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Amatuer collector here looking for what set to try and build for an investment and for awesomeness

Hello guys first post on this forum. I am an absolute amateur collector, used to love cards in my teens (I'm 36 now) and am just lately getting into ebay and back into it a little bit. Been kind of addicted to eBay the last week or two just looking at all the amazing stuff that's for sale there.

Anyways I wanted to ask the forum here for a little advice and recommendations and ideas since I'm completely out of touch and I really know no one in my real life who knows anything about cards.


I've seen some of the set builder threads here and its encouraged me to try and do something. I'm not starting another "watch me build a set" thread , I'm more just looking for your guys opinions.

What sets are some of the most "downswing proof," meaning what few sets do you think would hold up best if we get another huge downswing in prices like what's happened before. Kind of a vague and lame question but there are surely some sets you guys feel would hold up better than others thru tough times. I'm not even really focused on "making money" with this, it's more a hobby, but I'd like to go safe instead of high risk, if that's even possible. Again, I'm clueless here

The other thing is awesomeness. For some reason I think the 1960 Topps set is just awesome, even though prices definitely don't reflect many others share my opinion lol. What sets do you guys think just look awesome? I think the 53 topps "looks" way more awesome than the 52 even tho obviously the 52 is the holy grail.


My only real sets I've thought about TRYING to assemble are :

A 52 topps psa 5 set
A 60 topps psa 8 set
An 86 fleer hoops set of some sort
A 1990 upper deck psa 10 set



I saw a guy estimate his 52 topps set building would cost approx $60,000. I plan on this being a 10-15 year goal for me so I probably could buy $60,000 of cards in a 10-15 yr span, that's few hundred/month, perfect.


Anyways, sorry if this topic is lame or been beaten to death but like I said I just have no one in my life who knows squat about cards. I'm just trying to get back into it and would love to hear some knowledgeable opinions and advice.



Thanks for reading

«1

Comments

  • LarkinCollectorLarkinCollector Posts: 8,975 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Not the 1990 Upper Deck, but I think the other 3 are all pretty safe bets. I'm a big fan of the 1960 set as well, one card away from completing the base set raw, but nowhere near PSA8.

    image
  • With regard to the 1952 set, just the 96 high numbers alone in PSA 5 will be 50K +/-

    I'm sure the 310 low numbers in PSA 5 will be more than 10K. Probably more like 20 to 25, but that's just a guess.

    Good luck with whatever you choose, and welcome.
    All your money won't another minute buy.
  • mattyc_collectionmattyc_collection Posts: 2,130 ✭✭✭✭✭
    One thing to keep in mind with set building, as opposed to say star card, HOFer, HOF RC, or other such broad/high-demand card collecting is that a fully graded set's commons often have a relatively thin pool of buyers. This can make reselling or just general appreciation a bit tougher than with, for example, the key card of a widely collected star. Another aspect of graded set building worth keeping in mind is that low pop/high grade commons are also very volatile; they may spike when there is a moment of heavy competition within a set, or when new collectors enter a set, but they are also subject to precipitous price drops if buyers leave the pool or if more specimens are graded.

    An alternative method of set building that mitigates the above risks from a financial standpoint, is to build the set with raw commons that fit your desired eye appeal or grade profile, while doing all the HOFers or key cards in whatever grade you desire. This allows for less outlay on the riskier components of the set. As someone who has built a few graded sets, I can also attest to how the daily enjoyment of hundreds of slabbed commons becomes somewhat unwieldy and impractical, of course depending on one's display capabilities. I have found a good old binder to be a great way to enjoy commons, and the smaller outlay on commons can allow for higher quality examples of the key cards (which are usually where the awesomeness is at; for example I love certain 1952 and 1975 commons, but always look at Mantle, Berra, Mays, Robinson, Brett, Yount, etc., first and last when enjoying the set).

    I think sets with enduring, widespread popularity are, among others: T206, 1914/15 Cracker Jacks, 1933 Goudey, 1952 Topps, 1967 Topps, 1971 Topps, 1975 Topps Regular and Mini, 1986 Fleer Basketball-- and of course there are many others that people favor for a variety of reasons. The PreWar space is noteworthy because there is not as great a chance of many new Cracker Jack Cobbs, Shoeless Joes, or Mathewsons popping up as there are say 1975 cards.

