T206 Jump Start

[bcooper27]

Hey everyone. After a long hiatus from the hobby, I've decided to get back into collecting. My kids are getting older and I've got that bug again and I've decided to focus on a few things to keep it interesting.

I've always had a liking for T206 cards. As I read posts here, I'm sure most of you have that same feeling about the set. Interesting in so many ways....history.....value.....variations......the hunt. It's just a fun set and I really want to see what I can put together without spending a boatload (my wife will kill me if I do.) haha

So after reading up I'm thinking of pursuing the Polar Bear backs 'set' along with the complete back variation 'set' of Brooklyn Superbas Nap Rucker (Portrait.) I'm a lifelong Dodger fan and out of all the players from those 1909-1911 seasons, he stuck out as a true Dodger so I thought it would be fun to go after the 12 back variations (I think there's 12) for the portrait.

For the Polar Bear backs, I've literally got (2) cards so I'm off to a slow start. I'd like to see if there's a way to find a bulk lot (not a ton, but maybe 10-20) to get me jump started. I'm looking for probably lower grade raw cards, probably not in too bad of condition but nothing better than say PSA 3-4 when it comes to condition. Anyone have experience getting jump started like that and where would you suggest I start? I'm not finding much outside of singles on eBay and I think I'd get a better bang for my buck if I could buy a starter lot or two if I can find them.

A few things that might help and I'm not sure I want to do this yet. I just sent in (3) cards to PSA to get graded. One is a T206 Nap Lajoie Throwing that I think will be graded PSA 3 or so. Another is a T206 Clark Griffith Portrait that I think might even grade higher than the Lajoie. And the last one is a T207 Brown Background Marquard that might be a PSA 1-2 grade. I'm thinking of selling them (depending on the grade) to kick start the Polar Bear set. However, those would be cards that are so nice I might kick myself down the line if I sold them. Thoughts on that?

Oh, and I'll mention one other thing I'm trying to do. I'm 75-cards away from completing a VG-EX 1963 Topps Baseball Set. I can't do just one thing.....gotta keep it interesting I guess.

I would appreciate the input from the group. Thx again for the great info on this forum.