1970 Topps Baseball

rbeaton

There is someone on e-bay who has been getting low number 1970 PSA 8 commons for $50! The book value on these is $1.00! (ungraded). Is it just me or is this insane? There's no way I can compete for that price.

Robert

FB

Robert,

Well... I'm betting that Bob Beck is enjoying the show all the way to the bank. He owns a card store about a 1/4 mile from where I work and he's the one that has the 1970 Mets in PSA 8 currently going for over $50.00. I know that Dave Rouseau (davrou) bids heavily on these and it looks like he's found his match.

But, my personal favorite is the 1970 Joe Rudi PSA 8 thats currently at over $100. I've got a bunch of 70 PSA 8's, but I generally draw the limit at $12 - $13 apiece. I'm just glad I've been gathering high-end raw commons over the last few months.

When all is said and done - how much will they get when they go to sell?

theBobs

And based on the current Rudi price, how many 70 Rudi's do you think PSA is grading this week? Supply will easily ramp up to meet this demand...

DrNguyenVanFalk

I recently registered my 1970 Topps baseball set, and I've been shocked at the bidding lately on commons; you need to be willing to spend $20 per PSA 8NQ common to even get into the game. SMR-listed stars, on the other hand, are somewhat soft (with the exception of the Munson rookie, which always seems to sell way above SMR).

My guess (and hope) is that the '70s grading special brings tons of new graded product into the eBay market; I would expect that by summer Joe Rudi and other commons should settle back into the $10-$13 range for PSA 8NQ. But if they don't, I'm willing to switch my aspirations to building a PSA 7 set . . .

69topps8

It really is surprising when a PSA 8 Joe Rudi is nearly receiving the same top bid as a PSA 8 Munson Rookie. Some people definitely get out of hand when they're chasing a card.

Treetop

Collectors

I am one who has a few of those 1970 PSA 8’s for sell on ebay right now (eBaY ID # jjtmmw@aol.com) and was shock to see a few of them with bids at $50.00. I checked the population reports and I believe there are 3-4 PSA 8’s, so its not like they are 1of 1’s or 1 of 2’s. I would be very happy to get $20.00 a shot for the 8’s and $50.00 for the few 9’s I haven’t listed yet. H*LL, I can’t even get any bids on some nice 1961 PSA 8’s I have on eBay right now.

gaspipe26

Now I know why the 1970 Rudi in 8 I had listed with a Buy it now of $34.99 lasted about an hour. To the gentlemen building 1970 registry sets. I have a very sharp 1970 complete set ungraded that I have been contemplating breaking and grading. I have a bunch up now in 8, but if you want me to submit it for grading I'll sell the 8 commons in the $10-$12 range if I get enough people responding. I would need the 10-12 range because you know there will be 7's and I have to make back the grading fee that way. LMK

rjc012661@aol.com

1975topps

I agree that some commons got out of hand partly because someone figured out proxy bid who someone set that I think is way to high and will be interesting if they go though. example High number Woodie Fryman sold $44.99 or something like that.

I got the exact same card 2 hours later for $18.99, anyway I am attempting the set but I was knocked out of the rankings as I took a break. I am a very patient collector.

FB

Bob,

Welcome to the board! And I would definitely be interested in 1970 PSA 8's in the $10 - $12 range. I think 1970 will be my next focus after 72 nears completion.

And I agree with DrNguyen that by summer the prices should return to earth on these. At least I hope they will!

gaspipe26

Frank,
I've had 3 people ask about the commons now so I'll weed out the off-center ones and submit 200 of the best ones. As you remember off-center wasnt the big concern when we were 10 years old!. If had this set in storage for 30 years now. I forgot all about it. Its a pretty nice set.

