Putting Together Graded Sets From an Economic Standpoint

grilloj39

I am in the process of putting together several graded complete sets: 1) c55 1911 hockey 2) c56 1910 hockey 3) 1959 topps baseball. As I put together these sets, they are mainly mixed graded sets (i.e. a combination of GAI and PSA graded cards, with some SGC). All my raw cards get sent to GAI, but I do buy PSA and SGC graded cards from time to time as well. I thought about a GAI graded only set for a set registry (when the website is activated) but decided from an economic standpoint that literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars would be spent on grading submissions, crossovers, etc, (money that could be used to buy more cards). I just do not see a purpose of completing a GAI only set for set registry purposes. I understand the thoughts of some by competing with each other in a friendly way to obtain the highest rated registry set, for some see it as part of the card collecting hobby enjoyment process, which is fine by me.

I am just curious to find out how many of you out there are like me...mixed graded sets and not concerned about publicizing/registering your sets.

The set registry is PSA's greatest marketing accomplishment--I must give credit where credit is due.

RedRomad275

I am one of those people who as you can see by my name line are in the military and don't make a lot of money so I put my sets together as I can afford. I have started a 33 Goudey set and buy up low grade or raw here and there. Most of the raw won't grade but I'll upgrade as money allows. I just like the boards for the commaraderie of collecting and only use my membership to mostly take advantage of specials.

SDSportsFan

I guess I probably fall somewhere in the "middle". I'm also in the military, and spend what I can on my collecting "addiction"

I do have my cards listed on the PSA Set Registry, just for the competition of completing a particular player or team set, and for a quick and easy checklist of what I have/need. I'm happy with lower condition cards (PSA 3-4 for my pre-WW2 cards, and PSA 5-7 for the 1950's and 1960's cards). The one area I am going for PSA 8-9 condition is my San Diego teams and Nolan Ryan, since I already have all of them "raw", and am enjoying the challenge of finding the graded cards.

I haven't sent any cards to any of the grading companies, and have bought all my cards already graded. I'm not limiting myself to PSA only, as I do pick up some SGC and GAI graded cards (mainly those cards that PSA would put in the oversized holders where the card is too small for the insert.

I too have recently joined the message boards, for the camaraderie and knowledge imparted by the other members. I had gone through a rather long period (about 10 years) where I had almost given up on card collecting due to the overproduction and just not finding any others who shared my collecting "bug". The Set Registry and these message boards have given me a "jump start", to where I'm again enjoying collecting (Thanks everyone)

Steve

qualitycards

My boy is in the Marines, and although he goes through money like running water, and can't save a dime.
I started a Mantle registry set for him and for his graduation at Parris Island, birthdays & Xmas we get him a card or 2 to register for him, so his collection is coming along nicely. I figure the Marines give him clothes, room & board. So he really doesn't need much, and he can always use Mantle cards as thats his favorite player. Just bought a '61 Mantle World Series card off of BUCKWHEAT and we have have a few more to give him as well....if he gets leave and can make it back home, I'm sure he'll love them...jay