different fronts before I sold a bunch...

Maybe ignore all of that, and only collect Polar Bear cards... especially if that's what you want to collect!!!

Wish you well with it.

[iwantitiwinit]

How does one put together a t206 set?

With patience and cash.

[wolf441]

How does one put together a t206 set?

"Practice, baby.....Practice."