What's your "BEST" card?

[nfbuckeye]

My favorite would be nothing special to most...a PSA 7 1959 Topps Rocky Colavito. Even though he's before my time, the Rock is my all time favorite Tribe player and it's my favorite card of his. It's also the card that got me back into the hobby.

[kkkkandp]

It is so hard to choose just one card from my OJ set, but the two below are right up near the top because of how long I pursued them (many years), how I obtained them (nail-biting auction for Williamson and trade with a top collector for Alcott) and what they mean to me (Williamson to match up with my Ewing and mascot and Alcott to complete my Old Judge team subset).

[Tyler]

My collection had very little focus before this purchase. I saw this card and had to have it. It is now the only card that I know will not leave my hands. It stands alone, and everything else I own is expendable.




Please check the B/S/T later this week, as this card may be yours...

[mcap100176]

My grandmother used to tell stories of babysitting Sandy Koufax in Brooklyn (never knew if they were true). In the mid-80's, I went to a show with my parents (I was probably 10 or so) and they bought me the raw 1966 Koufax and a 1961 Maris. They were the first two cards outside of the 80's that I owned. When I started collecting again about 3 years ago, I sent it in for grading. Here's the Maris:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p...Marisfront.jpg

My First Matty and Pied 42 back

[egbeachley]

A non-sports card story. But true collectors looking for the "Holy Grail" will appreciate the story. If you are not interested in non-sports just assume I'm referring to a T206 Joe Jackson.

The T64 McAlpin set is documented in American Tobacco Cards as a 48-card set of Generals issued around 1902-1905. While many "regular" Generals were depicted, it was odd that the most famous US General of all was not, Robert E Lee.

For over 100 years it was speculated that this card may exist, but if so why didn't it show up. Afterall, the most famous athletes or celebrities are the first to be kept.

About 6 years ago I notice a T64 auction on Ebay that didn't sell. It was for 12 T64 cards, most in VG or better condition that didn't hit the reserve. High bid was $700 or so. I only noticed it after the auction had ended when looking at other items. It was completely misclassified.

So I spent the next 2 months sending many emails to the seller trying to find out his reserve. No response. I don't even know if Ebay delivered the emails. I used every trick I could think of to get his direct email address. Then one day he emailed me back. It turns out someone (I assume the reserve underbidder) had purchased every card except 1, the Robert E Lee card. They couldn't agree on a price for that one. I said I was interested and he asked me to make an offer.

I debated on what to offer. If I went too low he may not reply (since he took so long already). I already knew that they couldn't agree on a price so he put a premium on the Lee card. And going too high is bad for me. Anyway, cheap beat out smart and I offered $250. I waited 3 long weeks for a reply without emailing him again. I just knew I blew it. Finally he said he would take $275. I decided not to call him immediately and tell him I'm taking the first flight down, but rather waited 2 days and calmly said, "sure".

I couldn't believe it when it came a week later. The only example known of the most popular general in one of the hardest sets to complete.

[ethicsprof]

first T206 i ever bought, soon after getting married in '84(i had been given a few via inheritance a couple of years earlier).
and
and (almost a tie) a T206 with Drum back, sold to me at a price from over 20 years earlier
and my favorite provenance.

best,
barry

[GoSoxBoSox]

I don't really know what my best is? This isn't my most valuable, but it is probably my favorite.

[E93]

Originally Posted by egbeachley

A non-sports card story. But true collectors looking for the "Holy Grail" will appreciate the story. If you are not interested in non-sports just assume I'm referring to a T206 Joe Jackson.

The T64 McAlpin set is documented in American Tobacco Cards as a 48-card set of Generals issued around 1902-1905. While many "regular" Generals were depicted, it was odd that the most famous US General of all was not, Robert E Lee.

For over 100 years it was speculated that this card may exist, but if so why didn't it show up. Afterall, the most famous athletes or celebrities are the first to be kept.

About 6 years ago I notice a T64 auction on Ebay that didn't sell. It was for 12 T64 cards, most in VG or better condition that didn't hit the reserve. High bid was $700 or so. I only noticed it after the auction had ended when looking at other items. It was completely misclassified.

So I spent the next 2 months sending many emails to the seller trying to find out his reserve. No response. I don't even know if Ebay delivered the emails. I used every trick I could think of to get his direct email address. Then one day he emailed me back. It turns out someone (I assume the reserve underbidder) had purchased every card except 1, the Robert E Lee card. They couldn't agree on a price for that one. I said I was interested and he asked me to make an offer.

I debated on what to offer. If I went too low he may not reply (since he took so long already). I already knew that they couldn't agree on a price so he put a premium on the Lee card. And going too high is bad for me. Anyway, cheap beat out smart and I offered $250. I waited 3 long weeks for a reply without emailing him again. I just knew I blew it. Finally he said he would take $275. I decided not to call him immediately and tell him I'm taking the first flight down, but rather waited 2 days and calmly said, "sure".

I couldn't believe it when it came a week later. The only example known of the most popular general in one of the hardest sets to complete.

Great story.
JimB

[Mikehealer]

That is a cool story, thanks for sharing.