Thinking of trying for an '81 Donruss Angels PSA 10 set. Am I insane?

jsnpritchett

As a few of you know, I'm currently trying to get all of the L.A. Angels 1961 Topps cards in PSA 8 or better. I just started that endeavor a few weeks ago, and I've already got 14 of the 27 I need. Obviously, this isn't all that "impressive" when compared to some of the graded sets people go after, but it's a nice diversion for me.

Now, I'm thinking about going after a PSA 10 California Angels 1981 Donruss set. Yes, you read that correctly. '81 Donruss cards were the first baseball cards I ever got. In my first pack of 18 cards, 7 of them were Angels. In my warped little kid's mind, I thought this must mean they were a great, popular team. Little did I know...

Anyway, I thought that getting all 30 Angels' cards from that set in PSA 10 would be a nice way to commemorate the set that got me into collecting and helped me find my favorite team. Here's the problem, though--obviously very few people get '81 Donruss cards graded. There are only 134 PSA 10s for the entire set as of right now.

Do you think it's even possible to track down enough high-quality, "loose," non-graded cards and have them submitted myself to get PSA 10s? Or is this an endless endeavor that will only serve to frustrate me forever? Thoughts?

Jason

goodriddance189

a PSA 9 set would be doable, a PSA 10 set would be difficult. i would try contacting 4_sharp_corners on ebay. they usually sell high grade 80's baseball, and they fill wantlists.

jsnpritchett

<< <i>a PSA 9 set would be doable, a PSA 10 set would be difficult. i would try contacting 4_sharp_corners on ebay. they usually sell high grade 80's baseball, and they fill wantlists. >>



Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check them out. I realize I might be chasing after something impossible here, but I'd like to at least give it a shot!

Jason

goodriddance189

try making a post on the Vintage board, asking for '81 Donruss Angels Psa 10's. also, you might try King Kellogg on the boards. he might have a ton of raw stuff

jsnpritchett

Ok. Thanks again for the tips! Sorry if this wasn't the right place to post this thread--I thought it might be, since I would eventually enter the set into the Registry.

Jason

SoFLPhillyFan

Here is a thread about 81 Donruss. My limited experience with two wax boxes led me to ask for advice.
I don't think any 10s will come out of the boxes I opened. Sent two to grade as a test and got one 9 and one 8 OC.

81 Donruss advice

I would say shoot for 9s also, then maybe upgrade if possible?

I have a Carew and a Best Hitters card w/ Carew and Brett, both may get 9s. Other Angels are probably mixed in the box.

Happy to help out if needed - just e mail me.

jsnpritchett

PhillyFan--thanks! That thread was helpful. I also e-mailed you, so be on the lookout. Have a great evening.

Jason

KING KELLOGG

Hey Jason...

Got your email.

Sorry I couldn,t help on your quest...


Good Luck!!



Larry

BugOnTheRug

<< <i>Thinking of trying for an '81 Donruss Angels PSA 10 set. Am I insane? >>


Borderline in my opinion. For the truely insane, try a psa 1 set or a psa 11 set.

BOTR

marz

that set has not the Carney lansford card in it! Yes! you are insane!

SoFLPhillyFan

Just for info - what's the story on the Carney Lansford card?

Keith

jsnpritchett

Yeah, now I'm curious about the Lansford, too. Are you saying the picture on the card is of someone else?

Jason

onegaucho

Insane? We all fit that category!

Good luck! To each his own!

marz

<< <i>Just for info - what's the story on the Carney Lansford card?

Keith >>




I cannot find one the stinking things from 79 in a psa 9 holder???? !!!!


help me~

jsnpritchett

Thought I'd trying bumping this up one more time. So far, I've managed to get 3 PSA 9s (Brett/Carew, Bert Campaneris, and Carew (#169)--no 10s yet. I submitted a team set request to the Registry, but I'm sure it'll take forever before it gets accepted, given the fact that I might be the only person who'll ever attempt this set!

I've been going through Angels' team sets that I've won on eBay, and think I have a decent stash of very gradeable cards. That being said, I'd much prefer to get already-graded cards. Anyone else have any they'd be willing to part with? If so, post here or e-mail me at jsnpritchett@aol.com. Thanks!

