My quest for a complete PSA loaded 1975 Topps set (COUNTDOWN TO COMPLETION: 11)

Estil · January 23, 2008 9:06PM

You guys are not going to believe this! After years and years of dreaming, my wife is finally going to give me enough money in a couple months to get my all-time dream set; 1975 Topps! And I'm hoping all of you can help me make this set truely one to be proud of and make this the best 28th b-day (March 22) ever!

She sure is the sweetest, isn't she?

Okay, as this congregation no doubt knows, I am a HUGE fan of the 1975 Topps set, and always have been since I first started collecting. Only problem is, this set does not come cheap even in raw (though luckily it's not quite as expensive as it was 15 years ago), and I have never spent nearly this kind of money ($400-$500) on one set before. Thus, I want to make absoultely certain that I do this right (since I'll most likely only get one chance at this).

How want to do this is get the very best NRMT/MT raw set I can WITHOUT the key cards. Why is that you might ask? Well, several months ago someone sent me a George Brett RC in PSA 7 as a gift (he upgraded to a PSA 8 and didn't need his PSA 7) and so I want to get the other keys in PSA 7 as well (at least the Yount/Ryan, though also getting the Rose/Aaron/Schmidt in PSA 7 wouldn't hurt either), and not have to pay extra for additional raw copies that might not make the grade (I don't plan on joining PSA anytime soon so I can't send cards for grading myself). I figure the PSA 7's aren't really any more expensive than the raw ones so why not get them in graded form as "insurance"?

Okay, getting the key PSA 7's is easy, but who here (or elsewhere) could best help me in assembling the rest of the set in top raw grade? Perhaps someone here has recently busted a vending/wax case or something and can sell me the best of the "leftovers"?

PS: I am NOT interested in the minis, only the regular set.

BobS · January 23, 2008 9:19PM

This one:

link

this one:

link

this one:

link

As you can see, every week there are plenty of 75 sets to choose from on e-bay. Unless you find a bunch of shows/shops/local dealers where you can look at the set in person, you're going to just have to take a chance on e-bay.

I doubt you would want the "leftovers" from anyone that has recently busted a case. All the nrmt or better cards are gone. A set assembled from the leftovers would not make you happy. Dinged corners and horrible centering throughout. I think you have a better chance buying a complete set that is adverstised as "put together with care" , "centering was a priority", "no beaters", etc.

And as has been said before, the best way to put a nice set like this together is by buying 2, 3 or more sets and cherry picking the best, selling the rest. Of coarse that takes more $$, but it's really the only way to accomplish exactly what you want. Mind you though, chances are some of the sets advertised on e-bay are somebody else's "cast off" sets too.

Bosox1976 · January 23, 2008 9:25PM

Shouldn't be too hard to find Estil. You just missed this one, which looked to be a fantastic start at a fair price.

Estil · January 23, 2008 10:04PM

<< As you can see, every week there are plenty of 75 sets to choose from on e-bay. Unless you find a bunch of shows/shops/local dealers where you can look at the set in person, you're going to just have to take a chance on e-bay. >>

Actually, that's kinda what I was hoping to avoid; the "taking a chance on Ebay" part. I figured if I asked around here, I might have a better chance of getting a set that best fits my needs.

<< I doubt you would want the "leftovers" from anyone that has recently busted a case. All the nrmt or better cards are gone. A set assembled from the leftovers would not make you happy. Dinged corners and horrible centering throughout. I think you have a better chance buying a complete set that is adverstised as "put together with care" , "centering was a priority", "no beaters", etc. >>

What I meant by "leftovers" would be for example, someone who busted open a case and was only interested in Brett/Yount/Ryan cards and/or PSA 10s. If the "leftovers" were still in at least PSA 7-8 range, that'd be great.

