6 months into the year, how is your collection coming along?

Foo3112

So we're just past halfway through the year already. Wow, time flies. Can't believe it's going to be 2 years since I got back into collecting and then in Nov, 2 years since I joined this board. I started collecting raw cards from the 80's and 90's and then I got into grading shortly after, and today my collection mostly consists of my graded cards aside from my Canseco collection in order to try and collect as many of his cards - non doubles and I have them all in a binder. In the past year, I've started to collect some unopened wax boxes. Never saw that one coming for me. Also in the past 6 months, I have been upgrading my collection little by little going from 9's to 10's for the 10's that are still relatively inexpensive. I've noticed a lot of members here upgrading their cards too. Lots of great cards for sale in the BST thread. Also been getting higher end looking cards and even going so far as to selling some of mine in order to purchase the same ones maybe for reasons of better centering or whatever.

So how is everyone's collection coming along so far this year?

ThoseBackPages

It's been a really slow year for me. i think part of it is how badly Topps messed up Heritage, Starting with the debacle of last years "Hi Numbers" Set. Then destroying this years card stock altogether.

Cards just arent there for me like they used to be. Way more into Comics this year.

mygotta

Aside from the last group rip, I have not bought much cards. I have not ventured into any of the 2013 besides a few packs. But no boxes. I picked up a box of something for my collection and a handful of 81 Grocery packs. Otherwise its a lot slower this year. I think partially is my pricing tolerances are different and i have been honoring my budget more and less my passions. But I also have so much organizing of loose cards that I have not really looked very much lately either.

JustinsShoebox

Many ups and downs for me this year. Can't really decide what to go after next. Bought some things and then a few weeks later turned around and sold them with Probstien. So, I'm plugging away at a nice NM+ 1971 set, while doing the HOFers in slabs. A handful of these that I have in this set I acquired from some of you via the PIF thread, which to me is very cool. This will probably be my project this year.

Finished my hand collated 2013 Bowman Set and Prospects set (Chrome and regular) that I bought from boxes/case. That's being stored in my closet until who knows.

My two latest pickups (I'll post scans when they come in next week) are:

1971 Topps Reggie Jackson PSA 8
1990 Topps Frank Thomas NNOF PSA 8 (acquired from Sean on Net54) It's not a 9, but I wanted to get one of these before he went into the HOF.

Also grabbed a 1971 Lou Brock PSA 8 which I think might bump - it's at PSA right now.

I also picked up:

1979 Cello Box recently from a reliable source. Has Stargell on front of one of the Cellos and on several others has Munson, Ryan, Sutton, and Niekro on the back.
1981 Cello Box recently two cellos with stars: Eck and Trammell on back.
1984 Fleer Cello Box Ryan, Henderson and quite a few other stars on back...no Mattingly. I think this box is tough to find.
Then I added to my unopened OPC wax box run. I have 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987. I had 1983 but I ripped it out of frustration one day.




Justin

rt1963

Our year has been pretty active. We've been fortunate to come across some incredible finds, including signed 1962 and 1965 Topps Maris cards. Also picked up a very nice Koufax signed bat. We met Bo Jackson at a show in February, then met Jerry Rice, Dwight Clark and Joe Montana at a show in April. We had Clark and Montana sign a Rozelle game ball, and Clark drew the play diagram for "The Catch".

Best of all, we picked up a Mickey Charles Mantle signed ball in May. Here's the ball:

Mickey Charles Mantle ball

markj111

I have been undisciplined. I ran my Bill Me Later up to nearly $3000, and did not pick up much in the way of my biggest wants. I have whittled it down to $1200. I want to finish my 59 and 60 sets in PSA 8-need to upgrade fewer than 10 cards.

otwcards

Discipline and having narrowed the scope for my collection has made the pickings very slim...

However, I've been having fun with some of the shiny, new stuff . . . playing the prospects game. They've allowed me to bank some additional coin for when something I need comes up. Thank you to Manny Machado, Matt Harvey, Jean Segura and hopefully Zack Wheeler in the coming weeks (and Gary Sanchez in the next year or so).

hyperchipper09

In the process of getting personal collection cards graded from SGC and BGS with no care of grade. Some cards that have been with me for 30 years. Working on my Scott Stevens collection and hoping PSA eventually gets my request for a Stevens Composite registry up and running. Then I'll be submitting quite a few raw Stevens' to PSA. Good to go here, but my goals are small

BaltimoreYankee

I've been chipping away at the 1971 Topps Greatest Moments set. The set has 55 cards and I have about 35 total. 10 of those were acquired this year.
Also been collecting 1975 Topps minis of Hall of Famers. One of my fave's was purchased thru the boards from grote15 (Hank Aaron '74 Highlights).
When I can't find either of those and get bored, I do look for various PSA graded cards (mostly from the '60's). Hard to stay focused all the time.

