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Step 1
Start your collection by having a few cards and deciding on criteria for collecting. Themes, brands and cigarette company or specific periods in history are all common ideas for collecting and you can always widen or narrow your boundaries as your collection grows.
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Step 2
Look around for new cards by searching in antiques and collectors stores, online resources and asking family and friends. For a very specific or valuable card, catalog dealers or specialist auctions are a great source.
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Step 3
Add to your collection by matching cards and collections but be aware of the value and condition of the card you are buying. The better the condition, the higher the value and for even a very rare card it may be very hard to sell if it is very worn or faded.
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Step 4
Join a trade card-collecting group or "cartophilic society" which will give you a chance to swap and buy or sell cards as well as trading information. Groups like this will also probably have resident experts, which will give you more tips and advice on collecting.
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Step 5
Store and display your collection by using albums or storage cases. You can buy specially designed albums exclusively for trade cards that will vary depending on the size of your cards and your collection. If you are starting small, you can also display them in photo frames around the house.
