If you were just starting to buy T206

[Cozumeleno]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

...would you make it a point to target HOFers or might you accumulate as many of one back type as possible, or some other strategy? Just curious, as there are so many approaches.

The best advice I can give you is to look for value - whether the card is a common or not. I started by collecting low-grade commons just because I liked the look/feel of the cards and wanted as many as I could get. That method worked fine for me but, I also passed on deals for HOFers and non-commons in the process.

If I could do it over again, I wouldn't just target commons early on - I'd be looking for cards that were the best value. If you see a good price on a HOFer or rare variation and you can afford it, pick it up. It will save you the hassle of waiting for another one to pop up down the line.

I also wouldn't worry about collecting a bunch and then giving up before you get to 518 or 520 (or whatever your goal is). If you decide midway that you don't want to pursue the set, T206s move very well. I do think it's good to put some real thought into what you want to do and not leap into anything. But as long as you paid market prices for them, you shouldn't have to worry about unloading them for similar amounts. People buy and sell them all the time.

Good luck -

[Bpm0014]

Personally, I just think there is so much more to pre-war cards than T206. If I ever get back into the ballgame again, I will definitely pursue T212 Obak cards. Hands down, the most attractive cards IMHO.

Couldn't agree more! It will be my next project....

[bbcard1]

You could always do team sets or back runs. I finished a low grade but presentable set with a couple of rare backs in the $15K range, but I had a head start because I'd picked them up without any intention of doing a set for a long time then one day I looked at it and said, Hey, you've got about 200 of them, why not go for it. Finished the 520 set a while ago. Might someday make a play for a Plank if the right one in the right price range comes up. I am missing the Broadleaf from a Davidson back run but have not been able to locate one.

[Leon]

Whatever you do, take your time. It's a marathon not a sprint. And have fun on the journey too!!

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Cozumeleno

The best advice I can give you is to look for value - whether the card is a common or not. I started by collecting low-grade commons just because I liked the look/feel of the cards and wanted as many as I could get. That method worked fine for me but, I also passed on deals for HOFers and non-commons in the process.

If I could do it over again, I wouldn't just target commons early on - I'd be looking for cards that were the best value. If you see a good price on a HOFer or rare variation and you can afford it, pick it up. It will save you the hassle of waiting for another one to pop up down the line.

I also wouldn't worry about collecting a bunch and then giving up before you get to 518 or 520 (or whatever your goal is). If you decide midway that you don't want to pursue the set, T206s move very well. I do think it's good to put some real thought into what you want to do and not leap into anything. But as long as you paid market prices for them, you shouldn't have to worry about unloading them for similar amounts. People buy and sell them all the time.

Good luck -

This thread contains a lot of good advice, but I agree with this post in particular.

I've told this story many times,but here goes: Less than a year after I started collecting T206s I had a chance for a Plank, PSA 3. I ended up the underbidder; it sold for around $12K. I could have made another bid, but I decided that I could get so many cards that I needed with that money.

What a mistake. .Those commons would always be available, but a Plank is very hard to come by. And now, 13 years later, those commons are still cheap, but that Plank has increased 500% or more.

So if you have a chance for something special, something you really want, get it. The rest of the set can wait.

Good luck.