1954 Topps

markmac · February 5, 2014 9:52AM

I've always wanted to complete this set. I usually go for PSA 7's but it seems the PSA 5 commons can be had very cheap. I was thinking of picking up a few tonight. I just don't know if I would be happy with 5's and I'm not sure they would sell if I lost interest. Any suggestions?

SDSportsFan · February 5, 2014 9:59AM

I usually go for PSA 6's for 1950's cards; but I do examine the card to make sure it meets my expectations. I don't simply buy it because it's in a 6 holder. As the saying goes: "Buy the card, not the holder".

I have the Aaron and both Ted Williams cards in PSA 6 holders, and personally, I think they look great.

6 seems to be a good grade to collect, as they seem to be available at decent prices, and you avoid getting a card you thought was a 5, but turns out to really look like a 4. Along those lines, if you are careful and selective in your purchases, you can really get some cards that could easily fit into 7 holders.

Steve

markmac · February 5, 2014 10:02AM

Thanks. It's so tempting when you see $5.99 commons in PSA 5 with no bids. The 6's will be more than double that.

stormtrooper80 · February 5, 2014 10:29AM

My favorite set from the 50s! Good luck to you

Personally, I'm just as happy acquiring several '5-quality' cards with decent centering as getting one 'NM' card

pclpads · February 5, 2014 10:56AM

<< <i>I've always wanted to complete this set. I usually go for PSA 7's but it seems the PSA 5 commons can be had very cheap. I was thinking of picking up a few tonight. I just don't know if I would be happy with 5's and I'm not sure they would sell if I lost interest. Any suggestions? >>

What's the rush for tonite in: "PSA 5 commons can be had very cheap. I was thinking of picking up a few tonight?" These can likely be had all day long with little effort. You sound less than committed. It may take longer and cost more, but if you hold out for 7's I think you will be happier. And more importantly, your set once you complete it, will be worth more to you or if you later intend to sell.

WinPitcher · February 5, 2014 11:01AM

I'd pick up nicely centered, honestly worn 5's all day long too from that set.

benderbroeth · February 6, 2014 2:05PM

As for me I am going for the super low grade raw set!!!

fiveniner · February 6, 2014 9:42PM

go for those 5s if they are nice.I had a 54 set which I sold when I left the hobby for a while and had several 4s and 5s which looked great.I had no problem selling the set.Looking to start a new set once I find a high grade raw starter set.

bishop · February 6, 2014 9:48PM

Wonderful set . Build it it to suit yourself ... and be as "committed" as you want to be.

76collector · February 7, 2014 3:20AM

That is a great set, my favorite as well from the 50's. I am in the process of building it raw, with the exception of the high dollar cards, I always get them graded, as it is too much of a crap shoot to buy raw vintage high $ cards, for me at least. That set will be VERY expensive to complete even in psa 5. I do tend to agree, that psa 6 is a sweet spot though as there seems to be more variation in 5's, IMO. Never the less for this set, I think shooting for psa 4's is a valiant goal. Anyway, good luck on your quest, either way, I think if you are somewhat picky on the cards you choose, you will not have a problem reselling in the future if your collecting goals change. Since this set has 3 HOF rc's with one of them being Aaron, lots of star power, and is aesthetically pleasing, there should always be pretty solid interest from other collectors.

ps -Even after the Aaron and both Williams cards, you still have the Jackie Robinson, Kaline, Banks and Mays which will cost a few hundred+ for a 6 and up.

markmac · February 18, 2014 10:59AM

Thanks. I think the PSA 6's and 7's will be what I will try to stick with. Got my first one tonight. It will take awhile but I will hopefully get it done.

psychump · February 18, 2014 11:16AM

Whatever the grade is of your stars shall be the grade of the set.

bowlarama · February 18, 2014 11:19AM

I just posted some low-end PSA graded stars from the 1954 set. Take a peek and see if anything catches your eye.

My Ebay Listings

brian26 · February 18, 2014 12:10PM

Just an awesome, colorful set. Love them. '54 and '60 are my favorites. '55 is close.

mattyc_collection · February 18, 2014 12:33PM

Whatever you buy, neither 5s nor 7s are going to make you a rich or poor man upon resale. Just buy the best card. I have 4's that blow away some 7s in terms of eye appeal and centering. As a guy above said, buy the card not the grade. For half the cards in a given grade, I can find one in a lower grade that looks better. Lots of guys get hung up on a number.

1954 Topps

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