Considering making a major shift in my collection. Edited to add I've made a few decisions......

RonBurgundy

I am seriously considering liquidating all of the high grade baseball stuff I have from 1968-77 (ranging from partial to complete sets), taking the proceeds and putting it into early 50's baseball and football (high grade, including 7's). My thought is I can always go back and get the late 60's/70's stuff, but early 50's stuff (50-54) ain't getting any cheaper.

Should I do this, yes or no? Your vote will count!




Thanks,


Ron


EDITED TO ADD: Well, I've made one decision......I am selling off my 1957 hi grade doubles - about 150 of them, and plowing the proceeds into early 50's stuff.....probably '52 Bowman Large football, or maybe '54 Topps!

Fabfrank

If you are looking at it for investment purposes, that sounds right. As a collector, collect what you like and you'll never go wrong.

perkdog

Personally I only collect '50-'55 in psa 7-8 being that it is what I like to collect so I vote yes. You cannot go wrong IMO with early 50's material, but it is a matter of personal taste. Why are you considering this shift in collecting? Are you bored with the 60-70's stuff? Will you get bored with 50's stuff? If your not sure why not get into it slowly and down the road if you get hooked then liquidate and put the money into it? Just my thoughts, have FUN no matter which you decide.

Rogermnj

It is a good idea for 2 reasons.

1) The value will prob hold better down the road.
2) Its always fun and exciting to collect something new.

Go for it!

Downtown1974

Ron, I can offer some good advice on this because I just did what you are doing. Ron, my collecting habits were all over the map. I used to buy everything I thought was a deal. From vintage to modern, you name it, I bought it. It got to the point where I wasnt enjoying collecting because it became a chore to go through and organize things. Not to mention it got very expensive.
So back in March of this year, I decided to focus on a set or two and stick with them. What I do is thumb through the set registry, and pick a set that I have the potential to finish at a grade and price I can afford. Player sets are great! I had already started my Gaylord Perry set before March, but I wanted to take on a Topps set. I love vintage so I went for the 1955 Topps set.
So I put aside my Perry set and Mantles and decided everything else can go. Pretty much start all over and become focused on the 1955s.
I started selling some graded cards on ebay and just let the $ accumulate in my paypal account. And now presently, I have almost half the set done and it cost me zero dollars out of pocket. I am funding a set I love with stuff I no longer have a passion for. I havent even made a dent in the stuff I plan to sell. I am really enjoying this set and I enjoy the hobby again. When I am done with this set I will probably try to chip away at my Mantle set.
I strongly reccomend your shift into what ever is you love to collect. It was the best decision I have ever made in this hobby.

stown

<< <i>Personally I only collect '50-'55 in psa 7-8 being that it is what I like to collect so I vote yes. You cannot go wrong IMO with early 50's material, but it is a matter of personal taste. >>



Me too but will collect VG/EX from the early '50s as well. Great looking cards, smaller sets, and a ton of HOFers in both baseball and football.

I've said before and will say it again, high grade vintage football has been absolutely en fuego.

RonBurgundy

Guys -


There are a couple of reasons I'm thinking about doing this. I am a little bored trying to pick up late 60's/early 70's stuff........I need about 185 cards to finish a high grade '68 set, and every time I drop another $100 for nice commons I don't get any enjoyment out of it. Then I look at the Bowman football I recently got graded and I love 'em.......think they are super cool. The second reason is investment; regardless of what the 50's market does in the future, it will always be superior to the late 60's and 70's stuff. Always.

I'm still somewhat torn about it because I've made a lot of progress on some of the stuff I have but it's not as fun as it used to be. Looking for centered '77 commons gets old pretty quick.



Ron

stown

I totally know where you're coming from, Ron.

Picking up early to mid '50s commons has been an absolute joy for me

Problem is, now my focus has been completely thrown out the window... Actively working on six sets at the moment

CDsNuts

I think you should start collecting modern hi grade OPC baseball, and I'm not just saying that because I have a bunch to sell. Really, I'm not. I swear. Why are you looking at me like that?

Lee

Stingray

<< <i>I think you should start collecting modern hi grade OPC baseball, and I'm not just saying that because I have a bunch to sell. Really, I'm not. I swear. Why are you looking at me like that?