    In the end, every set has its star power and the aesthetic of a set's design is a very personal choice, as is what we each find awesome. Above all, what matters is that the collector love what he/she is collecting and building more than anyone else. If you choose attractive examples (in any grade) to build any set, they will surely appeal to that set's collectors and fans upon any potential future resale.

    I would encourage you to get familiar with VintageCardPrices.com, so you can accurately gauge what certain cards in certain states of eye appeal and grade have sold for in the past; it is a helpful tool, though by no means a static price guide or bible (not every completed sale on ebay is entirely legitimate).

    Anyways, hope all that helps.

    Instagram: mattyc_collection

  • DanBessetteDanBessette Posts: 6,421 ✭✭✭
    Can't go wrong with 52 topps. And a set I personally hate, but that the collecting world seems to collectively get hot n bothered about, is 75 topps baseball. Seems to me that will never depreciate.
  • NickMNickM Posts: 4,895 ✭✭✭
    '33 Goudey is my recommendation. You can skip the Lajoie entirely if you wish - it wasn't actually issued until 1934. Other than the Bengough (#1) high-grade cost, you're not paying through the nose for common players because they're scarce. The expensive cards here are all HOFers, led by 4 different Babe Ruths. PSA 4s and 5s are reasonable in price for most of the cards, and fairly readily available.
    The cards are very attractive, and it is the key set from a classic era of baseball history.

    Nick
    image
    Reap the whirlwind.

    Need to buy something for the wife or girlfriend? Check out Vintage Designer Clothing.
  • aro13aro13 Posts: 1,961 ✭✭✭
    Good topic and question.

    I would choose any of them except for the 1990 PSA 10 set. If you do a 1986 Fleer Basketball set I would do it in PSA 9 and not PSA 8 or 10.

    Good luck, whatever you decide.
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 31,131 ✭✭✭✭✭
    For me if I was ever to start collecting again and wanted to do a mainstream set in hopes of being able to recoup my money if I ever decided to bail on it, without question I would try the '52 Topps set. Its a landmark set stuffed with gorgeous looking HOF cards.

    Best of luck whichever set you decide on!
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would start a HOF set from the various sports in a PSA 8 grade. This will help you decide which direction you want to go in and the cards can be sold back to the market with limited downside risk.

    Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Rickey Henderson, Ken Griffey Jr., George Brett, Robin Yount, Mario Lemieux, Cal Ripken, etc.


    Maybe throw in some high grade steroid era cards too.

    Starting a set as your first move back into the hobby seems like a big challenge and one that you may tire of due to the size and scope of what is required. If you maintain the collecting bug after a year or two then you could always sell the cards above and focus in on one objective.

    Many of the major sports sets are very large and for many it is hard to get excited about paying high prices for guys that were never important. Under no circumstances am I suggesting this is bad but it takes resources and commitment and to me it is like signing up for a four year gym membership and paying upfront like the old days even though you have not worked out in a while. Buy the monthly membership and see if you like it.

    The good news about cards is there are tons to choose from and something for everyone. Some like condition, some like quantity, others like both and there is no one way to collect.
  • ChancePChanceP Posts: 68 ✭✭
    Incredible replies thanks so much guys.


  • << <i>I would start a HOF set from the various sports in a PSA 8 grade. This will help you decide which direction you want to go in and the cards can be sold back to the market with limited downside risk.

    Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Rickey Henderson, Ken Griffey Jr., George Brett, Robin Yount, Mario Lemieux, Cal Ripken, etc. >>



    I absolutely agree with that and would add that I especially like David's examples. I would focus on the 80s, if I were you.

    1. Price sweet spot. 50s, 60s, 70s maybe too expensive (obv depending on your budget). 90s too cheap.

    2. Value. 70s prices have risen a lot, mostly (I think) because of demographics. People who collected those as kids are older with money. The same seems likely to happen with 80s over time. I think, from an investment perspective, it's a good decade to look at.

