1938 PSA Goudey Set

mrichards · January 25, 2003 3:56AM

Hi Everyone,

I have been speaking with many fellow collectors and a couple of dealers, I am contemplating to start building a 1938 Goudey set in 8's. It is a really nice set and most of the commons seem to go under SMR. Even the DiMaggio cards are available for a couple thousand under SMR (The SMR just dropped $1000.00 on each). Looking at the registry, It only shows one set all 8's. The Pops are low, but that hasn't stopped me before (Patience Prevails). What do you think? Am I wasting my time? The one bad thing about finishing a vintage set in all 8's is you have to wait forever for 9's to appear and the sledgehammer comes out. At this point, I am a little bored. I built 4 Red Heart Sets in 7's and 8's and it was too easy for me and I got really bored and broke them up (a couple of you bought some from me). I think this set with 48 cards isn't as small as a Red Heart, but just the right size (instead of a 96 card 34 Goudey set). Out of all of the sets, which I want to build, this seemed like a really nice vintage set and there wasn't much competition for 8's. I was also thinking of stepping down and building an all PSA 7 set like a 1951 Bowman or 1953/54 Topps, but building my set in all 8's spoiled me. It spoils most of us. The quest for perfection with high-end PSA graded cards/sets should be an illegal drug. Any Suggestions?

Thank you In Advance for Your Time and Comments.

Mike

spacktrack · January 25, 2003 4:11AM

Mrichards:

1938 Goudey is a nice set and should be a lot of fun to do in 8. Of the other sets you mentioned, a NM set of 53 Topps would look amazing in my opinion. I love the color on the cards and, even though I am builing raw in good-exmt condition, cards with nice sharp corners and good gloss are just a pleasure to look at. There are quite a few 54 Topps in 8 on eBay as the result of a set breakup. Those aren't bad looking either.

Regardless, whichever direction you go, good luck.

spacktrack

curmudgeon · January 25, 2003 4:33AM

I think your project for 38 Goudey is a great one and will reward you far more than you might now think. As for challenging sets in 7, how about the Dan-Dees or Drakes (forget about the Wilsons, unless you plan on and like spending beaucoup bucks). Good Luck! Todd

waitilltheytrytosell · January 25, 2003 4:35AM

There's nothing wrong with a mixed 7 and 8 set in all those sets you mention. There are some very difficult cards in those sets if you are only doing an 8 set, so 7's and good deals on 8's are certainly good to consider. They are easier to sell too. The worst part about the 1938 Goudey set is that you have to basically buy each guy twice. This makes a mix of 7 and 8 on this set even better.

1420sports · January 25, 2003 5:55AM

I think the 38 Goudeys are some of the goofiest and greatest cards of all time. I have been looking for a nice PSA 3 or 4 (is there such a thing

?) and all I ever see for sale are PSA 7 and up.

If I had the resources to start a set such as this, I would tackle only the "low" or "high" numbers, as they are both really the same card.

I would then do a Red Heart set, which are some of the greatest cards - Mickey's 2nd best issue - as well.

Just my opinion .... Good Luck!

paigowmichael · January 26, 2003 1:23AM

I'm with 1420 on a couple of points:

I collect only the high number cards. The only difference between the high and low numbers is the extra cartoons in the high numbers. The low numbers have a clean look while the high numbers have more character.

I also go for the lower grade cards (4-6 in my case). I find them to be just fine for general display purposes and the lower grade keeps the cost in check. Now if money was no object....

I think there is such a thing as a nice "4". See my set in the Set Registry for 2 examples (Pytlak & Kuhel). I bought them already graded (and very cheaply). I think they look better than some of my 5s and 6s.

In short, the 38s are a great set and a worthy pursuit.

mb

mrichards · January 26, 2003 11:22PM

Hi Mb/Guys,

Thanks for all of the responses (your opinions). I am partial to 8's. I am not going to say money is no object, but I have been dead as far as buying in the last couple of months. I picked up a couple of 9's for my 52 bowman set, but the well has been dry. I agree lower graded cards that are really nicely centered are nice, but I am partial to 8's. Do not think I am spoiled, but I am after my 52's. It should be a really good challenge and I can always save the big $ cards for last because those are the easiest to find because I do not think many people are spending that kind of money on 38 Goudeys (I could be wrong), but in the last 3 months, the market is pretty quiet on those. How about those Bucs (I am not a fan, but I have always loved to watch a great defense). Sorry to all of the Raider fans out there. Being a NY Giants fan, I am used to saying, "Wait until next year". Anyway, thanks again for all of your responses.

Mike

Davalillo · January 26, 2003 11:54PM

Mike,

Supply is low but demand for 8s has been low as well. I am about half done with the set in 8 and would like to finish it without getting into a bidding contest with you---so if you see that I need it pls. drop me an e-mail and stay away! You never know--I just might let you have a 52 Bowman 9 or two at less than outrageouis prices.

Davalillo

1420sports · January 27, 2003 1:00AM

Jim, still interested in the 1938 PSA 4 Joe D you have .......

mrichards · January 27, 2003 1:09AM

Supply is low but demand for 8s has been low as well. I am about half done with the set in 8 and would like to finish it without getting into a bidding contest with you---so if you see that I need it pls. drop me an e-mail and stay away! You never know--I just might let you have a 52 Bowman 9 or two at less than outrageouis prices.

Hi Jim,

You are a good guy and I do not want to get into bidding wars. Especially since you want to come down to reality on some 52 Bowmans

Thanks,
Mike