RookieHOFers PSA 9 and PSA 10 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Set Project

RookieHOFers · January 18, 2016 3:15AM

Over the last few months I have been slowly working on building another 86-87 Fleer Basketball Set. This will be the 5th set I have built. When I think about my most prevalent collecting memories, they tend to center around the 86-87 Fleer Set. From trading a 86TT Jose Canseco (when he was ultra hot) for an entire set minus the Jordan RC sticker and then bringing it back to my best friends house, and throwing the set on the table and taking turns selecting a card at a time to ripping $325 packs at the Natty a few years ago, this set takes me back to the pureness of what collecting is all about. So.....I thought it would be fun over the course of the next year or so to chronicle the journey with the rest of the boards. A couple goals this go around.

Focus on Centering, particularly the left to right centering.

All cards will be in new holders, preferably with the hologram.

All cards will be in PSA 9 or PSA 10

Once I figure out how to post pictures on this new format, I will add pictures to the cards I have at this time. In the meantime with a focus on picking up the HOF RC's here is where I am at to date.

#7 Charles Barkley

#26 Clyde Drexler

#27 Joe Dumars

#32 Patrick Ewing

#57 Michael Jordan

#68 Karl Malone

#82 Akeem Olajuwon

#109 Isiah Thomas

#121 Dominique Wilkins

#131 James Worthy

RyanAdmirer · January 18, 2016 3:25AM

I'm with you there Matt. I love the set and the memories! I recently started a similar project. I'd put off building the set until very recently ($wise that hesitation didn't work out very well for me).

A few months ago I started making some raw purchases, hoping to build one completely from raw purchases that I turn around and get graded. My goal is to build one from cards that score at least an "8", with a focus on L/R centering as well. I've done pretty good so far, with a Ewing, an Olajuwan, and a Drexler all scoring a "9". This is going to take me a while to build because I'm being pretty picky, but that's ok by me. I figure I'll need to purchase the Jordan already graded, so I need some time to gather funds for that anyway.

Best of luck in your quest!

RookieHOFers · January 18, 2016 3:43AM

Good Luck Ryan, That's a fun way to build the set. Take Your time and you will build a set I am sure your really proud of. Good Luck!

Littletweed · January 18, 2016 4:10AM

Good luck and have fun! I guess being your 5th set, it's safe to assume it will be fun. Looking forward to the pics, well centered and high grade '86-'87 Fleer are a thing of beauty.

Arsenal83 · January 18, 2016 4:20AM

Wow. Incredible start so far.

ThoseBackPages · January 18, 2016 12:58PM

SHARP!!!

lilmule · January 18, 2016 2:28PM

Wow!!!

slum22 · January 18, 2016 4:32PM

Unbelievable start to the set. Looks like you've got the heavy lifting out of the way early. This is my favorite set too. I've built this set raw a number of times and I'm currently working on my own PSA 9 set. I'm pretty much down to 30 or so commons. It's been a blast for me to build. I'm looking forward to watching your progress!

ldferg · January 18, 2016 9:06PM

Nice cards. I'd resub the Akeem and Ewing.

cardcountry · January 18, 2016 9:47PM

Can't wait to see it buddy. So glad you're still in the game!!

Jeff

RyanAdmirer · January 19, 2016 1:33AM

Very, VERY nice!!!

mattyc_collection · January 19, 2016 1:56AM

Among the most classic sports card sets of all time, and clearly insane examples you've chosen! Look at all those all-time legends in one set! That was really the golden age of the NBA. What flavor, those were the days.

1980scollector · January 21, 2016 10:48AM

The set is a classic and one I hope to build but right now all my funds are going into a different project. This is my favorite set ever produced, from any sport, released in the same year.

Congrats and have fun with it.

1980scollector · January 21, 2016 10:49AM

Also. Who got first pick? What was first card taken back then?

jay0791 · January 21, 2016 10:37PM

Nice start Matt.

The Jordan is delicious !!!!!!

RookieHOFers · January 22, 2016 7:12AM

Originally posted by: 1980scollector
Also. Who got first pick? What was first card taken back then?

I got the Jordan because it was my card and friend that I made the deal with, but from there I think Bobby had the first pick. I want to say that he took Charles Barkley, but he may have a better memory than me, and respond with someone different. I know that I ended up with Karl Malone and Magic Johnson for sure. I don't remember the other rookies. At that time, some of these rookies weren't as big a deal as they are today. It's a great memory sitting around the table at his house taking turns drawing cards. We still talk about it today.

RookieHOFers · January 25, 2016 7:16AM

#9 Larry Bird

jfkheat · January 25, 2016 8:02AM

I put together a raw set back in the late 80s or early 90s. Some time around 2003 or 2004 it was stolen along with a few other cards. I have a real good idea who stole it but couldn't prove it. I really like the set but since having mine stolen I could never talk myself to doing it again.

James

Dboneesq · January 25, 2016 8:14AM

WTG Matt ... one more to check off the list!

RookieHOFers · January 26, 2016 7:21AM

Originally posted by: jfkheat
I put together a raw set back in the late 80s or early 90s. Some time around 2003 or 2004 it was stolen along with a few other cards. I have a real good idea who stole it but couldn't prove it. I really like the set but since having mine stolen I could never talk myself to doing it again.
James

James, I know your looking for a new project. Maybe rebuilding this set is the way to go. Im sorry your set got taken, but its a relatively easy set to build and not so big, its unobtainable.

