T-206 How do you collect?

[bnorth]

In my case very strangely. When I first joined this site I got the T206 bug. I purchased around 40-45 over a few months then decided they was ugly and sold them for about what I had in them.

Now I have changed my mind. I am going to just collect a card from each cigarette brand. Not one of each back but just one of each brand.

Good luck on your quest.

[vintagerookies51]

I've recently gotten into T206 hall of gamers and have been debating this myself. I haven't been too worried about backs- I think I only have Sweet Cap and Piedmont backs with one Old Mill so far. Eventually, however, I'd like to get a better variety of backs, especially ones that are visually appealing like American Beauty. Not planning on getting all the backs, but definitely not focusing on one.

[VoodooChild]

I've never posted "advice" on this site, but I joined 4 years ago and had some of the same questions that you newer guys have now.

What I've learned is that however you decide to collect now will change several times in the next few years. Especially the more you read and learn from this site and your own research. Maybe you'll change to collecting another set, or a specific team, or player, or you'll decide to be a Type collector. But it will change a few times, trust me.

So, for those of you starting your Prewar collection with T206's (which is where I was 4 years ago), after lots of trial and error here's what I've learned: Don't just buy commons with PD or SC backs just to fill a set. Those cards will always be available. Buy tougher commons, stars/popular players and/or HOFers with the most uncommon backs you can afford. Also, buy the nicest condition/highest graded you can afford but at the very least no or very little paper loss, no creases across the face, etc. Eye- appeal is the most important. A centered nice looking PSA 3'ish is my "go-to".

Following that advice will make it easier to sell and help fund whatever you decide to collect next.

Good Luck!

[mrvster]

everyone! there really isn't a "wrong" way to collect the set.....wagner, plank, magie, doyle have made this set one of the most popular sets of all time....

collect it the way you enjoy it!

but , it if I could give advice, hofers are "blue chip" always, especially with rare backs...

cobb and the legends especially are a "good investment"

I'm a sucker for rare items of the set...


tuff player combos, one of a kind printers scraps, rare backs , proofs, freaks, ect....


when it comes to rarity, condition is never really an issue....

one of the most satisfying is the rare backs and scraps for me

[Stetson_1883]

Im of the same mindset as a few other posters above.

I started going for the monster and got to 125 and then decided it just simply wasn't going to happen in my lifetime.

So now Im going for original backs in decent condition. I dont care whether the card says factory 23 or whatever in tiny print just the main difference makers....one of each - PB, Cycle, Lenox, Broadleaf etc.

Rarest I have is a Caroline Brights but am looking for rarer. See wish list below

[Thromdog]

Diversity vs Uniformity.

For your collection, I pick availability.

When collecting a back run of a player, you obviously are dealing with diversity. When your focus is on a subset of backs, you obviously are dealing with Uniformity.

In your case your focus is on the front, so I would be focusing on what you feel is the best front. A WaJo portrait is a fave amongst collectors. Get the nicest one you can and don't worry about the back.

Good luck on the hunt!

[Leon]

Back collecting and type collecting are a ton of fun for folks who want diversity and aren't so much set collectors. There is almost an infinite number of ways to collect T206. I collected an almost complete back run and then had cards I just liked, such as the Young portrait and a few others. Have fun!!

Originally Posted by bnorth

In my case very strangely. When I first joined this site I got the T206 bug. I purchased around 40-45 over a few months then decided they was ugly and sold them for about what I had in them.

Now I have changed my mind. I am going to just collect a card from each cigarette brand. Not one of each back but just one of each brand.

Good luck on your quest.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Leon

Back collecting and type collecting are a ton of fun for folks who want diversity and aren't so much set collectors. There is almost an infinite number of ways to collect T206. I collected an almost complete back run and then had cards I just liked, such as the Young portrait and a few others. Have fun!!

Leon had a near complete back run all on one card.