My first Set 100% Complete!
Mags44
Posts: 9 ✭✭
I haven't been a frequent poster, but I have been a lurker through the years, learning a lot about sports cards and grading from everyone on this board.
I'm excited to say that I've finally completed my first PSA graded set! While it is not a large one, it is one that I loved since these cards first came out.
The set is the 1993 Topps Finest Refractors (baseball). This was the first set issued that used refractor technology - which I feel transformed the industry to move towards refractors and other inserts. I've always found these cards beautiful! I've completed this set in PSA 9 (with 2 10's thrown in that I received by accident). It was difficult, as this set is characterized by a lot of print issues, due to this being the 1st time this type of card was ever produced. Many cards are off center, and many have refractor print lines, along with the scratching of the surface that can occur with these cards. While these cards are pretty pricy, at least there was only 199 cards in the set. What made it difficult is that there are a few hard core collectors out there with very deep pockets - so I found it much better to buy raw and submit myself rather than directly buy the PSA 9 cards. While in the long run this was much cheaper, I did end up with a fair amount of PSA 8's - especially a couple of years ago, as I discuss in the next paragraph.
I've been working on this set for about 3 years now. One of the more interesting things has been the PSA grading guidelines and how they've changed over the last 3 years (I'm only speaking of this set - as I can't speak to other sets and cards). When I started, it seemed as if PSA 9's were "easy" to obtain for cards of a certain quality - then for a couple of years it was really tough to meet the qualifications. In the last 6 months it has been easier again. I've submitted many cards personally, and this doesn't appear to be anecdotal or accidental. Has anyone else seen this type of pattern over a few year period?
I just had to share this with the board - my next step is to figure out which set to collect next!
I'm excited to say that I've finally completed my first PSA graded set! While it is not a large one, it is one that I loved since these cards first came out.
The set is the 1993 Topps Finest Refractors (baseball). This was the first set issued that used refractor technology - which I feel transformed the industry to move towards refractors and other inserts. I've always found these cards beautiful! I've completed this set in PSA 9 (with 2 10's thrown in that I received by accident). It was difficult, as this set is characterized by a lot of print issues, due to this being the 1st time this type of card was ever produced. Many cards are off center, and many have refractor print lines, along with the scratching of the surface that can occur with these cards. While these cards are pretty pricy, at least there was only 199 cards in the set. What made it difficult is that there are a few hard core collectors out there with very deep pockets - so I found it much better to buy raw and submit myself rather than directly buy the PSA 9 cards. While in the long run this was much cheaper, I did end up with a fair amount of PSA 8's - especially a couple of years ago, as I discuss in the next paragraph.
I've been working on this set for about 3 years now. One of the more interesting things has been the PSA grading guidelines and how they've changed over the last 3 years (I'm only speaking of this set - as I can't speak to other sets and cards). When I started, it seemed as if PSA 9's were "easy" to obtain for cards of a certain quality - then for a couple of years it was really tough to meet the qualifications. In the last 6 months it has been easier again. I've submitted many cards personally, and this doesn't appear to be anecdotal or accidental. Has anyone else seen this type of pattern over a few year period?
I just had to share this with the board - my next step is to figure out which set to collect next!
0
Comments
Loves me some shiny!
Stingray
Let us know what you next set will be.
Minnie Minoso Master and Basic
1967 Topps PSA 8+
1960's Topps run Mega Set
"For me, playing baseball has been like a war and I was defending the uniform I wore, Every time I put on the uniform I respected it like the American flag. I wore it like I was representing every Latin country."--Minnie Minoso
* C. PASCUAL BASIC #3
* T. PEREZ BASIC #4 100%
* L. TIANT BASIC #1
* DRYSDALE BASIC #4 100%
* MAGIC MASTER #4/BASIC #3
* PALMEIRO MASTER/BASIC #1
* '65 DISNEYLAND #2
* '78 ELVIS PRESLEY #6
* '78 THREE'S COMPANY #1
WaltDisneyBoards
Something that takes you three years is truly a labor of love. Congrats on completing you set.
I attempted to check out your set but couldn't because your set is hidden. Out of curiosity (and since we have had a recent thread that discussed this matter); why did you keep your set hidden?
1955 Bowman Raw complete with 90% Ex-NR or better
Now seeking 1949 Eureka Sportstamps...NM condition
Working on '78 Autographed set now 99.9% complete -
Working on '89 Topps autoed set now complete
I just haven't had the chance to change it as of yet. But I will do so.
Hmm.. my next set? I'm thinking of maybe a vintage basketball - like 71-72. I really love those old cards - and that was back when my Milwaukee Bucks were good!
Thank you to all the well wishers - I am excited to finally be done with this set!
I'm not as close on any of my sets yet, But just a reminder to collectors who have at least 75% of there set that PSA will give you FREE gradings for this percentage of completeness. Just go to the PSA Registy home page and select Benefits and you will find out what to do.
Click here to view my Knickstars collection and wantlist
I have not yet had any cards graded by PSA, so I feel free to comment on they're service. The increase in scrutiny you suggest is a fairly common thread amongst discussions of the grading. I don't know that they've loosened up lately, but you definitely heard that PSA was a lot looser back in the "old days." Of course, you also hear that PSA is softer than in the old days, usually from someone trying to sell a low-graded "0" card.
2005 Origins Old Judge Brown #/20 and Black 1/1s, 2000 Ultimate Victory Gold #/25
2004 UD Legends Bake McBride autos & parallels, and 1974 Topps #601 PSA 9
Rare Grady Sizemore parallels, printing plates, autographs
Nothing on ebay