Dodgerfanjohn

Nearly finished my run of 80-91 cello boxes. Everything except 1980 and thats gonna have to wait a while. Good news is that once I get going on that, I'll be able to pounce, even at a high price. That goes for 1979 and perhaps 78 also.

And around 360 cards into my 1960 set(570 total) including two of the three Mantles. I'm pretty happy how its going. Theres a seller that it seems no one has picked up on yet and his stuff goes for a bit low on the raw cards. He hasn't had anything up that I need in a month or so, but I was able to pick up a really nice ExMt(He graded it NrMt, but its ExMt) McCovey with 70/30LR and 60/40T/B for $54. Really nice card, esp for the price.

So thats it right now. I've used the group rips to supplement sets where cards needed replacing and then reorganized all the star cards into already existing binders. My girlfriend, to my surprise, actually enjoyed doing this and things went very fast because of it. I don't know too many women that will buy into this hobby

robert67

detroitlion20

This year I have finally managed to make it to number 1 on the Bo Jackson Master Set registry with just over 70% complete. I still have a long was to go and there are still alot of cards i need. It has been fun this far so it will only be more enjoyable down the road.

Bo Jackson Master Set

MithrilMan

Total refocus:

Have sold off 5th highest rated PSA 1973 topps baseball set. Also, have sold partially graded and complete 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 baseball sets, 1954 Topps graded cards, 1933 Goudey graded cards through PWCC for a modest profit. Working exclusively on Hank Aaron master set and have picked up 1959, 1961, 1968 regular issues in PSA 9, with a bunch of other oddball Aaron's.

PhilG

I am at 3320 – 1993 Finest refractors. Just bought 78 refractors a couple of weeks ago. I am currently on the hunt for Mike Morgan. Need three more for another shortprint. That’s my focus. Making shortprints or as Beckett defines it perceived scarce. Currently I have made nine shortprints. Auctions have dried up. Only BIN on eBay. I would like to get to 3400 refractors on my way to 4000.
Phil

DetroitSquirreL

I just got back into the hobby after a few years away....PSA has drawn me in...95% of what I have in PSA Ive bought in the last 3 months....now to clear out most of my modern stuff (1990-today)

Exodus

I have made some very nice additions to my collection this year.

I am very focused on what I want, and it isn't easy to find things in my area of collecting, but when it does pop up, I give it my best shot to own it.

I've been fortunate to add some very nice things this year.

So guys, keep on selling that nice stuff !

ClockworkAngel

It's been a fun 2013 for me and collecting in general. Undisciplined is a good word for it too, but I'm having a blast and like to think that everything I am picking up is good for investment purposes.

Some of my favorite pickups:

1975T Mini Robin Yount PSA 10
1975T Mini George Brett PSA 10
1986T Jerry Rice RC PSA 10
1971T Terry Bradshaw RC PSA 9
1986F Basketball Jordan PSA 9 (currently in review for a 10)
1978 OPC Eddie Murray RC PSA 10
1975T Dan Fouts RC PSA 10

And even better, I've met some awesome people from this board for the purpose of a transaction, but have ultimately turned into friends. For all the negative, there are some great people on this board and in our hobby!

LodiBrewFan

Having been elected to serve on the city council in my home town, expanded job responsibilities with my day job, buying a new house, coaching my four year olds golf team, and joining the Masonic lodge, my card collecting has taken a little bit of a backseat. I'm looking forward to seeing some slower paced days in the near future to get back into my cards.

A large portion of my collection is still boxed up from the move.

TheCARDKid

I haven't really bought anything in years.

My main card goals now,

-Early 90's basketball inserts. I loved the NBA as a teen in the 90's. There were many sets I couldn't afford (Beam Team, Hoops Magic All Rookie). The Mr June Upper Deck set was pretty hot.

I don't know when I'll complete these. Also refractor sets from 93/94 and 94/95.