    Best of luck and welcome to the boards!
  • DanBessetteDanBessette Posts: 6,421 ✭✭✭
    I forgot to add: welcome aboard!
  • handymanhandyman Posts: 5,383 ✭✭✭✭✭
    E90-1 Caramel With Joe Jackson rookie,Wagner,cobb,young all the greats in this one. In 1-3 range would be awesome.
    T206 Set of course in any grade is awesome, Worth about as much as a 1960 set PSA 8 I would think in low grade.
    These are 2 tough sets that will take a long time to make, but both fun sets that many enjoy collecting.
    More mid century sets,
    I like the idea of the 1952 Set in Mid grade, The high numbers are tough and fun to find.
    The 1954 Topps Set is a nice size set with several key rookies, A PSA 6-8 Set would look nice, Also a 1955 Set with the popular Clemente rookie.
    Not a baseball set but I like the 1952 Bowman Football issues small and large. They remind me of the 1953 Topps set with a mix of bowman. Those havent spiked or gone down but stayed flat in my opinion. I think its a sleeper of a set with many tough and low pop cards, it just seems to have never taken off.
    Anyhow a few classics to throw at you.
    Hope you find something you enjoy!
  • Welcome aboard
    I would choose a smaller set to start for sure. I got back in a few years ago and picked up my 75 set
    I still plan to finish but stop and start along the way. A smaller set gives you a chance to complete in realistic time and really figure out if you like the graded route other the raw route or a combo.
    All the sets listed are winners. Good luck with whatever you choose.
  • bobsbbcardsbobsbbcards Posts: 3,254 ✭✭✭
    Welcome to the message boards!

    Just priced the '52 set in PSA 5 using VCP and came up with $59,953.04 (one copy each of the red/black backs, no gray backs, no Sain/Page variations, and no Campos star). High numbers ran $47,924.60. That would be my choice (or any '50s set for that matter).

    DON'T DO THE 1990 UPPER DECK SET. I'm sure nobody said that to you yet (except for everybody on the planet).


  • << <i>Can't go wrong with 52 topps. And a set I personally hate, but that the collecting world seems to collectively get hot n bothered about, is 75 topps baseball. Seems to me that will never depreciate. >>



    Never been a big fan of the 75 set myself - maybe that's why I have less than half a dozen left over from my childhood lol.

    Anywho - OP - welcome aboard!!!
    Collecting Topps Baseball: 1966-present base sets
    Topps/OPC Hockey 1966-Present base sets
  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭
    Good luck with whatever you choose but I recommend th 1980 star rookie showing cello packs registry set in my signature below. Quite rewarding to track down and a great investment with downside protection and I believe a lot of upside the next 10-20 years. Just look at now 1970s cello star packs are doing today as a glimpse into the future.
    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • bobsbbcardsbobsbbcards Posts: 3,254 ✭✭✭
    Original poster. Turn on your PM's (private messages). Here's how:

    1) Click "profile" up there on the right under "Navigation:".
    2) Click "Allow Private Messages" towards the bottom.
    3) Click "Update Profile" really towards the bottom.

    That will let people send you double top secret stuff.
  • ChancePChanceP Posts: 68 ✭✭


    << <i>Original poster. Turn on your PM's (private messages). Here's how:

    1) Click "profile" up there on the right under "Navigation:".
    2) Click "Allow Private Messages" towards the bottom.
    3) Click "Update Profile" really towards the bottom.

    That will let people send you double top secret stuff. >>






    image
  • MintacularMintacular Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭
    None of the above. With eBay fees rising to "invest" you will lose 15% off the top to resell via eBay or consigner. Also, the nature of set building is that the value of the whole is less than the sum of the parts...In other words, even if you picked a very popular set and did a wonderful job buying at good prices, you would lose out financially, and would've been much better off putting your $ under a mattress, not to mention investing in the stock market, etc. which would yield decent returns...

    From an investor perspective, the only good potential buys is picking up very high grade low pop singles or maybe very rare unopened material
  • mattyc_collectionmattyc_collection Posts: 2,130 ✭✭✭✭✭
    From a selling perspective, there are good returns to be had across the board, in all grades. Early Ruth cards have been soaring in all grades over the past few years, as have been Cracker Jacks, Shoeless Joe's key cards (look at the e90-1 that hit 22k in PSA 1.5 at Heritage), among others-- so I would respectfully take the counterpoint regarding the only good buys being high grade low pop singles and unopened. I think it all depends on the specific card in question and its strength for the grade, be it a 9 or a 3. High-end for any grade will always do well with the buyers shopping in that budget zone. Set breaking can often be a profitable enterprise, depending on some variables beyond one's control-- such as who is active in the set at time of break/selling.

