Being new to vintage, what should I know? + Pickup

[SethY]

Clearly vintage is a whole new animal for me compared to the modern stuff that I am getting out of. What should I know? Maybe you guys can base some of your suggestions, insight, and tips off my new pickup, and SGC 40 Zack Wheat T201.

[Leon]

Since you asked I might offer 2 bits of very sound advice that will always ring true.

1. Collect what you really enjoy. Then no matter of any downturn, upturn, or sideways turn of monetary value you still have cards you enjoy.

2. Collect as you are in a marathon and not a sprint. Sprinters in our hobby tend to burn out rather quickly. Most of us on this board, for many years, have taken the tried and true approach of taking it easy while smelling the roses on the journey. If you get burnt out for a while go focus on some other aspect of your young life, don't get totally out of collecting (by getting rid of your collection) and come back when you feel the urge again. It happens to almost all of us.

[leftygrove10]

Learn how to spot a fake card so you don't get duped into buying one. There is a link at the top of the forum page where you can find more information.

[Bill Stone]

When you acquire any new card do some rersearch on the player. There are many sources that are easy to search. When you find the team they played on that year then look to see who his teammates were, how the season ended for the team. In other words put the card in context and I think you will enjoy it even more.

[Cat]

Brad, Bill and Leon had great advice, but let me add a couple:

1. Learn the search function on this site. Nearly every topic has been covered, to some degree, at least once.

2. Don't start to many new threads on this board. At some point they'll get ignored (or worse than that). Posting within existing threads is always free game. This is just a persepective from one guy that's been here for awhile (but mostly in the background).

[Matt]

If you're going to be buying a lot, do research on what things have actually sold for - SMR is wildly inaccurate for most pre-war issues. Once you see what things have sold for, understand that "sold for" prices can be the result of many factors, only one of which is the grade of the card. Eye appearance, shill bidding, image registration, whale sausage fests and a host of factors all can play a part.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Have fun ! Nice T201, I would pick up a raw T201 so you can see how it bends to show the other player. I have four T201 Benders, SGC, PSA, and two raw. Nothing wrong with getting some dupes on the journey when the price is right, then you have future trade bait and always good to compare grades of the same card. Keep an eye on all the sales of cards you like so you know a fair price. Lastly, don't let your girlfriend know how much your cards are worth, she'll be dreaming of a 5 carat ring and want you to sell your cards to get one !

[V117collector]

Buy the card and not the grade; this basically means some cards might sell for a premium based on condition and or presentation.

For example; some cards might be OC (off center) or have paper loss which would bring down card value. Buy the card and not the grade especially with lower graded material.