FB

Bob,

Very cool. Yeah - Thats one of the reasons that I stopped buying unopened material. My recollection as a kid was opening the pack and having every card come out PSA 9 and Gem Mint 10 quality. After opening up a few pack from 72 over the last year - either the centering gets worse the longer they sit in the pack or my childhood memories are a little bit faulty!

gaspipe26

Frank,
Yeah I dont ever remember an off center card as a kid. I dont know what happened? I was shocked to find the set. It seems that every few months I find something else I forgot about. I'll be going thru my brothers stuff in the coming months. He hasnt even opened the cases he has his stored in in 30 years. I cant wait. I'm hoping he has the vending boxes from 1968-1971 that I had. As for packs. I've heard of only 1 case in where someone did well opening packs. That was J.P Cohen of Memory Lane when he opened a 1959 wax box. It was a great story and I enjoyed it when J.P told it to me.

Bob

DrNguyenVanFalk

Check out the prices on 1970 PSA graded cards right now . . . davrou and chris_k are locked in an epic battle, with many of the PSA 8NQs at $50 and PSA 9NQs at $100. Just six months ago, I was able to get PSA 9 commons all day for $25 - $27. Strange . . .

carkim

Dr.

Those were the days...

...They'll be back again soon I hope.

Carlos

dude

I agree, those current eBay prices are insane. I've been buying 1970 PSA 9 commons on eBay for 3 years and usually got them for under $45 and many times under $35.

gaspipe26

I just sold 3 PSA 9 High #'s with buy it now. I guess 1970's are getting hot?

DrNguyenVanFalk

gaspipe - what were your BIN prices, if I may ask? If they were less than $100, you probably would have made more if you let them go out for bidding!

gaspipe26

I sell alot of cards with the Buy it Now. I put what I feel is a fair price. If your happy and I'm happy thats all that matters. I put a 1970 Rudi up 2 or 3 days ago anf it went for $34.99 with BIN. The 2-1970's that had a larger pop went for $49.99 ea and the low pop went for $99 I believe.

DrNguyenVanFalk

Only $49.99 for PSA 9 1970 high numbers? We should call you crack pipe, not gaspipe . . .

Seriously, though, I like your attitude about the Buy-It-Now option: a happy buyer plus a happy seller makes for a good transaction. I love finding a reasonable BIN in the first few hours of an auction and then snapping it up.

gaspipe26

I've been told before I put some of the cards to low with the Buy it Now but how many times have you seen an crazy BIN that would never be used. I just like moving the cards. I dont do this for a living I do it to support my own habit. I have the #1 1969 set right now. Although the 3rd set on the list will eventually be the best.I have more 1970's in 9 at $49.99 if your interested.

RayBShotz

Gaspipe - I too recognize the enormity of what our friendly #3 player on the 1969 Topps has going. His set as well as yours will be truly special. The high grade nature of the 69' examples are a glory to behold. For others who have not checked it out, our friendly #3 has scans of each of his items in the 69 set. Check it out!
RayB69Topps

FB

Currently,

I've got the #1 1970 Topps set. I was as shocked as anybody when I posted it and saw that I was #1. I haven't added to it in about 2 months. I have no doubt that whoever has eBay ID "chris_k" will shortly have the absolute finest 70 set you can imagine (This might be Chris Klinger on the registry?) and he'll charge up the ranks.

I just did a check on what he's won and what he's winning currently on eBay. The total is roughly 90 cards and $5000 over the last thirty days. That works out to just 12.2% of the set... At this rate, the set will cost him $40,000.

I'm sorry - I love PSA 9's... but sometimes even when you win, you lose...

mikeschmidt

It is indeed Chris Klinger -- I sold him a 1970 Johnny Briggs PSA 9 recently.


For what it's worth, everyone talks about these high prices realized for 1970 Topps PSA 9 cards. I sell a hi # Johnny Briggs in PSA 9, and it only gets $27.50 worth of bids! Oh well-

M

jwmerrill

ms

There's someone here that uses the line.. "When I'm buying, it's priceless, when I'm selling, it's worthless..." I think that may apply!!!


jw

dude

mikeschmidt,

Oddly enough, I sold that same guy a 1970 Briggs PSA 9 also, but with a BIN of $39.50 just a few days after your auction closed.