Lee >>

BigDaddyBowman

I think you should collect modern shiny stuff...and leave all the vintage Bowman football for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Seriously, as a collector, collect what you get most enjoyment out of...only you can determine that. As an investor, you won't go wrong with vintage Bowman. Another area that is starting to really boom is pre-war baseball..t206 etc. Those are beautiful cards...commons were pretty cheap a few years ago,,,and have been really rising with every passing day.


I have some collector grade graded Bowman football up on ebay now..the link is in the buy/sell/trade forum if interested. and more to follow. PM me if you have interest.

ebayaddict

Obviously the final decision resides with you....... my vote is:

Carew29

I concur with a above photos

MooseDog

I posted the question:

What To Do When You Can No Longer Afford The Things You Like To Collect

and got some GREAT feedback from fellow board members.

I am not you and you are not me but I'd go for the older stuff, both in terms of holding value and it's just way cooler stuff!

RipublicaninMass

great idea, here is a glimpse!

JasP24

Here's a great set for football stars from multiple sets in the 40's-50's era...

1950's NFL Team of the Decade

Won't be cheap, but fun to chase.

Jason

eyebone

<< <i>Guys -


There are a couple of reasons I'm thinking about doing this. I am a little bored trying to pick up late 60's/early 70's stuff........I need about 185 cards to finish a high grade '68 set, and every time I drop another $100 for nice commons I don't get any enjoyment out of it. Then I look at the Bowman football I recently got graded and I love 'em.......think they are super cool. The second reason is investment; regardless of what the 50's market does in the future, it will always be superior to the late 60's and 70's stuff. Always.



Ron:

Sounds like you have already made your decision and are just looking for some reassurance at this point. For what it is worth I say "go for it". Sell off those cards/sets that are giving you litte enjoyment and spend the money on things that will.

Good luck. Eyebone

cardbender

Hi Ron,
A difficult decision to make when you have a passion for collecting
a certain era you enjoy. I would always try to collect older cards in high grade. That seems like the logical way to go. Good luck.

Rich

Bosox1976

Ron:

Follow your gut and passion on this one. You have a good eye for things, and can rebuild the more modern stuff pretty easily. As someone who has built and sold the same few sets many times (1962, 1963, 1975) - it isn't too hard. That said, I've only completed two 1950's sets (1954 registry and 1957). Much more challenging (despite being smaller) in higher grades. Also more cash intensive. Be selective on what you sell though. Really sweet stuff is only appreciated by connosieurs - and goes under market on ebay often. Don't be afraid to hold if you can't get true value.

Mike

JVette

I agree with Mike. Follow your gut and your passion. What will give you a sense of accomplishment to knock one more off the list? That's what you should strive for. Even if you are never able to accomplish the entire quest - it is the journey that is more important that the destination. Follow your heart - and enjoy every step.

FWIW - Jack

RonBurgundy

Mike and Jack,


Great thoughts, much appreciated.........Mike, part of my hesitation is that much of my late 60's and 70's stuff is truly special........mostly commons but still very nice. If it was just NM stuff it would be one thing, but I'm lucky to have some pretty clean stuff. I guess it's a nice problem to have........I'd say some of it will depend if I see any cool 50's items at the National that pique my interest enough to dive in and chase one of those sets.

You know, I finished a '57 set late last year, and I haven't found anything that has sparked the passion like my quest for that set yet........heck, I buy nice 57's whenever I see them just to have doubles.



Ron

RipublicaninMass

You could also try a 50's non-sport set some of the favorites in "lesser grade" 7's and below are real cheap, considering how tough the cards are. Kids did save baseball players, hardly any saved non-sports. The only "modern" set besides my Nolan Ryan player set I am attempting is 63 fleer. Easy enough to fins in PSA 8, suprisingly not too much interest, only 66 cards and some real stars in there. Plus I like the simple design and green backs. The only issue is it is hard to pony up just about the most $$$ in the set for a checklist and a no namer Joe Adcl*ck

RonBurgundy

A few decisions have been made.....see original post!

sayheykid54

Ron, If you decide on the 1954 Topps set I have quite a few cards in Psa 8.