<< And as has been said before, the best way to put a nice set like this together is by buying 2, 3 or more sets and cherry picking the best, selling the rest. Of coarse that takes more $$, but it's really the only way to accomplish exactly what you want. Mind you though, chances are some of the sets advertised on e-bay are somebody else's "cast off" sets too. >>

Unfortunately, I'm pretty much out of luck on the "buying 2-3 sets" part. If I could afford to do that, I would have already gotten this set started. So all the more reason to get it right the first time, no? However, I am considering doing this for my 1979 Topps set. It's an alright set, but not quite as nice as the 1978 set (which is a BEAUTY). At least that set is MUCH more affordable.

I'm also pleased to see that the sets are now going for closer to the $400 range than $500 range. I guess as popular as this set is, I guess I'm pretty fortunate that the cards are still realtively plentiful/affordable.

carew4me · January 23, 2008 10:18PM

I wouldn't suggest this board for NRMT/MT ungraded,centered 75's.

Those would be submitted.

Sets on ebay (due diligence of course) would actually be the better method.

But you have bigger problems....like finding out where wife hide your manhood.

Estil · January 23, 2008 10:28PM

One Ebay seller I had my eye on is newenglandsportscards; they seem to have a solid inventory of nice looking raw 1970s cards, but yet many here seem to think they're a joke. What's the story there?

WinPitcher · January 23, 2008 10:30PM

.like finding out where wife hide your manhood.

What are you an eskimo?

Nice broken english Nanook

Steve

WinPitcher · January 23, 2008 10:32PM

Estil

New England is 4sc. It is basically the cards that won't grade 8 and up (or in some cases 9 and up)

I too think Ebay is your best bet.

I have one built back in 75 from 2 vending boxes.

Perhaps you will find one like that.

Steve

11235813 · January 23, 2008 10:57PM

If you are interested in going that route, there are quite a few boxes on Ebay right now.

carew4me · January 23, 2008 11:06PM

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

It lets me know you care.

clydecoolidge · January 23, 2008 11:21PM

Sorry, can't help ya, only have one set (no doubles). But I can suggest that you rethink your stance on buying from ebay. While there may be a few that could help you on these boards, you'll have much broader chances trying on ebay. That set is tough to find with good centering, so the more sellers you can find, the better your chances are of getting some decently centered cards. Just my 2 cents though.

ajw · January 24, 2008 12:54AM

You might be best buying two or three sets on eBay, selecting the best cards from each to keep, then reselling the other sets. You probably won't lose much on the set or two you resell, and you'll get your choice of the cards for your own set.

69Cubs · January 24, 2008 12:54AM

Estil,

Just got back into card collecting a year or so ago and I also viewed the "75 set" as a dream set because of the memories it brought back to me as a 13 year old. I think your best bet would be buying off of E-Bay. Make sure the listing has good scans of the cards and definitely ask the seller about the condition of the most valuable cards in the set, George Brett and Robin Yount. I bought a "75 set about a year ago advertised as NM-MT with nice scans, when I received them the cards were immaculate but the Brett and Yount card had a fair amount of wax stains on them. I would also look for the set that comes in a binder so the corners don't get dinged as they do sometimes sent in a 800 count box.

You're taking a chance if you go with New England Sports. I bought a "76 set" listed as NM and at best it was in EX condition.

Good Luck!!

originalisbest · January 24, 2008 1:06AM

Estil, I'm kind-sorta working on the set too -- hopefully you can find a really cherry one on eBay and (inevitably) you'll do some upgrading, but hopefully it'll be 95% there. You can take pleasure in owning the whole set, then, just ask board members on here (and check eBay) for ones you still need to upgrade. I've heard very good things about Mickey's Sportscards, for buying singles.

Good luck, and I'll keep my eyes peeled for an extra Yount for you!

WinPitcher · January 24, 2008 2:18AM

Estil has claimed he is not interested in the top dollar cards so he can get a couple of 'sets' on the cheap. I thought he mentioned he wanted to go the already graded route for those.

Look for lots and partial sets on the bay. You may be able to get a few lots that way and still stay within budget.

I would think that after you are all done you will have around 500.00 into that set.

You will also have a few doubles (triples) that you can unload on the bay yourself. I built my 66 set just this way.

