Why do you collect backs?

kmac32 · #1 07-14-2017, 12:15 AM

My quest is to collect every possible fronr/back combo of the T205 Cubs. I have been a Cub fan since I was young and have collected Cubs cards exclusively for years. I like the idea of the hunt and having a T205 Cubs master set.

Sean · #2 07-14-2017, 12:49 AM

I just wanted to get at least one of every ad. I do care who is on the front. I much prefer a Cobb/ Lenox to a Howell/ Lenox. But I can't always afford a HOF/ rare back combination.

And having advanced to a level where I have all the fronts and backs that I can afford, I want more challenges. So now I'm working on a couple back runs. My Merkle back run has been more fun than anything else that I've acquired. Now if only I could get that damn Red Cross.

Vandelay · #3 07-14-2017, 05:02 AM

Coming at this as a complete novice who only bought his first vintage card about a year ago - I love the personality that the different backs bring to the T206 set. Different colours, different slogans...as much a relic of the era as the deadball player on the front, for me.

That said, I totally understand why they might mean nothing to others. All part of the charm of the set is that there is seemingly endless ways to collect it.

MVSNYC · #4 07-14-2017, 05:10 AM

I've been collecting T206 rare backs for almost 30 years (wow, I'm dating myself). From day one, when I discovered T206 at a small show, I was instantly drawn to the ornate, often colorful, ads on the back of the cards. The vintage, bold graphics pulled me right in. Add to that, the challenge of rarity of many of them, I was hooked.

ullmandds · #5 07-14-2017, 08:25 AM

I have always loved rare backs because the fronts are usually easy... whereas the fronts with rare backs are not!!

Rhotchkiss · #6 07-14-2017, 08:41 AM

Initially, because they are rare. Now, because I am addicted

Brian Van Horn · #7 07-14-2017, 08:42 AM

Just stretching the subject to the M101-4/5s and other back sets. It is simply the fun of finding the backs:

Rich Falvo · #8 07-14-2017, 08:47 AM

I like to collect players from the Providence team. There are very few of them in any set. Collecting the different backs is a way to expand my collection. Plus, it's just fun chasing down rarities.

Ronnie73 · #9 07-14-2017, 09:15 AM

I collect different T206 backs because honestly a basic 520 card Piedmont/Sweet Caporal/Polar Bear set is a simple task if you have the money. Collecting the different front/back combo's is kind of like treasure hunting and needing to be at the right place at the right time to score a rare combo. Also, searching and buying one card at a time kind of brings me back to when I was a kid building a Topps set one pack at a time. I guess the last reason is I needed something that can not be completed. Other sets that I've completed, I lost interest in right after the purchase of the last card and then either sold the set or broke it up which I don't enjoy but also don't want to keep something I've lost interest for.

ValKehl · #10 07-17-2017, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ullmandds

I have always loved rare backs because the fronts are usually easy... whereas the fronts with rare backs are not!!

Exactly! Also, I really like the advertising on cards. Frequently, the same player image was used for several pre-War sets, making the backs as or more interesting than the fronts. For example, this Sam Rice image was used for several sets, but many of the backs it can be found with are scarce:

Leon · #11 07-18-2017, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ValKehl

Exactly! Also, I really like the advertising on cards. Frequently, the same player image was used for several pre-War sets, making the backs as or more interesting than the fronts. For example, this Sam Rice image was used for several sets, but many of the backs it can be found with are scarce:

Hey Val
Some time ago we had a thread about doppelganger collectors. I think you and Dan Mckee might be close to the ticket for me...Love me some backs of cards. Even Heinie is agreeing with a WTF gesture. The rarer the better!!

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