You can throw the book out when it comes to NM and better specimens. It is highly recommended that if you do go into high-grade T206s, make sure they have been slabbed. Nothing against the other grading companies, but when it comes to pre-war, I put my trust in SGC.
You can also try to get a lower grade of HOFers. I usually go for those in "poor" condition that have back damage but is superb in the front. And these are a fraction of the price of what it would have gone for if slabbed at EX or higher. See example below.
![[Image: 01-2009_Lajoie_T206_PSA_1_A.jpg]](http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/gallery/albums/userpics/01-2009_Lajoie_T206_PSA_1_A.jpg)
You can also try to get a lower grade of HOFers. I usually go for those in "poor" condition that have back damage but is superb in the front. And these are a fraction of the price of what it would have gone for if slabbed at EX or higher. See example below.