The New Guy...

[teetwoohsix]

Hey Todd,welcome!!

Ditto everything Barry said.Also,you may want to check out the B/S/T area when you consider purchasing another T206.IMO,you wouldn't have to be so paranoid.I understand how you feel though-that's why Barry gave you such good advice-buy a few raw commons and study them.

Nice to see another T206 collector join the board!!Good luck hunting!!!

Sincerely,Clayton

[drc]

Off hand, I think you're safer since they're lower grade. It's when you're buying 9s and 10s that things can be scary.

Most T206 reprints look significantly different than the genuine cards, so identifying reprints shouldn't be too hard.

The colors weren't always lighed up right on the genuine T206s, so there can be shadows, lines, etc.

A little paranoia can be a good thing for the collector.

[WillowGrove]

Welcome is right.

I'm new too but have been going to shows since I was a kid in the 70's and my advice is to buy from dealers who you trust.

I personally do not know enough about grading to know the extent of the grading companies grading fakes so if this is happening on a broad scale - I'd stay away.

But if the fine collectors on this site tell you it doesn't happen very often, then have confidence in the services and enjoy your cards.

Either way - I hope you figure out how to get the enjoyment from collecting that you want. I feel your angst and hope it goes away.

[Iwantmorecards77]

Thanks for the help everyone (and to the individual who sent me an email)! I do feel a little more at ease now!

Perhaps I will check out the "BST" forums next time as well!

I did purchase a lot of Fair-Good+ commons (with various backs I did not have). I just wanted to add a little something to my extremely small T206 collection.

I also purchased a PSA 4 hall of famer, but with a qualifier (there's that research again!). I do realize that "qualifier" cards are valued less, but it was a "cheaper" alternative to get a card that I really liked.

Some of you may read this and think: "Pfftt...rookie!" But hey, I am new at this and I can only afford so much! My next shopping spree will probably have to wait several months!

Thanks again for the help!

Todd

[Jewish-collector]

Todd,

You wrote "the funds are on the low side". You will find out very soon that this hobby is not for the financially challenged.

[Bosox Blair]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Todd,

You will find out very soon that this hobby is not for the financially challenged.

This hobby makes us financially challenged.

Cheers,
Blair

[drdduet]

Hi Todd and Welcome!

Barry A.'s advice is solid and take it to heart. Another saying we live by is "buy the card, not the holder." Once you get the swing of how this site works post your cards of concern and in no time you'll have several expert opinions.

I'd advise you to download Scot Reader's "Inside T206" to turbo boost your t206 IQ. Also the latest issue of the Standard Catalogue of Baseball Cards can be a tremendous resource to the vintage collector.

Along the way read "The Monster", Lew Lipset's "Encyclopedia of Baseball Cards," and visit the T206 Museum online. As a sidebar to the history of the players themselves I recommend Ken Burn's Baseball documentary--especially the early years. WARNING--watching it results in the immediate expansion of your want list!

[Jewish-collector]

Celoknob,

I agree with you 100 percent. I probably spend the least amount of money as any member of this forum does, but I still find the hobby personally rewarding.

Alan

[DeanH3]

Welcome Todd,

You will find this is a great place to learn and interact with a lot of good people that will help whenever needed. I lurk more than I should but I feel that there are dozens of people that I would trust 100% eventhough I have not had any contact with them. You will learn who they are if you frequent the board enough.

Also don't worry about your lack of budget. I'm exhibit A for having eyes bigger than my wallet. I bought one card last year, a T206 Young Port PSA 4, but believe me, I wanted more. Hopefully 2010 will have more purchases in store for me. We all have different backgrounds and we all collect at our own pace.

Good luck on your journey and there literally is a wealth of knowledge here.

[celoknob]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Todd,

You wrote "the funds are on the low side". You will find out very soon that this hobby is not for the financially challenged.

I don't think this is true across the board. Not everyone on this board is collecting rare prewar HOF cards and memorabilia. Or they might just buy a few of these a year.

Also, even "financially challanged" people often have some money for recreation. So, maybe instead of going to the movies, nice restaurants or buying expensive clothes, huge flat screen tvs or even having cable tv etc, they choose this hobby (I do).

I would not discourage someone not to collect just because they are not rich. Collecting can be fun even if everyone on the board is not impressed with your collection, as long as you are.