-Unopened wax collection. Not sure where my focus is here. Eventually I want to get some rare boxes from the 60's or early 70's. Also some modern rarities like 80/81 OPC hockey. This is another one that's taken a back seat.

-Maybe some early football, 50 bowman or 51 or 52. The hall of famers seem cheap for cards that old. Some of the mint 9 hall of famers are $1,000-2,000. A 1950 Bowman Lou Groza rc (HOF) sold for $1,400 in the last Memory Lane auction?

That's my 3-5 year outlook.

As for modern cards, post 1975 or 1980, I'm not really sure what I want. Maybe some cards I liked as a kid. 1988 Topps football Bo Jacksons in PSA 10. But they've gone up a lot.

I think some of the 88, 89 score and donruss cards may come back in another few years. An awful lot of kids collected those in the late 80's.

mcadams

<< <i>Having been elected to serve on the city council in my home town, expanded job responsibilities with my day job, buying a new house, coaching my four year olds golf team, and joining the Masonic lodge, my card collecting has taken a little bit of a backseat. I'm looking forward to seeing some slower paced days in the near future to get back into my cards.

A large portion of my collection is still boxed up from the move. >>



Your 4 year old has a golf team? Sweeet...

LodiBrewFan

Good catch Mcadams, my four year olds tee ball team and helping out with my ten year old's golf team. One disclosure, helping out with a golf team is really just a way to get to play golf without any grief from the ole ball and chain.

BaltimoreYankee

Cool thread. What stands out to me is that while we are all card collectors, most of us have our own particular niche thatwe are passionate about.

MBMiller25

I really got back into collecting over the last 6 months. I had pretty much sold everything I owned last year (Brett, Bird/Magic, Jordan and Ripken RC's were spared from the sale), so I could put the money into other things our family wanted to do, etc.

I really didn't anticipate getting back into collecting like I have, but through some events, have come to realize that my young boys (6 and 8) like cards more than I had realized, especially when combined with a learning opportunity (I.E. Black History Month). So my oldest and I have started a project that I hope to share with the boards soon, and we are back collecting again. Not sure why, but I get a lot more satisfaction now owning the cards I have, than I ever did before.

Lastly, I have to thank board members 70ToppsFanatic and MPhilking for selling me back some cards(I sold last year) that I realized were very special to me. Both of these guys were very generous to do what they did.

MinorLeaguer

I have the 2000 Standard Catalog of Minor League cards where a 1987 Procards Gastonia Rangers Sammy Sosa is listed as $5050 in Gem Mint. Currently PSA 10 is pop 22. I felt guilty for picking up a couple PSA 10's earlier this year in the $50 range. Over a 99% decline. Maybe it will turn out like buying Ford stock at 50 cents about a decade ago. Maybe everything that dies someday comes back.

I caved and picked up a 1990 Diamond Tampa Yankees Mariano Rivera PSA 10 last month. Bought a nice 1982 TCMA Hawaii Islanders Tony Gwynn PSA 9 too this year. Trying to have all first cards of stars whose first cards are in the late 70's to very early 90's. Lots of TCMA, Procards and team issued minor league. Have many. Getting there little by little.

GR

done some buying and selling, but as far as big additions I have a Joe Guyon on the way, purchased a very rare Cliff Battles 8x10, and was able to buy a Jim Thorpe signed 8x10 on the front for $45 bucks which should be authenticated by chantilly, took it to the local sports memorabilia dealer who offered me 2 grand cash which is a good sign that its certainly vintage fountain ink (:

davelinkbelt

I have made a lot of progress on 1971 Topps complete set. Concentrated on the high series in excellent to mint condition with centering being the top priority. Along the way have purchased a Thurman Munson rookie and George Brett rookie both grade 6 with excellent centering. Have also gotten some Cincinnati Reds stars past and present along the way. Plans for the rest of the year is to complete the 1971 Topps set and pick up a Schmidt rookie.

lwehlers

I picked up a great looking psa 8 desert shield rookie of chipper jones. I also got a Miguel Cabrera topps traded auto psa 8.5.

zep33

Been working on my 71 set too. I have 24 cards to go so I hope to wrap it up this summer. Then it's on to 72

ThoseBackPages

<< <i>I really got back into collecting over the last 6 months. I had pretty much sold everything I owned last year (Brett, Bird/Magic, Jordan and Ripken RC's were spared from the sale), so I could put the money into other things our family wanted to do, etc.

