T206 Set - Raw vs Graded

[nikobaseball]

Great advice so far, thanks everyone.

I recently had the idea to go for the entire common + SL set in raw condition, so I can flip through binder pages and appreciate them. Then I would simultaneously get all the HOF'ers slabbed. This would maintain a semi-uniform aspect to my set, and would enable me to keep costs under control. The only cards that I think wouldn't work for this approach are Demmitt and O'hara - I'll also buy those slabbed, when I get to that point.

Are there certain binders or cases I will need to get this started? If anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears.

I think my goal will be to go for low-mid 'grade' raw commons and the same for the HOFers. I'd consider doing SL in PSA slabs too. I just doubt I'll come across many fake low condition commons so I think raw would be safe. May need some help along the way to avoid fakes/trimming etc.

Open to more thoughts/suggestions as well. Thanks again.

Zach

[Bpm0014]

Zach, I went down the same road. I have all of them raw, in binders. Even the ones that came in a slab, I bust them out and put them in as well (no matter how expensive). I think you'll enjoy them much better this way. I just picked up a green Cobb last week that finally arrived yesterday. I can't wait to bust it out and place it in the binder!

[nikobaseball]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

Zach, I went down the same road. I have all of them raw, in binders. Even the ones that came in a slab, I bust them out and put them in as well (no matter how expensive). I think you'll enjoy them much better this way. I just picked up a green Cobb last week that finally arrived yesterday. I can't wait to bust it out and place it in the binder!

How many did you buy raw vs graded? Do you worry about potential resale value? I assume you're going for relatively low grade. I can't imagine cracking out high grades.

Also, what binders are you putting them in? Are they safe in binders?

[Bpm0014]

I'm down to my last 40 or so. So out of 480ish I would say that 440 were raw and 40 were graded. I absolutely do not buy them as an investment or worry about resale value. I have an autographed Larry Doyle in there, a green Cobb now in there, a Cy Young throwing that I beleive was a PSA 6 or 7 in there, and numerous other HOF'ers that were graded mostly 2's, 3's, and 4's. And when I get a Magie and hopefully/eventually a Plank you can bet that they will go in there as well!! I couldn't be happier; I really enjoy them raw in a binder.

[nikobaseball]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

I'm down to my last 40 or so. So out of 480ish I would say that 440 were raw and 40 were graded. I absolutely do not buy them as an investment or worry about resale value. I have an autographed Larry Doyle in there, a green Cobb now in there, a Cy Young throwing that I beleive was a PSA 6 or 7 in there, and numerous other HOF'ers that were graded mostly 2's, 3's, and 4's. And when I get a Magie and hopefully/eventually a Plank you can bet that they will go in there as well!! I couldn't be happier; I really enjoy them raw in a binder.

Awesome. I honestly think going through them in a binder would be the best way to appreciate them. I think I'll use the 20 card per page sheets (this won't hurt the cards right?)

I'm going to attempt to complete a low grade set of 520, with the HOFers in PSA. May change that to just a few PSA depending on what becomes available.

If anyone wants to start me off in the quest with a large lot for sale, feel free to PM me or post here. Thanks! I'm excited to begin.

Zach

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Great advice all around. I don't think you know just how ambitious an every back variation is but best of luck. I am working on a low grade every front collection now and it is fun.