Is there a grade that is too low to collect for vintage graded?

PowderedH2O

For vintage, MY definition will include through 1956. So, my question is this: I think we would all love to have collections filled with PSA 8's, 9's and 10's. But, most of us cannot meet those expectations. That being the case, is putting together a set in a lower grade than most anyone else worth the trouble? Or, should you might as well go ungraded? Example: Lets say you decided you wanted to put together a 1953 Topps Baseball set. Even at a PSA 6 level, you'd be many thousands of dollars in the hole on just a handful of cards (Jackie Robinson, Mays, Mantle, Paige, etc.). But, most of us could tackle that set in a PSA 3. But, is it worth having a graded set of PSA 3 cards for that set?
Obviously, there are people putting together T206 sets in those grades, because almost nobody can even think of a PSA 5 or 6 level, but what about sets like the one mentioned above? If someone had a complete set of 1955 Topps in PSA 4, would it be worth the trouble? What do you think?

RAWcardDAWG

No, collecting shouldn't be about the grade. You collect what you like and what you enjoy. For some, they prefer 8s, 9s, or 10s and low pop grades. Others prefer mid grades. Some prefer low grades with great eye appeal. It's whatever makes the hobby enjoyable for you.

Even if I had Don Spence money, I don't think I would just buy up every high grade card I see. That wouldn't be enjoyable for me, as the challenge of collecting would no longer exist.

Brick

To each his own. If someone enjoys the challange of putting together a set go for it. I thought about putting together a beater set of 53 Topps when I purchased a small lot.

PowderedH2O

But, if you were putting together the beater set, would you just pick up raw beaters or would you actually go to the trouble of getting graded examples and registering a set?

Jakt

<< <i>or would you actually go to the trouble of getting graded examples and registering a set? >>



Ah, the power of the registry drug. It truly is an amazing substance....... One that has even caught me a few times. Anyone else care to fess up to their addiction?


But to answer your question: whatever direction you choose (graded vs. raw), commit 100% to your choice. Me personally, I do not like having sets with some graded and some raw.

Yankees001

I think it depends on the set. A Graded Beater set of 600-700 cards would take up space. But would be great. A RAW set takes up less space, the down fall is you might damage the cards.

It just depends on the collector, depending on the size of the set I'd go graded.

Dave

RipublicaninMass

Absolutely not! However, to maximize value, and lets face it we are only renting the cards for a while, stars should/could be graded.

BaltimoreYankee

I tend to look for different vintages in different grades. For example, if I am looking for 1952 Topps, I search eBay for PSA 4s. 1971 Topps I collect in PSA 7, 1975 Topps minis in PSA 8, etc.

76collector

I agree with a lot of the guys above, it's really up to the collector. It might depend on how you would want to display them. In a binder, loose, or in cases ? Some people like to own only graded cards as well. I am on a similar mission, as I am putting together a 54 set. Basically, I buy all the commons raw, but anything over a 30 card I buy graded. It doesn't bother me to have some graded some not, I just don't have the confidence to buy older high dollar cards raw, I am more confident in what I'm getting when buying graded. Anyway, just my two cents, and good luck on building your set, I'm sure it will be a fun journey.