1956 Topps set completed at Fort

Scoop · March 8, 2004 4:58AM

Just thought I would like to share my joy in finally completing my '56 Topps Basic baseball set in all PSA 8 or better. It was a 4+ year project which started with the submission of my childhood collection. The fact that more than 80% of the set was from personal submissions is my greatest joy.

Ironically, I was at the show to meet a prospective buyer, as I now have 2 sons in the middle of their sophomore years at college, and college loans tapped out.

The first table I visited at Ft. Washington, PA show was Kurtz Kards, and lo and behold there was a PSA 8 Orioles Team dated staring up at me. It took $600. plus my high-end PSA 7, but was well worth it considering this card goes for around $1000. even in the centered or left versions....if you can find it!

Thanks go to John Blattner (Double Play), Peter Eisenberg (PK cards), and Jim (707 Sportscards) for filling a few holes....and a special thanks to Carl (the Duke of Mint) Albero, who sold me many of the top-end stars from his set (including a borderline 9 Mantle), and several raw and SGC cards which all ended up in PSA 8, and in a few cases, PSA 9 holders.

Jim S

PS .... Look for it in the upcoming MastroNet auction in April

onegaucho · March 8, 2004 5:06AM

Sweet! Where are you ranked on the registry?

Scoop · March 8, 2004 5:21AM

Look for it under the name Jim Scoppe with scans of top cards included -- tied for #5 with Davallilo and 707 Sportscards (rated 8.02).

Basilone · March 8, 2004 5:41AM

Sccop-

Congratulations on completion.

On another thread you stated that it will be sold in the April Mastro Auction. Hopefully you get some nice bids to compensate for Mastro's fees and commissions.

John

Basilone · March 8, 2004 5:43AM

You mentioned that 80% of the set came from your childhood collection...so it looks like you are going to do well which ever way you choose to sell.

Looks like it paid off to keep those cards nice and mint as a kid!

John

mikeschmidt · March 8, 2004 5:52AM

Jim S:

Congratulations on a super accomplishment! Before I let you enjoy your glory too much -- please let me ask: what's next? Upgrade? sit back and enjoy? another set? In any case - a very substantial accomplishment - my best wishes.

MS

baseballjeff · March 8, 2004 5:56AM

Anyway you have a digital camera and you can post a picture of the collection all spread out?

That'd be awesome!

Basilone · March 8, 2004 5:59AM

Jim,

Will the set be sold as one unit, various lots, etc? I know that Sportscards Plus did pretty well with the 1955 set they broke up and sold...due to the number of lots in Mastro's auction...I doubt they would do that..but you never know.

At least it will not be listed on eBay will all cards ending at the same second....(like the 1965 set).

John

qualitycards · March 8, 2004 6:30AM

JIM - Glad to see you complete your set - Sorry to see you sell it though...jay

Scoop · March 8, 2004 6:43AM

John, no fees and 0% commission from them. Kevin said that they will most likely sell as complete set.

I had two other options. One was to sell 150-card lot to Vic (tipem), other lots to board members who sent me emails when I let on to sale of set, and the balance on ebay. This would net between $39,000. and $41,000.

The other was to sell as complete set to Mint Sportscards of Del Ray Beach, FL. who advertise in SMR guide with a buy offer of $35,000.

Mikeshmidt, like Basilone, I am a Pirate and Clemente fan....I will probably start a Clemente collection after the boys graduate.

Baseball Jeff, I should have taken pic before consigning....MastroNet is now in possession of set.

Jay, like some have stated in previous threads, the joy is in the completion. I hated to part with cards that I possessed from childhood, but my children come first. At least the collection went for a good cause.

Thanks to all.

Basilone · March 8, 2004 7:13AM

Scoop-

Wow...you cannot go wrong with no Buyers Fee (is that correct?) and no Sellers commission. I guess just tax.

Best of Luck on the sale and good luck on the Clementes.

John

Tipem · March 8, 2004 8:10AM

Jim,

I was wondering what was up when I say that update on your set registry.Just couldn't resist buying one more card,could ya??

I am

to hear that I will not be able to own those high end cards that we almost cut a deal on.

I am however,glad to see such a high end set as yours stay together(hopefully).I know from talking to you that yours has been a real labor of love and what a class act you are and that you will get a good price for your set.I hope the guys on the Clemente player registry are ready for some stiff competition and willing to see you at the top as you have a good eye for high end cards.

Stay in touch and be well.

Vic

Scoop · March 8, 2004 9:38AM

Vic, actually I was going to sell as it was, but I was advised by MastroNet reps to 'upgrade' the card so as to have a PSA 8 or better set with no exceptions which would have more appeal and subsequently, more class, like having a cubic zarconia piece in the same jewelry box with your diamonds.

Anyway, I think it best that you attain your cards slowly, preferably a few at a time, including some self submissions. It is vastly more enjoyable that way. I can tell you that the instant I bought that last card, there was a sense of loss....the hunt was over. I can see why some collectors adopt the 'complete a set, sell, and start on a new set' mentality.

I can honestly say that if it weren't for the college educations of my sons that I hadn't fully financed, I would not be selling anytime soon.

I hope your hunt lasts as long as it is enjoyable. Good luck,

JIM