Mid grade set collectors... question for you

onegaucho

I'm in the middle of collecting a mid grade (primarly and preferably in PSA 5 condition) 1950 Bowman set. I have most of the HOFers already in PSA 5 holders. I have the rest of the set ungraded sitting in sleeves and albums. Is it worth getting the rest of the set graded? The average grade of my ungraded cards is between 4 and 5 most likely.

Benefits I can see:
1. Authenticity
2. PSA set registry entry at 100% complete

Disadvantages:
1. Very high graded fees for little return on investment, even if I were to sell the entire set as a whole
2. I love being able to show friends the set by flipping through an album. With them all in holders, I'd have to go to something like a wall display - which my wife wouldn't go for in our new house

What do you guys think?

Davino

I would try to buy the cards on Ebay already graded, then perhaps sell off the entire raw set. I think the grading costs(that you save), could be put towards maybe getting some 6's or 7's....

RayBShotz

Mid grade cards like these can be had ultra cheap on ebay. Be patient and you will be a frequent winner on 5's and 6's.
RayB69Topps

helionaut

If you aren't doing it to resell, I'd keep it as it is. I wouldn't worry about authenticity, because anyone going to the trouble of faking a 1950 Bowman would do a star, and even if they didn't they'd keep them in good condition. A quick ebay check shows 4 common players in 4-5, one selling for $10.50 and the other for $7. The stars do bring a premium even in that grade, though. A PSA 5 Snider sold for $108, while a raw card that looks comparable sold for $77. So if you do sell, it could be worth grading those, and maybe the nicest of the commons. But if you are more concerned with display, you can spend 50 cents or a dollar per card and get some nice screwdowns and print yourself up some labels.

1420sports

I would grade em. I am considering starting a 52 Bowman set in PSA 4-6 and mid grades are hard to come by - most are higher grades but there are a few buys . Maybe there will be a PSA submission special soon, and I would take advantage.

Good luck.

Vargha

That is a very reasonably priced set in mid grade holders (almost always well below SMR). Holdering a set like that is for ego if someone hasn't paid the submission fees already. You will likely not get your money back, even from a grading special.

murcerfan

I think for investment considerations you may want to collect/grade only psa6 and better commons
and psa5 stars. remember you can always send in the lesser commons at a future date.
I would also try to be patient and take advantage of a grading special.

1420sports

Holdering a set like that is for ego

True, but what the hell ... the set registry has made most of us do some very strange things indeed. Before the registry, was a low pop PSA 8 (in any set) going for 20X SMR?

Vargha

1420 -- My point was that in PSA 5-6, the return on investment would be entirely on the ego side. You are correct though, about ego being a legitimate driving force on the Set Registry.



(typo correction)

1420sports

I see your point - and agreed. PSA should thank us for our ego's

murcerfan

What do you think those silly awards are all about

koby

Speaking of awards.....does anyone know when our certificates are coming? I told all my relative about my achievements and they're all going to call me a liar because U can't show them my certificates tomorrow.