How much effort?

Axtell

Is it really to put together a high end set of really any era? I mean with deep enough pockets, isn't it possible to acquire as high end set of any series you wanted?

I am not trying to take away from the effort those put into their sets, but is it really all that difficult, or just expensive?

Just curious....

WinPitcher

both

jrdolan

Well, John Branca can buy out my collection with the cash in his pocket. But the cards he really wants, he has to compete with guys whose pockets are as deep as his, or deeper. I guess there's competition at all levels, except at the top there's fewer guys, fewer cards for them to fight over, and amazing amounts of disposable income.

Gemmy10

<<I mean with deep enough pockets, isn't it possible to acquire as high end set of any series you wanted?>>

I really don't think you will be able to save enough from your newspaper route.

Axtell

<< <i><<I mean with deep enough pockets, isn't it possible to acquire as high end set of any series you wanted?>>

I really don't think you will be able to save enough from your newspaper route. >>



Good lord Spammy you really are a moron. I'd suspect you sit at home all day in front of your old computer, scraping enough money to buy one pack of 1987 topps cards per year.

And I'd suspect that yes, with enough money, anyone could buy any fully graded set at any condition they wanted. There are probably few sets that are completely unavailable.

Stone193

I'll tell you what I think Gemmy...Axtell

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

your friend
Mike

NickM

Any era?

Major post-war sets can be put together in PSA 8 condition by just digging deeply enough for cash, but many of these sets from the 1950s (and a few later ones) are not available in PSA 9 condition because there are a significant number of cards that don't yet exist in PSA 9.

When you get to pre-war, oftentimes there is one set that is truly high end, with everything else being far lower, and in most cases the owner of that set has no financial reason to sell, and would probably turn down an outrageous offer because they feel more pride in having an essentially unduplicatable set. There are also many of these sets (especially from the T-card era) where there isn't even one PSA 7 or higher example known of every card.

There are even a few post-war sets that would be impossible to complete in a high grade.

Try 1951 Topps Major League All-Stars or 1951 Topps Connie Mack All-Stars or 1951 Topps Teams. PSA 5 is considered high end for most of these cards!

Nick

Knuckles

If money was no object it wouldn't be hard at all. Just wait for sets to pop on lelands and mastronet and buy them. You wouldn't have to hunt down each card.

mercurynut

If I hit the lottery I will try and let you know!

MorrellMan

The "effort" is in acquiring a set at a cost well below value, thereby insuring equity.
It requires knowledge, patience, perseverance, dedication and stealth; and results in a truly satisfying acquisition.
That doesn't happen with the major auction houses, or if cost is no obstacle.
Just my $.02

ctsoxfan

Mark is right on the money - what is the great achievement if you just wait until a high dollar set (compliled by someone else) lands on Mastro or the like, and you buy it? How can that be satisfying? The thrill is in the chase, and while money helps, it is the experience of finding all of the pieces that is satisfying to me.

Axtell

<< <i>Mark is right on the money - what is the great achievement if you just wait until a high dollar set (compliled by someone else) lands on Mastro or the like, and you buy it? How can that be satisfying? The thrill is in the chase, and while money helps, it is the experience of finding all of the pieces that is satisfying to me. >>



That's what I was trying to point out. I know there are many who work at acquiring cards below value to put their sets together...but when I see these sets that obviously cost a ton of cash to put together, is it really that 'difficult'?