    Instagram: mattyc_collection

  • WFFLWFFL Posts: 496 ✭✭✭
    Welcome to the boards. Lot of good suggestions by all.
    DM23HOF ~ Nice top 20 collection!
  • slum22slum22 Posts: 2,594 ✭✭✭✭
    Welcome to the boards and welcome back to collecting. I think you have gotten some great advice on this thread. I especially think the posts by DM23HOF and Dpeck100 are very well thought out and offer excellent advice. To answer your original question my pick would be the 1986 Fleer set. I am an unabashed basketball collector (in the minority here as most members seem squarely in the baseball lane, with football second and basketball third place) and the 1986 Fleer set is my favorite. We are around the same age group and I expect more people our age to find themselves back collecting and I think that is the one set from the 80's and 90's that would top most people's list of "modern classic" set from any sport.

    As for your two caveats, minimizing downside risk and awesomeness: I don't know about the monetary risk of the set, but I doubt it would be hard to recoup your money with this set. I have bought and sold many graded cards from this set (PSA and BGS) and have almost always sold them for cost or above cost, so my personal history is good with this set from that standpoint. As for awesomeness, I don't think this set could be beat. From the colors and design to the awesome HOF RC checklist it is dripping awesome. Another reason I think this set should be appealing is because it is a relatively small set. As other posters have mentioned, set building can be fun, it can also be tedious if you have to find 300 to 600 commons to make the set (as with the baseball sets).

    As a personal reference, when I got back in the hobby a couple years ago, I also decided to build a PSA set. I chose the 1961 Fleer basketball set. Like the 86 Fleer set it is loaded with HOF RC's and has a cool design. It is also only 66 cards so each card gets me 1.5% to completion so the goal never seems out of reach. I am only 6 cards away now and I couldn't be happier with my choice. And now, I am actually embarking on a 1986 Fleer set as we speak!

    As others have already mentioned, do not do the 1990 Upper Deck set. You can only lose money on that. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Please do post updates in a "watch me build a set" thread for whatever set you decide. While some may not want to follow along, they don't have to click on your thread. I, for one, love to see different collectors post their pick ups and collections as it inspires me in my collection. Best of luck!
    Steve
  • ManofmoeManofmoe Posts: 264 ✭✭
    Somebody in an earlier reply mentioned the downside of having to spend a lot of money on common players. I've been going after the '52 set PSA graded mostly 2-4 for about 3 years now and am about 60% done, but only about 20% done with the high #'s. My biggest frustration with the set is shelling out around $100 (5's are even more expensive) every time I want to add a high number of somebody that I generally have never heard of. I have thought about selling off all of my commons and reinvesting the money in higher grade HOF'ers from various sets, but I still like the set enough that I haven't given up yet (though that may change). Just something to think about going in if you choose to go the '52 Topps route.

    Mike
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    I got back into collecting about 4 years ago. ironically, started w. a 52 topps psa 5 set. right now my set has a grade of 5.31 my total cost was $65K w. a majority of that on the mantle. if you decide to take it on remember to focus on centered cards w/ no other qualifiers. just go ahead and ignore what psa smr states "market price" is. by their assessment my set is only worth $58. however, when I completed smr was only at $51K. personally I think a realistic price these days would be around $75K. of course, you have to take into account the ebay, paypal, consignor, shipping and other fees associated w/ selling them off eventually. i'm gonna sit on mine for a while, but it is a true task and I thoroughly enjoyed the process and got real fun when I played "what card is gonna be the last one to complete the set".

    btw: it was Dave Madison #366 and still no 5 on ebay right now....
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭



    << <i>As long as there is a sports card hobby, Mantles, Mays, Aarons, Ruths, etc. will all be desired, even in the most beat up conditions. Even with a strong hobby, the VAST majority of commons are not really on anyone's want list, except for the limited number of collectors that are building team or complete sets. Maybe I'm wrong but I just don't believe that number is all that high. >>




    I think 52 topps goes right in w/ your mantles, mays, aarons, ruths. it's a classic and always has and will be in demand. even commons.
  • 60sfan60sfan Posts: 311 ✭✭✭


    << <i>One thing to keep in mind with set building, as opposed to say star card, HOFer, HOF RC, or other such broad/high-demand card collecting is that a fully graded set's commons often have a relatively thin pool of buyers. This can make reselling or just general appreciation a bit tougher than with, for example, the key card of a widely collected star. Another aspect of graded set building worth keeping in mind is that low pop/high grade commons are also very volatile; they may spike when there is a moment of heavy competition within a set, or when new collectors enter a set, but they are also subject to precipitous price drops if buyers leave the pool or if more specimens are graded.

