62 Topps Nuggets...of wisdom please.

SportscardAdvocate

Okay, I'm dangerous now. I just received news that my latest submission (my first of eBay and shop acquired 62's) yieled 2 PSA 8, a host of 7's and a 5 (oops.) I'm probably at 5% completion (graded - about 40% raw) so I might break in the top 20. Now I need some pointers as to the best way to proceed. I started this set for all intents and purposes two months ago when I submitted 2 cards from my Dad's collection and received a 7 (Koufax) and an NR (Gil Hodges, another oops). Since then I've been sniping commons trying to accumulate the low hanging fruit from eBay. (As well as getting burned on poorly advertised lots.)

What other avenues do I have for acquiring cards on the cheap to build this set. I'm sure there's no easy way, but until I hit say the 60% wall where I'm starting to compete with more serious and longer tenured collectors, what is the best way to get these cards. Of course I'm financially constrained, but I have some stuff to trade if I needed to.

Does anybody out there pursue this set? It seems it's not that popular, but I just can't get it out of my head. The grain borders and slew of flat top haircuts just reek of nostalgia in my mind.

Help! I've got the collecting bug bad!

seinbigd

SportsCardAdvocate:

If you want a real challenge, you've come to the right place.

IMHO, many collectors avoid the 1962 Topps Baseball Set because of its condition-sensitive woodgrain borders as well as the seemingly tough PSA standards for these cards. Another frustration is the size of the set and its many variations. Once you complete your set, you will not only have the sense of accomplishment of doing so but will also have created something of value. If you do lose interest in completing the set, it will be fairly easy to liquidate your cards which are selling for at 80-100+% of SMR for PSA-8s.

I guess I've been working on this set for almost 10 years now, first as a raw set and now in PSA-8 grade or better. As for where to find these cards, its not any different from other sets. As you start to build the set, you'll meet others from whom to buy/sell/trade. While there are some "pros and cons" (both literally and figuratively) to allowing your set to be viewed on the Registry, I would encourage you to make it available for viewing. I have found the Set Registry to be a great way to make contact with others with similar collecting interests.

I've had mixed results with '62 submissions but have improved with experience. Typically, I can "break-even" on 7s and some 6s; my cost in cards that come back in PSA-8 or better has been very favorable when compared with SMR/ current market value. Again like most other sets, it comes down to buying quality raw material, even if you have to puy a slight premium. But that's an entirely different thread....

In summary, its been my experience its cheaper to buy graded cards. With a little patience, the "low hanging fruit" is fairly plentiful and can be bought at a fair price. You will need to score some bargains here to offset the premiums to be paid later for those low pop cards needed to finish the set.

You didn't mention what grade you were trying to build your set in; the last time I checked the population report there were still a few cards which had not graded higher than PSA 7.

Good luck with your set.

seinbigd

acowa

I would find someone selling a high end set with some PSA cards in your required grade...keep what you want...break up the rest...then repeat the process.

For instance, I collect 1967's and recently a set with almost 300 PSA 8's was sold at a fraction of SMR. That fraction still cost over $10,000...but we sold off the non graded cards to one guy...ejguru bought a few...etc

Regards,


Alan

LJB17

Since this is a 62 thread I will put out this request. I am looking for a 62 Juan Marichal in PSA 8. I need it for another set I am putting together.

SportscardAdvocate

Here's my first test of my resolve and finances. Of course I can't afford it, but a Mantle PSA 8 from 62 is on eBay right now...link. Any thoughts on who will win it? The number four set can use an upgrade. I think I'll bid just to be on the final bidding list. There's no way I can afford the card now. Oohh, Seinbigd needs it. I'm going to suffer watching this, but in the end, I'm sure it will be fun.