ChrisKK

Hello, this is my first message so be gentle with me.

i did not want to create such a discussion when i started collecting the 1970 set. Yes chris_k is Chris Klinger, Yes I am purchasing the higest quality cards at a blistering pace. i am only trying to put this set together in the higest quality. as you can tell i am not the most patient person.



ps. i am always looking for PSA 9's that i do not have (from 1970)


Chris Klinger
chris_k

pss. is there a special time when most of you get together or is it 'ht or miss'

Wayne8348

Welcome Chris,

Glad to have you onboard. There isn't really a set time everybody is on the message board. If there is a hot topic going then people will be posting all day long.

Wayne

BTW - I've never been accused of being patient myself.

aconte

Welcome Chris K K! The are no set times when people are on this board. Just hit or miss.
Good luck with your sets.

aconte

FB

Chris,

Good luck on the 70 set. I'll be working on it more heavily in the near future, but I can just sit and watch you and davrou on eBay. I like to do most of my own submissions. So, best of luck and be gentle as you blow past me on the registry rankings!

ChrisKK

FB, thank you. I hope you give me enough time to catch you before you get back into the 70 set. i am really not liking this head on bidding war with davrou. i think he is making me 'pay' for my inpatient collecting habit.

gaspipe26

Chris,
Good luck on the 1970 set. I too am very impatient when it comes to buying. Sometimes I beat glibersher , Rayb and Ron S, sometimes they beat me. Its sort of fun and exciting. The great thing is there is there is no anomosity between us. I hope you like the 3-9's you won from me this week. The Sadecki and the Indians Team should of been 10's. There stunning. I shipped out 400 1970's to PSA Friday. Should be back in 3 weeks.

FB

Chris,

You should have little dificulty catching me on the 70 set. I don't expect to buy or add anything more until probably late April/early May. My main focus is to finish the 72 set and at this point I believe that I only need 47 more cards. So, good luck and don't run outta money!

Mitochondria

RayB and Gaspipe, thanks for the kind words in regards to the 1969 set. It is indeed a challenging project that will take several years to complete. Nevertheless, the info I have obtained from you guys as well as other members (69topps8, Markel, etc.) has been invaluable.

The 1970 set is a wonderful set. The team cards are a plus and in my opinion a major flaw of the 1969 set. I especially enjoy the extended NL and AL championship series cards which seem to tell a fuller story of the 1969 season; there were no league series to speak about in 1968. Like the 1971 issue, the 1970 gray borders offer a good contrast to the images. While my brother (1975topps: David Sanders) politely declines all of my 1970s in trade because they are only in excellent condition, the 1970 set has a fantastic eye appeal even in a PSA 7 grade if the centering is reasonable.

dude

ChrisKK,

Good luck with your 1970 set. Unlike a lot of people, I like the 1970 Topps set alot. Even though there are no Hall of Fame rookies in the set (maybe Munson someday), it's filled with stars and it's very challenging to find in high grade. The Pilots Team card, the Ryan, Mays, Aaron, Clemente and card #1, Mets are classics. I have a near complete set ungraded. The majority of the cards are Near Mint, so I'm working on upgrading it to a graded set too, but it's a low priority, so it will be years before I really give it my full attention. I listed a few PSA 8 commons this week that I'm consigning for a long-time customer (hit my link below).

I've been selling graded 1964-75 PSA 8 and 9's for the past 2 years on eBay. Of all those years, I can point to one, sometimes two or even three collectors that are very aggressive set builders in those years except for 1970. I was wondering how long it would take for someone to step up and really get serious about that set. So I guess you are that guy. Good luck!



Mitochondria,

I agree with the others, you have a very impressive 1969 collection. You have the right mindset for building your collection: be selective and go for the best examples available. The assortment of Gem Mint 10s is what sets you apart from the rest. Keep up the great work!

69topps8

I wonder when the 1973 set will start taking off. There are a few people building the set including Carlos and myself but there doesn't seem to be a stampeed for these cards. I've been listing some duplicate 9's on eBay and the hammer prices haven't been very spectacular. Even 1978 PSA 9's seem to be commanding higher prices than the '73's. I personally like the set design and think it has a great mixture of veterans (including Mays' last card and the killer #1 card with Mays, Aaron and Ruth on 1 card!) and rookies (Schmidt, Gossage, Evans, Boone). With the relatively low prices these cards are bringing, I would think it would encourage more people to start building that set.