    An alternative method of set building that mitigates the above risks from a financial standpoint, is to build the set with raw commons that fit your desired eye appeal or grade profile, while doing all the HOFers or key cards in whatever grade you desire. This allows for less outlay on the riskier components of the set. As someone who has built a few graded sets, I can also attest to how the daily enjoyment of hundreds of slabbed commons becomes somewhat unwieldy and impractical, of course depending on one's display capabilities. I have found a good old binder to be a great way to enjoy commons, and the smaller outlay on commons can allow for higher quality examples of the key cards (which are usually where the awesomeness is at; for example I love certain 1952 and 1975 commons, but always look at Mantle, Berra, Mays, Robinson, Brett, Yount, etc., first and last when enjoying the set).

    I think sets with enduring, widespread popularity are, among others: T206, 1914/15 Cracker Jacks, 1933 Goudey, 1952 Topps, 1967 Topps, 1971 Topps, 1975 Topps Regular and Mini, 1986 Fleer Basketball-- and of course there are many others that people favor for a variety of reasons. The PreWar space is noteworthy because there is not as great a chance of many new Cracker Jack Cobbs, Shoeless Joes, or Mathewsons popping up as there are say 1975 cards.

    In the end, every set has its star power and the aesthetic of a set's design is a very personal choice, as is what we each find awesome. Above all, what matters is that the collector love what he/she is collecting and building more than anyone else. If you choose attractive examples (in any grade) to build any set, they will surely appeal to that set's collectors and fans upon any potential future resale.

    I would encourage you to get familiar with VintageCardPrices.com, so you can accurately gauge what certain cards in certain states of eye appeal and grade have sold for in the past; it is a helpful tool, though by no means a static price guide or bible (not every completed sale on ebay is entirely legitimate).

    Anyways, hope all that helps. >>


    +1
  • vintagefunvintagefun Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭
    Like you, I've got no one locally who gives a damn about my cards. This board has been a great outlet for me, full of advice and support, so you've come to the right place. Welcome!

    I like the advice of getting some key HOFs and seeing what clicks. I've recently started registry sets for a few of my favorite players from 4 sports and a HOF Cowboys RC set, and they're all mostly attainable, and because I love the players I don't trip when I pay the price. But I do like the idea of complete sets so have also recently been buying raw sets. I don't have space for graded sets, and like others have said, chasing low pop commons and paying prices for players I don't know, just isn't for me. Lastly, FWIW I'd suggest going with something you really like. If you prefer the 60 set go for it. While the 52 is great and iconic, you still seem to even prefer 53. So while I totally get protecting an exit, make sure you still dig what you're doing.

    Best of luck, whatever you decide.

    Jim
    52-90 All Sports, Mostly Topps, Mostly HOF, and some assorted wax.
  • StingrayStingray Posts: 8,843 ✭✭✭
    First rule of collecting: do it for your own enjoyment and do not look at it as an investment.

    But I really think that early 70s is next to go up. Collectors of that era are now in there 50s, kids just about out of college, etc. though not a fan I think 72 holds a lot of nostalgia for that time frame.


  • << <i>I would start a HOF set from the various sports in a PSA 8 grade. >>



    Love this suggestion - exactly my experience - I got back into things this way, then decided which set(s) I really liked and wanted.
  • ChancePChanceP Posts: 68 ✭✭
    Thanks so much again guys the replies have just been 1000X better than I ever imagined. Great stuff and some of your guy's collections are just jaw dropping
  • ChancePChanceP Posts: 68 ✭✭
    I found a few 1910c56 hockey cards I've had for a while and put them up on eBay. They end this Saturday and I'm Hopin to get around $400 for the lot maybe and I'm gonna decide by then which direction I'm going and then start buying.

    My ebay name is ILikeToParty1002 if anyone is bored and wants to check them out. Hope I didn't break any riles posting my ebay name, if I did my apologies please erase. Anyways, I bought these hockey cards for like $60 about ten years ago so I'm happy if I get $400. I'll dump that $400 or whatever right back into the cards and then I'll spend around $100 every Friday on more.

