T205 Gold Border Education: How important are the Backs???

[Leon]

In my limited experience only the Drums or Hindu's add much value. And those are relatively expensive.
The backs are neat to read, as we all know they are the first cards (*I am aware of) that had stats on the back. I see people adding they have a P42, T205 and it just doesn't carry the weight of T206. There are no doubt a few master set collectors going for the backs but not too many. The Broadleafs are of the tougher variety too.

So, generallly speaking, not super important overall, imo

ps....when collecting the gold borders, try to get ones with the least chipping around the borders. There are a ton of T205 collectors on the forum. We have had many discussions over the years.

I sold these when I sold my first collection 9 yrs ago but they give a good representation of some of the backs. I had most of the others but these are some of the toughies. IF doing the set, I wouldn't worry too much about the backs...

[Johnny T]

Thanks Leon!

[nebboy]

I’m one of those guys that like his P42 backed cards. Also if I have the chance to buy the same t205 card with a little rarer back I do. There is a ton of info in archives about backs and some cards have some hard to find combo’s that almost never come up because they have been collections for so long. But for the most part (NO) common and mid level backs are not as much coveted as T206.

[BabyRuth]

A great set for sure with some tough variations!!!

[kmac32]

Backs give a whole new challenge to collecting. I have a nearly complete set of T205 Cubs only missing the 2 Hindu cards. Took a while to put together but so worth it.

[Alaskanmade]

The best looking pre-war set out there!

[hcv123]

While I agree with the sentiment expressed so far, that some of the tougher backs (Polar Bear, Hassan, Piedmont and SC variants) don't move the needle much price wise, they are considerably harder to find. Any backs beyond those start to have a premium ("easier" ones - smaller premium, tougher ones (Drum, Broadleaf, Hindu) larger premium. Expect to see it more with HOFers than commons.
Imo a large part of the reason for this is that PSA has not "recognized" the backs on the holders. SGC has been doing it for some time and I suspect it will only be a matter of time before PSA starts doing so - which will change the pricing landscape quite remarkably in a short time.