Anyone have any ideas on what's holding this set back?

FB

John,

I have to admit that the 73 set was the 3rd year that I collected. And after the ultra cool black bordered beauties in 71 and then the funky colors of the 72 set - the 73 set left me kinda flat with its simple white borders. I was also disappointed in the fact that except for the last series - all cards were released from the beginning of the season. I guess to a certain extent, my opinions haven't been altered a bunch since those days almost 30 years ago.

Granted - I would buy 73's all day long compare to most newer sets. But, with only so much time and so much money, that set is probably number 9 or 10 on my priority list.

But, good luck on it and enjoy the quiet competition. If prices are low - now is the time to buy. Save your cards to sell until the prices pick up during the summer. Have a good one!

gaspipe26

I dont know whats up with the 73 set. I have L.Aparicio and S.Anderson both are POP 1 in PSA 9 and both very hard to find centered. I cant even get my opening price of $49.99. I thought that was reasonable.

carkim

Gaspipe,

I was going to bid on those two cards but I was looking to spend about half that amount on them. PM me or email me if we can make a deal.

Carlos

mikeschmidt

69Topps8-

I can tell you that the PSA 10's from 1973 have long ago been distributed and brought huge multiples to many of the buyers. I don't know many 1973 set collectors -- but I do know where quite a few of the PSA 10's have gone over time, where they came from, etc.

I am the proud owner of three PSA 10 cards from the 1973 Topps set -- one Philadelphia Phillies common and all three Steve Carlton Leaders cards (one having that other person on it -- Lynn Nolan or something...?)

I really would have thought that it would have gotten a lot more interest being the last Topps set being distributed in series.

As a huge Mike Schmidt fan, I can tell you, though, that it annoys me to all ends that a 1973 Topps Willie Mays in PSA 9 outsells a Mike Schmidt rookie in the same grade.

FB

Does anyone have any idea on what percentage Scott Wetzel has completed on his 73 Topps set? I remember seeing his name plastered across every PSA 9 that came up about 6 months ago. I noticed his set isn't registered and I'm sure that its a thing of beauty...

carkim

There is a name I haven't seen in a while...Scott Wetzel...He also has a nice collection of 1974 cards. I know because he out bid me numerous times on eBay.

Carlos

gaspipe26

I dont know what happened to Scott. I can tell you he bought a ton on 73's and 74's in 9 from me that never made it to Ebay. He used to get 1st crack at the shipment upon its return. Then nothing. I ought to email him and see how hes doing. Tell him to get on the message boards.

gaspipe26

By the way you 1970 guys. 505 different cards from the set left for PSA yesterday. I figure 5-10% 9's 75-85% 8's. I know there will be a few 7's. They always put a few 7's in.

gemint

mikeschmidt - I believe the Schmidt rookie goes for $1000+ in mint condition while a Mays 9 recently sold for about $750 (under SMR).

Frank - I also wonder about Scott Wetzel. He used to bid very strong on my 1973 and 1974 PSA 9's but hasn't nibbled on my recent auctions. Perhaps he already has all the cards we've been listing. Or maybe he's taking a break from set building. All I know is if he ever decides to register his sets, he'll leave the current #1 sets in the dust.

ChrisKK

gaspie26 - The submissions are good news. That should give me time to reload my bank account. I hope there are others who have submitted qty's of 1970 cards. Then maybe there will be enough cards for multiple people to actually finish the set. I will be waiting with checkbook in hand. Pray for 9's.

NickM

gemint - your icon is too small. What's the grade? [I assume without checking that that's the '69 Brock.]

Nick

gemint

The icon is quite small. I notice some have managed to post a slightly larger icon. Are there any secrets on how to accomplish this?

Here's the card:

gaspipe26

Thats probrably the nicest Brock I've ever seen.

RayBShotz

gemint - That is a very sweet Brock. I am envious. I second Bob's comments. Definitely the finest Brock I have seen.
RayB69Topps

FatCat

Gemint --- How about this...

NickM

Fat - I got a red X.

Nick