Jason

HCS

Go for the 10s. I just started my pursuit of a 1978 Topps PSA 10 set of my beloved Dodgers, the first year I collected cards. I know it will be slow but fun. I have bought a couple of 10s on ebay and will submit a few from my own set that may have a chance for 10s. Be patient. The fun for me is in the pursuit in addition to the thrill of finishing the pursuit. 9s are too easy. If there is no challenge, why bother?

mikeschmidt

Jason-

Give it enough time and patience - and you will get there. There really aren't (m)any star cards from the set that are not available in PSA 10 - so enough patience and investment, and you will get there. Obviously, it sounds like you are trying to do this on some semblance of a budget, and that starts to become a tad problematic. To do it right, you might need to bust some wax yourself, leverage other star cards and sets you put together, etc. But, if you are truly committed to the idea, it can and will be done.

I'm partial to the 1981 Topps Philadelphia Phillies team. I'm not 100% impassioned about it (read: will buy graded - but will not bust up wax, vending, etc.), but I have been able to put together 50% of the set in PSA 10, and I am quite confident that I will have the other 50% in 9, as soon as I submit something to PSA. To get all those 10s - I have paid premium prices - but I don't care about that so much. It is the team that commemorates Philly's only World Series victory ever. So that means something to me.

Also - have you talked to Roger at 4 Sharp Corners? They are now more willing to try and help collectors with their Set Registry needs. I've sent them "Target" lists of cards I want as upgrades - as well as prices I'm willing to pay - and I've noticed that they are more than willing to accomodate on getting cards sent in, trying to help my PSA Set Registry needs ;-)

jsnpritchett

<< <i>Jason-

Also - have you talked to Roger at 4 Sharp Corners? They are now more willing to try and help collectors with their Set Registry needs. I've sent them "Target" lists of cards I want as upgrades - as well as prices I'm willing to pay - and I've noticed that they are more than willing to accomodate on getting cards sent in, trying to help my PSA Set Registry needs ;-) >>



I e-mailed 4 sharp corners a few months ago when I started all of this. I was told at the time that they didn't have any of the cards I was looking for, but that they'd keep an eye out for any they came across. Maybe I should try them again, given what you've said.

The biggest problem with the '81 Donruss set is simply that it's not popular among collectors, so there are very few cards graded. I don't know if I'm willing to start buying wax to find what I need. I'm dedicated to a degree--just not THAT degree!

Anyway, thanks for the post, and if anyone else has any PSA 9 or 10 Angels, I'd love to hear from you!

Jason

Cyphilissb

I do a similar thing which is tracking down psa 10 kobe bryant topps cards. While there is more raw material out there, it is almost impossible for me to find not only graded cards, but cards for sale at all. Most of the time i have to either buy a factory set or box just to get 2 or 3 cards. The point of this is even though it wouldn't be worth while to many, it has been one of my most long standing goals. This is my cheapest and maybe most enjoyable collection (bar the 2.5k rc refractor). btw out of the 24 topps, topps chrome, and chrome refractors made i have 10 so far :-).

Fuzz

The card stock on these is ridiculously thin. If I recall correctly, I have bought complete sets of these (660 cards) that were shipped in 500 count vending boxes.
Try are only two appraoaches that I see:
1) Scour, scour and scour every corner, place buy ads on Naxcom and the like for slabbed cards. Probably cost efficent. Should take a long, long time. May want to start with 9's which should also be kind of scarce already slabbed and upgrade as they are available.
2) Start buying unopened. After all, it is not too expensive and is somewhat easy to find. Submit your own (the best of the best) and put together sets and sell them off to recoup costs. It will be much more expensive, much more work, and a lot more fun.
Good Luck,
Fuzz

Tipem

<< <i>As a few of you know, I'm currently trying to get all of the L.A. Angels 1961 Topps cards in PSA 8 or better. I just started that endeavor a few weeks ago, and I've already got 14 of the 27 I need. >>




Jason,


If you haven't done so already,you need to go to Buckwheats web site.He has a link on any post that he does.His web site is" Robs 61's".He is the absolute king of the 61's.


Vic

jaxxr

As time goes on and collectors think back to their first sets, cards from the late 70s thru the 80s will become more popular and available.

While certainly not as tough as cards from the 50s, this era can present some difficult to find 10s and 9s as well. Quality control was not as popular as quantity on a roll. Just because it's from 198x doesn't mean it's plentifull in top shape.

Perhaps an Angels set in a grade of say around 9.33 ( one 10 to two 9s ) is a reasonable goal. While not as impressive a 10 only, it could probably be done with some time and money and luck.