Is this card really worth that????

[marcdelpercio]

I really don't think the prices on this card will drop much over the long run. I hope they do as this is the only card I'm missing towards a master set. However, consider these factors:

1. This has been accepted as a true variation by at least a large percentage of the collecting community (not trying to reopen that debate but I think the evidence is clear).

2. This is one of the most beautiful cards in the T205 set (if not EVER produced) which is widely popular and collected.

3. This is a top-tier Hall of Fame player.

4. This is a scarce card. With all tracking information that I have seen, I think an estimate of 25-50 known copies is pretty accurate.

If Dick Hoblitzell is commanding 6-8k for a poor grade copy of a print variation from the same set, what makes you think that Christy Mathewson can't be at least in that same ballpark? I realize that the Hoblitzell is probably a bit scarcer...but not much. Given the factors I listed, I'm curious to hear a logical explanation of why anybody feels that this card will drastically decrease in demand/value over the long run.

[Rob D.]

With all of the recent interest in T205 Mathewson variations, maybe it's time I consigned my T205/T206 "Dark Cap," proudly displayed in a PSA holder.

[barrysloate]

Marc- in the case of the Hoblitzel card there were two separate print runs, one with the stats and one with the area left blank. And the blank version is of course very scarce.

With regard to the Matty Cycle, it is possible that the 37-11 became 37-1 simply because a small foreign substance got on to the printing plate obscuring the 1. To date we are not sure why this occurred. Thus, all the Cycles have the same very minor flaw.

I do think the card will continue to sell for a premium well above the 37-11 cards, but that premium could grow smaller over time. Just a guess though.

[iggyman]

They are coming out of the woodwork...

http://cgi.ebay.com/T205-CHRISTY-MAT...mZ230436778511

So I outed an auction to make a point........well worth the demerit.

Lovely Day...

[marcdelpercio]

Rob,
He DOES have a dark cap and T205's are about the same size as T206's so I think you're being a bit too demanding of the professional graders.

Barry,
I understand that the printing mechanisms and scenarios that produced the variations of the Matty and Hoblitzell cards may be different but I think the end result is the same...a scarce print variation. As I mentioned, I believe that the Hoblitzell is probably slightly scarcer than the Matty, but not by a lot. And given the prices of the variation on a very ordinary player like Hoblitzell, it is reasonable to me to conclude that a similar population print variation of a top-tier HOF'er from the same set could easily match or surpass those values.

[barrysloate]

The Matty very well may hold its value because that is the nature of this hobby. But I still see it as very minor.

[marcdelpercio]

I agree that it is a very minor variation but sometimes one letter or number can make a lot of difference in value. Just ask Sherry Magee or Irvin Wilhelm. Seems kinda silly if you really think about it but such is the nature of the hobby I guess. That said, I hope I'm wrong and the values do drop...at least long enough for me to pick one up for a reasonable price. Then it can go nuts again

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

With all of the recent interest in T205 Mathewson variations, maybe it's time I consigned my T205/T206 "Dark Cap," proudly displayed in a PSA holder.

This sort of error is on the level of Heine being labeled Honus. There are not many cards that are more iconic than the T206 Mathewson Dark Cap. I would think that every PSA grader has seen this card 100 times.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by calvindog

This sort of error is on the level of Heine being labeled Honus. There are not many cards that are more iconic than the T206 Mathewson Dark Cap. I would think that every PSA grader has seen this card 100 times.

If I get a chance later, I'll scan my red background Cobb that's labeled "Randall Tex."

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

With all of the recent interest in T205 Mathewson variations, maybe it's time I consigned my T205/T206 "Dark Cap," proudly displayed in a PSA holder.

Not me...I am holding out for the T205 White cap Matty...btw, I do agree the T205 Matty is one of the best looking cards of any pre-war card. I even have one with a Cycle back but it is the error that says Piedmont. I am trying to get it listed but no luck yet .

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by Leon

I even have one with a Cycle back but it is the error that says Piedmont. I am trying to get it listed but no luck yet .

Sounds like an over/underprint!

[Leon]

For some reason there is a chicken print on it....can't figure out why though....(sorry, couldn't help it)

[Orioles_1966]

There is another Matty cycle back on the Oldjudge Auction this week. Will it go as high as the one in 2008?