    Thanks again guys so glad to have found this forum
  • fiveninerfiveniner Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭
    Welcome aboard.

    Probably will not agree with my choices however the prices are much more reasonable to put together and have very KEY CARD the 55 Topps with rookies of Clemente,Koufax and Killibrew rookies plus other hall of famers .Its only 206 cards but IMO they are very colorful.

    The 54 Topps with the Aaron,Kaline,and Banks and Lasorda Rookies with only 250 cards.

    To the folks who mentioned the 75s and not liking them.i actually like them however there are much more of that product that we are led to believe,especially on the mini end.The quality control on the minis are poor and there has not been a price movement of any significance on them.


    Good luck on you adventure.
    Tony(AN ANGEL WATCHES OVER ME)
  • belzbelz Posts: 1,217 ✭✭✭
    Collecting a 1952 Topps PSA set is awesome...couldn't imagine, but props to anyone that does. Personally I would go after the 1975 set just because you somewhat grew up with and know many of the hof players...so collecting is cool and investment wise you can't go wrong. Have fun and welcome back to collecting.
    "Wots Uh The Deal" by Pink Floyd
  • Nathaniel1960Nathaniel1960 Posts: 2,325 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1955 Topps Baseball Set with stars in PSA 5. Highs are not that tough, superstars not that expensive except for Clemente.
    Kiss me once, shame on you.
    Kiss me twice.....let's party.
  • Mickey71Mickey71 Posts: 4,259 ✭✭✭✭
    1953 or 1954 Topps Baseball in 6-7 grade.
  • DavisDavis Posts: 705 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I would start a HOF set from the various sports in a PSA 8 grade. >>



    Love this suggestion - exactly my experience - I got back into things this way, then decided which set(s) I really liked and wanted. >>



    This is what I've been doing. RC's of HOFers that I grew up watching. Cheaper ones I'll go for in a PSA 9 and some of the big ones like Michael Jordan, OPC Gretzky, Bird/Magic, I'll take a PSA 7 or an 8(OC). No 10's yet. I enjoy buying raw and seeing how they grade out, except for some of the risky cards like MJ. It's been a lot of fun and they are readily available on ebay so there's lots of auctions to watch.
  • thunderdanthunderdan Posts: 3,036 ✭✭✭
    A lot of good responses so far.

    Awesomeness is a subjective term. Some guys find the 86 Fleer set awesome; others find it hideous. Others go nuts for 75 minis (you know who you are), and others get off on sniffing unopened packs (Hi Mike). If by awesome, you mean strong collecting demand within the hobby then I think there have been some good suggestions here.

    If, at the end of the day, your key objective is a return on your investment, then a few quick thoughts:

    1) I would stay away from building sets. Too costly and eats into your margins. Buying an already-assembled set can be profitable, especially if you break it apart

    2) Focus on key cards. (meaning key players or key sets that have a strong following in the set registry). In other words, sets and players that people will want to buy. And then buy what you can afford. And within that grade, buy the very nicest copy you can afford. DO NOT just buy the holder. Also, don't be afraid to pay a premium or be too beholden to VCP. Time and again, I see people paying very strong premiums to VCP for a given grade (including me) because of the eye appeal of a card.


    3) If you truly are in it for investment purposes, be willing to sell a card when you get a good price. Try not to get emotionally attached to your card. After all, there is no gain unless you sell.

    4) If you're only wanting to collect for the fun of it, ignore all of the above. Some people collect for the pure love of the cardboard and will never sell (and even if they did, they don't care about a return). One of the things I love about this board is that there is a blend of both. Some of the guys are real purists here (love the card, know everything about the card/set, and want to pass it along to their kids), and I really respect that about them.
    image


  • LarkinCollectorLarkinCollector Posts: 8,975 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I found a few 1910c56 hockey cards I've had for a while and put them up on eBay. They end this Saturday and I'm Hopin to get around $400 for the lot maybe and I'm gonna decide by then which direction I'm going and then start buying.

    My ebay name is ILikeToParty1002 if anyone is bored and wants to check them out. Hope I didn't break any riles posting my ebay name, if I did my apologies please erase. Anyways, I bought these hockey cards for like $60 about ten years ago so I'm happy if I get $400. I'll dump that $400 or whatever right back into the cards and then I'll spend around $100 every Friday on more.

