hockey guys please come in re: early '60s sets advice

eyebone

Going to start to assemble a set of either '61, '62 or '63 Topps--not sure which--and would appreciate any input/suggestions. Trying to do this inexpensively, so looking at nice 6s and 7s for the moment.

Which year do you guys prefer, and, more important, is there any unique info about any of these sets that I should know? As a Canadian I am generally more familiar with Parkhurst cards of this era than Topps cards.

Am I better to buy nice raw cards and send off to PSA myself, or should I buy cards that are already graded? Perhaps I should search ebay for a couple of nice lots and send the best off to PSA....

Thanks in advance to anybody who takes the time to reply.

Eyebone

yawie99

I think you're better off buying raw and keeping them raw. I really don't think it makes much sense to slab an ex-mt/nm set from the early '60s. You're probably not adding more "value" than the cost of the grading fees with cards in that condition range. You can share your collection though a website that you could probably purchase for a year for the same price as three or four grading fees.

Boopotts

<< <i>I think you're better off buying raw and keeping them raw. I really don't think it makes much sense to slab an ex-mt/nm set from the early '60s. You're probably not adding more "value" than the cost of the grading fees with cards in that condition range. You can share your collection though a website that you could probably purchase for a year for the same price as three or four grading fees. >>



I'd agree with this, except that it's almost as cheap to do some sets (like the '63, which IMO is the finest of all the early '60's hockey sets) in PSA 6 or 7 as it is to do them raw. You can buy common 7's for around 10-15$ each, and NM raw cards from that set are very hard to find any cheaper than that. Plus, if you're buying raw off Ebay (gulp) God knows what's going to show up at your doorstep after you've paid.

Boopotts

Check that: I just did a search, and it appears as though 7's are sneaking up in the 20 dollar range. Still not bad, but NM raw cards would definitely be cheaper.

If you're going to get into these sets one thing I'd watch for is centered PSA 7's, and don't be shy about bidding big on those. The '63 Topps set is just a nightmare when it comes to centering, so treasure any well centered cards you happen to run into.

aro13

Eyebone - Of the three sets you mentioned I would go after the 61-62 Topps set. The Gilbert and Ratelle rookies are popular. The 63-64 set will easily set you back the least amount of money.
In PSA 7 or NM grade you will end up with a quality set. I would probably not do a set in EXMT unless I was doing the 62-63 set as the blue borders can be tough.

Knuckles

'61 is the most appealing to me looks wise and player selection wise..