Why no price?

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Posted By: T205 Cycle Mathewson

While doing some research, I came across an article about the T205 Cycle Mathewson. As someone just starting to collect the T205 set (as this should keep me busy after retirement), why does Beckett list all other variations of T205 cards, but doesn't list the Mathewson. Wouldn't that be considered a variation as well? Are there any other variations out there that aren't advertised or listed in Beckett?

r/
Frank

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Posted By: barrysloate

It's a recently discovered variation, and it often takes time for these things to be accepted in the hobby.

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Posted By: leon

Wasn't this the card that had an old school auctioneer saying it was exremely rare, if not unique, and it sold for like 8k-10k, and then about 10 members on the board showed the ones they have? Or was this a different situation?

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Posted By: dstudeba

same card.

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Posted By: Matt

"Lot 9. T205 Christy Mathewson with statistical unknown error on back SGC 40 VG 3. Never seen before, the rear of the Cycle backed card shows Mathewson having lost only one game in 1908 rather than the 11 he lost and is recorded on every other T205 Mathewson known. The type on the back is extremely dark and clear and this is not a case of the type not coming out or a digit being rubbed out. The card was discovered by long time Indianapolis collector Ted Koch at a show in 1975 or 1976 and was purchased then for the princely sum of $1,000. The card has, as previously mentioned a fairly tough Cycle back, and there is a possibility that may have something to do with the error. At this time the card must be considered the rarest of T205 variations easily surpassing the Hoblitzell. The card has a worn upper left corner and a couple of minor specks in the gold border. No creases and a very nice appearing card. Winning Bid $9,503"

My Trade/Sale Page

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Posted By: T205 Cycle Mathewson

Thanks Barry, how recent was this discovery? Also, if so many people have it, why did a VG sell for $9,000?

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Posted By: J Levine

Pure hype is why that card sold. Competition is why the prices are currently inflated.

Cycle is an uncommon back for T205 but not a truly rare back. Every Cycle back Mathewson contains this error. I have owned at least 3 Cycle back Mattys over the years so they are not terribly rare. Collectors (myself included) who want a master set are now in need of this card has driven the price up somewhat. I do think that $9000 is horribly inflated. The price is still somewhat inflated but it should not command that kind of premium.

Joshua

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Posted By: Scott Levy

I agree that it's hard to find what the true market value of this card is. I personally view it as an error that may or may not be recognized by the hobby at some point in the future.

In any event I would love to own another copy personally....and am willing to pay a minimum of 5x SMR to get my hands on one. Please take advantage of my overzealous offer

Regards,
Scott

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Posted By: barrysloate

I don't know why it sold for as much as it did. Bidders have a tendency to chase after certain things. With regard to when it was discovered, I do not know. I've only heard about it in the last year.

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Posted By: Eric B

It's not a variation. All Cycle Brand Mathewsons have the exact same back. The variety to this card is that it's a Cycle back.

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Posted By: Matt

It's the same category of variation as the Wilhelm Suffered that only comes with the Hassan back. Hassan is a more common back and Wilhelm is not a HOF and that card sells in the $1k-$3k range. Considering it's Matty and Cycle is a tougher back, I'm not sure the hype bumped it up by orders of magnitude.


My Trade/Sale Page

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Posted By: Brian

"It's not a variation. All Cycle Brand Mathewsons have the exact same back. The variety to this card is that it's a Cycle back."



Yes.

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Posted By: J Levine

Matt,

A couple of fixes on your post...the Wilhelm is degrees tougher than the Matty Cycle. I would venture to say that there are far more Matty Cycle cards than either of the Wilhelm cards.

First off the Wilhelm is a single print. Matty was not.

Second, there were several different printings for the Hassan backs. Just because a card can be found with a Hassan back does not mean it is more common than a Cycle back. As I said, the Wilhelms were short printed and were most likely printed in a later, smaller printing of the set.

Joshua

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Posted By: Scott Levy

Joshua,

While I don't always agree with your opinion, one thing is for certain....you know a HECK of a lot about T205s !!!

Thanks for the additional info.

Regards,
Scott

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Posted By: Matt

Josh - thanks for the info!

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