Question from a vintage noob. What exactly is a monster?

[T206Collector]

I put a set of 521 together over 10 years, culminating in a mass exodus of cards from that set in April 2007. The only reason I even glimpsed at the backs of the cards was because I knew other collectors will pay a premium for some. I would always sell those and buy more cards with common backs. I was a front collector exclusively.

Talk about taking on a life of its own, my "MONSTER" is now autographed T206 cards. I have 39 unique poses signed, if you count Mrs. Jane Mathewson and Mrs. Blanche McGraw's signatures on their husbands' cards. A complete "set" of those would be perhaps 60 or so. I've been stuck on 39 for two years, and have few prospects to acquire the others, including the following known examples:

Bresnahan Batting
Cobb Red
Cobb Green
Cobb Bat On
Speaker
Chance Yellow (though I've always doubted this one given Chance's date of death)
Lajoie (Batting)
Clarke (Portrait)
Cicotte
Phillippe
Walsh
Donie Bush (should be more common but isn't for some reason)
Cravath
Lobert (should be more common but isn't for some reason)
Rucker (Throwing)
Wilstse (Portrait)
Zimmerman
Boss Schmidt (Net54 member claims ownership, but never produced scan)
Oscar Stanage (Net54 member claims ownership, but never produced scan)
George Moriarity (Net54 member claims ownership, but never produced scan)

If you've got one of these and are inclined to help me, please send me an email.

[Zach Wheat]

Bill,

I am used to seeing you on the Post-80's side. Don't tell me you are officially coming over to the Dark Side.

Others correct me if I am wrong, but I believe The Moster originated with Bill Heitman and his monograph (cover below) which was originally printed in 1980.

To those interested in the evolution of the understanding of the set, you can still purchase one on eBay.

[Zach Wheat]

And here is a scan of one of the pages inside.....I have yet to find the elusive T206 of Farrah. I hear it is as rare as a Wagner.

[jimivintage]

If you ask me though, the true "monster" would be the Old Judge set. Can't even imagine. I've owned two in my lifetime and that's about all I plan to do unless I land a few HOFers for my HOF collection, but I can't imagine even one person attempting that set even if you are rich!

[travrosty]

the most famous wagner card was put on ebay once in a high profile auction, but normally they are consigned to the sports auction houses like goldin auctions, goodwin, lelands.

[the 'stache]

Originally Posted by Zach Wheat

Bill,

I am used to seeing you on the Post-80's side. Don't tell me you are officially coming over to the Dark Side.

No worries, Zach Wheat, I will still be a frequent poster there, too. I'm never going to give up modern card collecting.

I don't think I could ever exclusively collect new or old. I love the entire history of the game too much to limit myself. I've collected modern cards pretty much exclusively to this point because to collect vintage cards (to do it properly, avoiding those that would try to take advantage of a buyer), it takes real knowledge that I simply have not had. I am learning quickly, though, so I will be able to buy a little of everything.