    Thanks again guys so glad to have found this forum >>


    In general, it's best to keep this type of post in the BST (Buy/Sell/Trade) forum, you'll get much better response there with a title like 'FS: 1910 C56 Hockey on Ebay ending tonight'. You can also include a link to your eBay auctions in your signature and won't get anyone upset.

    The BST is a good place to try to sell prior to posting on eBay if you want to avoid the eBay fees as well. Many are willing to work with Paypal gift once you have some transactions under your belt here and avoid fees entirely.
  • JHS5120JHS5120 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭
    I think these are great set ideas for "beginners" with a little bit of money to spend

    FR-GD t206 Set (minus the big 4)
    EX 1949 Bowman Set
    EX 1952 Topps Set (Mantle in GD)
    NM 1955 Bowman Set
    NM 1957 Topps Set
    My eBay Store =)

    "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
  • ChancePChanceP Posts: 68 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I found a few 1910c56 hockey cards I've had for a while and put them up on eBay. They end this Saturday and I'm Hopin to get around $400 for the lot maybe and I'm gonna decide by then which direction I'm going and then start buying.

    My ebay name is ILikeToParty1002 if anyone is bored and wants to check them out. Hope I didn't break any riles posting my ebay name, if I did my apologies please erase. Anyways, I bought these hockey cards for like $60 about ten years ago so I'm happy if I get $400. I'll dump that $400 or whatever right back into the cards and then I'll spend around $100 every Friday on more.

    Thanks again guys so glad to have found this forum >>


    In general, it's best to keep this type of post in the BST (Buy/Sell/Trade) forum, you'll get much better response there with a title like 'FS: 1910 C56 Hockey on Ebay ending tonight'. You can also include a link to your eBay auctions in your signature and won't get anyone upset.

    The BST is a good place to try to sell prior to posting on eBay if you want to avoid the eBay fees as well. Many are willing to work with Paypal gift once you have some transactions under your belt here and avoid fees entirely. >>





    Awesome thanks a lot. Gonna check out that forum as well. Thanks again
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hi Chance

    Welcome to the boards.

    I'm an amateur collector and staying that way.

    I have found from experience when I treat this purely as a hobby, I have fun. Otherwise it seems too much like work.
    Mike
  • jmaciujmaciu Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭
    Welcome aboard, Chance. I like set building. My approach with my 70's sets has been to buy an affordable NM set and then gradually upgrade the commons and try to get the stars and HOF cards in graded form. It is a less stressful approach. Putting most sets together in completely graded form can be a frustrating and financially-draining process, as many have already said.
  • 59Horsehide59Horsehide Posts: 427 ✭✭✭
    I am totally surprised the 1956 Topps (only set that year) isn't getting any love! 340 cards plus 2 checklists and NM is very doable. Check it out.
  • CDsNutsCDsNuts Posts: 10,092
    86 Fleer Hoops you might as well just buy a complete PSA 9 set because you'll get killed on your margins piecing it together. If you like basketball I'd also consider the 61 Fleer set in PSA 8 which is loaded with HOFers and a fun but not too crazy build.

    - 90 UD just forget about- there's no way spending $7500+ on that set will ever pay off in the long run. At around 50% complete you'll wonder why they hell you're doing it and start questioning your existence. At around 90% you'll find yourself digging through commons boxes looking for a sharp Luis Polonia and might decide that swallowing a pint of bleach is a better alternative.
    - If you like the 60 Topps bb set in PSA 8 I say go for it, just know you're going to be spending $400+ on several low pop commons.
    - 52 Topps is a no-brainer if you have the dough, it will always have tremendous collector appeal and hold its value.

    Some other fun ideas:
    - 63 Fleer baseball in PSA 8
    - 93 Finest baseball in PSA 10- If you have to do a modern one, this is a good choice. Small set, won't hurt your pocket too bad.
    - Any one of the 70s basketball sets in PSA 9- all relatively cheap compared to other sports
    - 1980-81 basketball in PSA 9. Harder than you think but manageable over 2-3 years.
    - 1984 Topps football in PSA 9 or 10- the most loaded football set of all time.
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    At around 90% you'll find yourself digging through commons boxes looking for a sharp Luis Polonia and might decide that swallowing a pint of bleach is a better alternative.

