collecting styles

calleocho

Jim's posts got me thinking about how people collect sets.

Jim has decided to collect a broad range of sets in a uniform grade (psa 8) .

lets put a hypothetical out there...

for the same money...you can buy 10 vintage sets all in psa 8 ...or you can buy 2 sets that are number ones.

which collection would you rather have?

KansasJayhawk

I would much rather have the 10 sets myself, more cards to enjoy, I feel a PSA 8 card is a beauty of a card and do not see that much diff between 8 and PSA 9/10 to justify 2 number one sets over the 10.

Bosox1976

Or maybe 25 sets in PSA 7 for me... Am thankful that each of us has the resources to collect what floats our boats.

Dallas88

Bosox is right - it's nice to know that we all have the means to collect what we like.

As to the topic, probably the PSA 8 sets. As Jayhawk said, the difference between an 8 and a 10 is so small to me, that the extra cash is simply not worth it......dang, did a K-State grad. just agree with a Jayhawk?

BillsGridironGreats

I agree with the sentiment here. To me there is no way that a set with all cards at 9 will sell for much more than a set with stars at 9 and commons at 8. Since I do football, at 500 cards that would amount to $2500 dollars an individual would have to spend to get the set all in 9. There is no way you will ever recoupe that investment as the value for 9/10 goes down drastically as the population grows.

Davalillo

For true vintage sets, sets with every card in psa 9 would sell at multiples of sets with every card in psa 8. The differential between commons can be the most dramatic.

MorrellMan

<< <i>For true vintage sets, sets with every card in psa 9 would sell at multiples of sets with every card in psa 8. The differential between commons can be the most dramatic. >>



Jim, that's certainly true - 9 commons in late 50s early 60s sets go for 1000% of 8s. However, that's not how I read calleocho's question. He offers 10 sets in straight 8 or 2 top of the registry sets. Most of the top registry sets in the 50s and 60s are around 8.5 or 8.6 (obviously with a few glaring exceptions, but this is the average). Given that, I think the question is one of collecting versus competing. I would much rather have the 10 sets in 8. I'll even pick up the postage.

jradke4

I would say that there is a fine line betweenm 8-9-10. PSA even says so in its grading standards. With my Favre master set there is no way I could ever get all 10's, money not with standing. I have toyed with the idea of submitting '90 Leaf cards for a set, since I have a 10 Sosa. Though I have about 4-5 complete sets I could pick out the best, which all should grade at an 8 min. However, even with the current special that is over $2600. Myself, I would love to have some of my sets graded but the cost is way too high and since I am a collector and would probably not sell the set anytime soon I dont see the point.

Therefore I have decided to stick with player (either master sets (for my Favorite players), HOF, 500hrs etc) sets and smaller odd-ball sets. Its a little more realistic for my budget, especially since the Favre master is nearly at 1000 cards, with well over 4000 not listed.

Davalillo

Mark,

I agree. So would I and thats the strategy I have followed.

I was just commenting on the comment made by Bill's Gridiron Greats.

Jim

eyebone

In response to calleocho's hypothetical.....ten PSA 8 sets for me.

Eyebone

MorrellMan

<< <i>

I was just commenting on the comment made by Bill's Gridiron Greats.

Jim >>



Gotcha. I didn't grasp Bill's post and went right on to yours, taking it out of context. I went back and re-read Bill's post and I still don't get it, unless he is referring to modern (as in 80s/90s cards). If that's the case, he has a point.

WinPitcher

I would take the 2 number one sets. Can i choose which 2?

If so, T206 and t212 triple folders

Steve

Mantlefan

Quality over quantity every time...send me those 2 #1 sets.

My style has always been to focus on a few sets and upgrade whenever possible.

MorrellMan

<< <i>Quality over quantity every time...send me those 2 #1 sets.

My style has always been to focus on a few sets and upgrade whenever possible. >>



Coming right up! Bob, tell him what he's won!

Well, Bill, for the crowning spot on 2 different All Time Finest Registry Sets, we're going to send this number one set, rated at 9.99 with room to improve, the 1976 Isaly/Sweet Williams Disc set! And that's not all! We're going to throw in this gorgeous set, courtesy of our own resident Hemingway.....all for playing 10 for 2!!!

Edited to add: Sets used for promotional purposes only, not intended to be offensive. Must be 21 or older to play.

calleocho

Both options would be worth the same amount.

ironranger

Easy decision. I'd take the 10 sets.

BillsGridironGreats

I was refferring to 1972-85, where I do most of my collecting.

BuckeyeHockey

I too find this interesting as I went through the thought process in determing my collecting goals for 2006. The question I had was do I concentrate on the sets I currently have (20 hockey sets) only, or do I add any new sets. I chose to add some sets. I would like to have at least a sampling of all hockey Topps and Parkhurst sets from the 1950, 1960 and 1970. I also am collecting 1984 Topps and 1990 Upper Deck.

As to grade and the question how does one afford it, I have chosen my own standards which may or may not get me number one postion but it will be number one with me!
1950s' PSA 6 and above
1960s' PSA 7 and above
1970's PSA 8 and above
1984 PSA 9 and above
1990 PSA 10

My wife keeps my spending in line:-(

I look at each set and determine my yearly goals (percentage completion)

Now if I win the Lottery, I'd have to start a whole new thread:-)

Stingray

Buckeye,

What sport are you doing in 84 Topps, baseball. How far are you? Give me a PM.

Stingray

rbeaton

<< <i>we're going to send this number one set, rated at 9.99 with room to improve, the 1976 Isaly/Sweet Williams Disc set! >>



Mark,

So, you're giving my set away?? Maybe you should wait until my last submission is graded as I'm hoping to get that last 10 I need.

Robert

MorrellMan

Robert

I picked your Isaly set because it was the closest thing to perfection I could find. Just in case there might be misconstruency (?) I added the fine print....it goes off the table if you get that last 10. There's gotta be room for improvement!

rbeaton

<< <i>because it was the closest thing to perfection I could find. >>


This has to be the first time those words were ever said about me.

Robert

onlychild

<< <i>not intended to be offensive >>



I'm so offended. I happen to enjoy that wonderful yet under appreciated 87 set. It's not always about value or investment.

Remind me to write an article about a set you are collecting but not quite complete yet. History has shown it drives up the prices...considerably! Then pen is mightier than the sword.

Your Resident Hemingway!