RookieHOFers · January 26, 2016 7:22AM

Originally posted by: Dboneesq
WTG Matt ... one more to check off the list!

Thanks Doug, Slow and Steady on this one.

RookieHOFers · January 27, 2016 8:21AM

Funny how my last three additions are Bird/Magic Dr J. That would make a good card

#31 Julius Erving

#53 Magic Johnson

ugaskidawg · January 28, 2016 11:13AM

Hey OP - did you see this eBay auction?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-8...b-RC-HUGE/252265443073

RookieHOFers · January 30, 2016 9:20PM

Originally posted by: ugaskidawg
Hey OP - did you see this eBay auction?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-8...b-RC-HUGE/252265443073

I did see this. I'm looking to do my set in PSA 9/10's. I also want every card in the new PSA holders. Buying a set complete or nearly compete would be easier, but I am going to enjoy the journey on this, and I hoping this helps me learn a life lesson....Patience.

1980scollector · January 31, 2016 12:27AM

I have seen worse PSA 10's. These cards are centered really well and look gem. It might be worth trying to bump a few at the nationals?

ugaskidawg · January 31, 2016 11:09AM

Originally posted by: RookieHOFers

Originally posted by: ugaskidawg

Hey OP - did you see this eBay auction?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-8...b-RC-HUGE/252265443073

I did see this. I'm looking to do my set in PSA 9/10's. I also want every card in the new PSA holders. Buying a set complete or nearly compete would be easier, but I am going to enjoy the journey on this, and I hoping this helps me learn a life lesson....Patience.

It definitely would be a much more fun journey! Hope it conitnues to go well.

llafoe · January 31, 2016 12:28PM

Awesome start to an awesome set!

kencope · February 3, 2016 8:20AM

Feel free to check out my eBay page and let me know if you see something you like. Also just got PSA 9s of Yount and Fisk in that will be uploaded shortly. Great project, good luck!

http://stores.ebay.com/Sports-Asset-Management/_i.html?_sop=3&rt=nc

1980scollector · February 15, 2016 8:32AM

Hey Matt, you inspired me to work on a set one grade lower than you. It has been a lot of fun building the Spectra 50th HOF football autograph set I wanted to work on this with you. I only have a PSA 4 Jordan and am looking to buy PSA 8 stars/rookies. Would you like me to PM you when I see nice PSA 9's for your set? If you want to PM me your list I could keep an eye out.

I actually want to thank you. You reminded me how much fun this set has been over the years. Your examples are great so far and I hope to get mine centered but a grade lower.

RookieHOFers · February 15, 2016 8:53PM

Originally posted by: 1980scollector
Hey Matt, you inspired me to work on a set one grade lower than you. It has been a lot of fun building the Spectra 50th HOF football autograph set I wanted to work on this with you. I only have a PSA 4 Jordan and am looking to buy PSA 8 stars/rookies. Would you like me to PM you when I see nice PSA 9's for your set? If you want to PM me your list I could keep an eye out.

I actually want to thank you. You reminded me how much fun this set has been over the years. Your examples are great so far and I hope to get mine centered but a grade lower.

Nathan, this is a very kind post, thanks very much. I am glad you're inspired to work on the set. I noticed you had published a set, but have it so you can't see any needs. I will pull together a list. I need so many right now that I have just been doing it from memory as to who I have and don't have. I'm closing in on the 25% mark though, so probably should put a spreadsheet together. I made a couple recent purchases (I will text you pictures) that's going to have me not adding much, if anything for next few months, so yes I would love a heads up if you see any nice PSA 9's or 10's, but not for a little while. You have my number so you can text as well. I hope you will add new pick-ups for your set like you have the Spectra 50th HOF football set. I love looking at your new additions, and there is so little sharing of cards anymore. Thanks Again Nathan.

RookieHOFers · February 15, 2016 11:05PM

Saw this Jordan and could not pass it up. Slightly O/C Top to Bottom is about the only flaw.

1980scollector · February 16, 2016 2:17AM

Wow, that Jordan has a clean surface! That's the big one. Congrats!

Unknown · February 16, 2016 3:14AM

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slum22 · February 16, 2016 6:35AM

Matt, that is an awesome MJ. You have a great start to your set. I have stalled in the progress of building my set. I have no excuses as I have all the big RC's out of the way. I have started looking at picking up the rest of the cards I need but have been underbidder on a bunch of auctions. Good luck with your quest!

baseballfan · February 17, 2016 12:33AM

nice Jordan... its all down hill from here. are you doing the stickers as well?

good luck

RookieHOFers · February 18, 2016 2:29AM

Originally posted by: Stan Pounder
Sweet card Rookie. Back in the day I had at least 20 of those plus 3 cases of 86 fleer. Sold them all for peanuts and seriously for a bag of peanuts.

Stan, You be able to get more than a bag of peanuts today! Maybe two bags.

RookieHOFers · February 18, 2016 2:30AM

Originally posted by: baseballfan
nice Jordan... its all down hill from here. are you doing the stickers as well?

good luck

Thanks Fred. There are still some pricey cards yet to purchase, but aside from Mullin all the expensive HOF rookies are done. Yes, I plan to build another sticker set as well. I will work on that once I am completed with the set.

RookieHOFers PSA 9 and PSA 10 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Set Project

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