    This is hilarious. image




  • MantleFan23MantleFan23 Posts: 702 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I am totally surprised the 1956 Topps (only set that year) isn't getting any love! 340 cards plus 2 checklists and NM is very doable. Check it out. >>



    I agree (maybe I'm biased because I'm currently working on the set), however, its a great set, and I'm doing it in PSA7. Commons can be had between $15-$25 a piece usually. The only caveat is if you are trying to do the set centered. Its a tough nut to crack then. I've been working on it off and on for about 3 years and am 20% complete. I put a 10 year timeline on finishing it. I do get sidetracked to vintage unopened (my other focus) though image

    I think the important thing to do is to pick a set you like with players that you know or want to learn more about. Keep within your budget and while I'm doing a set in PSA7 there is nothing wrong with doing it raw and displaying it in a binder. I agree, though, that the key cards should probably be graded.

    While I anticipate never selling my set when its complete, I assume if I did that I would probably lose money. So be it. I don't care. Its my labor of love.

    Jeremy
  • bouncebounce Posts: 1,094 ✭✭✭
    i've always been a collector of some sort, but really got back into cards this year and here's what i'm working on:

    1) 1956 Topps PSA 6 to 7 - decided i wanted to put together a 1956 set because i always liked the design and the player selection. initially started raw set but quickly went to graded because it was easier to ensure some levels of "uniformity" around corners, creases, etc. decided on spa 6 initially but then went to 6/7 combo, the higher grades really start getting expensive so this was a good compromise. it's over 300 cards so it's no easy task in any sort of grade, and there are quite a few more difficult commons/semi-stars in 6+ grades than i originally anticipated. i'm down to final 20 or so but the pace has slowed considerably.
    2) 1952 Topps raw set - not quite halfway through this, no mantle or mays or robinson yet, and kind of lost interest in it to be honest. i know this is one of the "no brainer" sets to collect, but i've had trouble holding interest in it especially for centered commons and there's also the trimming concern. plus i have no high numbers yet, and while i understand they're rare i just can't wrap my head around $100+ for decent looking commons. not sure if i'll finish this or not, it's certainly far down the list now even though i did hit it hard early on.
    3) 1986 Fleer basketball plus stickers PSA 9 - 10s are just too expensive for me and MJ is probably $10k in a 10, but 9 is nice challenge and won't break the bank and there are some tough ones like dominique that you can buy most anytime but have to patient to get at a good price. in the process of doing this, i bought some lots and have started a 2nd set that's a 8/9 mix. i'm under 10 cards to complete each one.
    4) 1993 Finest basketball refractors raw - i think these are cool and they're the original refractors. raw set can be had for under $1k if you're patient and there are some "shorter printed" cards that are a little difficult to run down - not expensive, they're just a little hard to find.
    5) 1996-97 Chrome basketball refractors raw - decided i wanted a multi-year project with no clear budget and this was the winner. i have literally no idea what a set ought to be worth, i just know these cards are really hard to find in any sort of quantity and prices are all over the board. we'll see if i can stick with it, but putting this set together is clearly going to be a long haul challenge.

    overall for investment, i think the suggestions to do the HOF rookie cards is pretty good advice. if you treat those cards like they are investments from the start, and make sure you've done your pricing research, i think you could do well in the long run.

    as far as sets for investments, i think you've really got to keep it to highly desired sets and i would challenge whether much of anything from the 60s or 70s would qualify as this, yet anyway. while a say 1965 set in some high grade may be more difficult to do, it's also a lot harder to sell. there are always buyer for things like the 33 goudeys and 52 topps because they are the iconic cards. and while there aren't as many buyers for commons, i'm convinced there is a good premium for a complete set of these types due to how long and how hard it would take to put them together in the first place almost regardless of budget.

    i've enjoyed reading the ideas so far, and good luck to you with whatever you decide to pursue
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    and if you want some true investment advice. hold off for a little while, wait for the next bubble to burst (kinda like the one that's about to happen in china's real estate market), wait til some guys are forced to make payroll and sell off their mantles, gobble'em up, sit til the economy recovers and sell....or just wait for the dukes to corner the frozen concentrated orange juice market and then strike!

    "looking good, lewis! feeling good, billy ray!"


  • << <i>I am totally surprised the 1956 Topps (only set that year) isn't getting any love! 340 cards plus 2 checklists and NM is very doable. Check it out. >>


    It's my current project so didn't want to encourage more competition image
    My favorite set next to 75!
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