I really didn't anticipate getting back into collecting like I have, but through some events, have come to realize that my young boys (6 and 8) like cards more than I had realized, especially when combined with a learning opportunity (I.E. Black History Month). So my oldest and I have started a project that I hope to share with the boards soon, and we are back collecting again. Not sure why, but I get a lot more satisfaction now owning the cards I have, than I ever did before.

Lastly, I have to thank board members 70ToppsFanatic and MPhilking for selling me back some cards(I sold last year) that I realized were very special to me. Both of these guys were very generous to do what they did. >>



Glad you're back Brother, this hobby is better with you in it.

Beck6

I have picked up some cards on my list, but I have sold off alot more than normal this year. Unfortunately my t222 set has stalled and I haven't picked any cards for it. Here are some keepers I have picked up

1952 Jackie Robinson SGC 80
1953 Bowman Pee Wee Reese PSA 7
1986 Michael Jordan Sticker PSA 9
1982 Fleer Cal Ripken Jr. PSA 10
1993 Topps Derek Jeter PSA 10

jradke4

Well my Favre ticket collection is complete, but not yet PSA complete. I was able to pickup the 1992 at Browns ticket about three months ago for a steal. Auction house listed a lot of 1992 Packers tickets and programs. But their listing only said programs. Found it as luck would have that one of their other Packer lots had tickets listed. That lot had two nice full tickets from the first Lambeau Leap game. However, Leelands failed to send those tickets just the programs. Got it resolved but they could never find the tickets. I assume someone that won the few lots I didn't got them and weren't honest about what they got in the mail.

Also founded my last playoff ticket as well that I needed. Though it has a hole punched in it from some in game promotion I think. Will be on the look out for an upgrade. Have been looking for that ticket about as long as the Browns, since around 2006. Not sure if I will ever see one listed again as this was the only one that I have seen since 2006.

Both are at PSA still from the April ticket special but were sent in on the 30th.

I am still missing a ticket that PSA would grade. I have a ticketmaster ticket for the 2004 Packers at Lions but PSA won't grade Tickemaster tickets.

gemint

I filled in some holes in my graded sets with a large submission to PSA early this year. I've also been adding to my 1970 set to work toward completing it in 8 or better to complete a run from 1968-71. I pick up some PSA 9 1967s along the way. I've been mostly unsuccessful filling in the last few 8s for my 1961 set due to the quality not being there or the bids being too insane.

Baez578

<< <i>

<< <i>Having been elected to serve on the city council in my home town, expanded job responsibilities with my day job, buying a new house, coaching my four year olds golf team, and joining the Masonic lodge, my card collecting has taken a little bit of a backseat. I'm looking forward to seeing some slower paced days in the near future to get back into my cards.

A large portion of my collection is still boxed up from the move. >>



Your 4 year old has a golf team? Sweeet... >>



Lol...was thinking same thing

After taking a long break from collecting, I've gone nuts in 2013. Finished my Clemente set. Bought my first Aaron rc, Brett, Reggie, Ripken, and many others. Great to be back in the hobby

esquiresports

<< <i>It's been a fun 2013 for me and collecting in general. Undisciplined is a good word for it too, but I'm having a blast and like to think that everything I am picking up is good for investment purposes.

Some of my favorite pickups:

1975T Mini Robin Yount PSA 10
1975T Mini George Brett PSA 10
1986T Jerry Rice RC PSA 10
1971T Terry Bradshaw RC PSA 9
1986F Basketball Jordan PSA 9 (currently in review for a 10)
1978 OPC Eddie Murray RC PSA 10
1975T Dan Fouts RC PSA 10

And even better, I've met some awesome people from this board for the purpose of a transaction, but have ultimately turned into friends. For all the negative, there are some great people on this board and in our hobby! >>



For those of us in our late 30s/early 40s, it would be tough to top this list! Incredible pick-ups.

PSamp77

I've spend almost $15k in the past 6 months so coming along well! LOL I upgraded a lot of stuff so far this year.

billwaltonsbeard

<< <i>I've spend almost $15k in the past 6 months so coming along well! LOL I upgraded a lot of stuff so far this year. >>



That's a LOT of blue plastic gloves!

PSamp77

<< <i>

<< <i>I've spend almost $15k in the past 6 months so coming along well! LOL I upgraded a lot of stuff so far this year. >>



That's a LOT of blue plastic gloves! >>



Tell me about it, but the type I use for my profession aren't plastic. ...those would probably be much cheaper though.