Steve

RipublicaninMass · January 24, 2008 2:36AM

<< .like finding out where wife hide your manhood.

What are you an eskimo?

Nice broken english Nanook

Steve >>

What mean you paleface?

originalisbest · January 24, 2008 4:17AM

Steve offers a good idea there tooo, Estil. I got a real nice lot of about 150 '65s in raw NM that way, they were as advertised, but I haven't bought any lots since though, just picked up a random card here and there (including a nice '65 Niekro from Steve!)

Good luck on the pursuit -- the '75s are very cool.

Estil · January 24, 2008 4:20AM

I want to thank everyone who has sent me PM's regarding this quest. Also, just so everyone knows, I'm only interested in the regular set, not minis.

Joewoowoo · January 24, 2008 4:21AM

<< You guys are not going to believe this! After years and years of dreaming, my wife is finally going to give me enough money in a couple months to get my all-time dream set; 1975 Topps! And I'm hoping all of you can help me make this set truely one to be proud of and make this the best 28th b-day (March 22) ever!

She sure is the sweetest, isn't she?

<< 

lol ,wow , this is how you degrade yourself ! get your tail out from between your legs , either you have the budget to collect your dream set or you dont.If not you save up for it. Saying that your wife is finally going to give you enough money is absolutley degrading to you. I dont know your wife ,I am sure she is a nice lady but For some reason all I can picture you doing is walking in every payday and saying here is my paycheck honey and she replies ,give me that , have you finish your chores? Is she going to MAKE you vote for Hillary Clinton to?

Estil · January 24, 2008 4:27AM

My wife does the budgeting stuff, if that's any of your business.

Estil · January 24, 2008 4:29AM

<< Estil, I'm kind-sorta working on the set too -- hopefully you can find a really cherry one on eBay and (inevitably) you'll do some upgrading, but hopefully it'll be 95% there. You can take pleasure in owning the whole set, then, just ask board members on here (and check eBay) for ones you still need to upgrade. I've heard very good things about Mickey's Sportscards, for buying singles.

Good luck, and I'll keep my eyes peeled for an extra Yount for you!

>>

Oh yes! You're the one that gave me that PSA 7 Brett! Thank you again so much! Don't forget I also need Ryan (and Rose & Aaron wouldn't hurt) in PSA 7 NQ as well. You are definetly the best!

WinPitcher · January 24, 2008 4:50AM

lol ,wow , this is how you degrade yourself ! get your tail out from between your legs , either you have the budget to collect your dream set or you dont.If not you save up for it. Saying that your wife is finally going to give you enough money is absolutley degrading to you. I dont know your wife ,I am sure she is a nice lady but For some reason all I can picture you doing is walking in every payday and saying here is my paycheck honey and she replies ,give me that , have you finish your chores? Is she going to MAKE you vote for Hillary Clinton to?
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Funny I did not take it like that at all. The way it read to me is that Estil and his wife are partners. And that this is a major purchase in which both have to agree on before it is made. Some of you guys really should take a look in the mirror before you ASSume how someone lives there life. I ask my wife always before I make a purchase that is for my hobby and I assure you my tail has never been between my legs.

Steve

Estil · January 24, 2008 4:54AM

Indeed, I sent him a cease and desist PM asking that he remove his thoughtless remark. This is the 21st century folks.

To the rest of you, you have been most helpful and even if all you can offer is your support, that too is greatly appreciated.

I think it is awesome to have such a nice (for the most part) congregation that respects and cheers on even those who can't afford or want all PSA 10s or can't afford to do say, 50s/60s sets.

WinPitcher · January 24, 2008 4:58AM

Estil shoot me your address in a Pm I have some commons You can have to get started. I think it is around 50-75 cards perhaps more.

All would grade at least 7 IMO.

Steve

Estil · January 24, 2008 5:01AM

PM sent. Thanks so much WinPitcher!

Downtown1974 · January 24, 2008 5:05AM

Nice gesture Steve!. Good luck with the set estil!

Estil · January 24, 2008 5:07AM

<< Nice gesture Steve!. Good luck with the set estil! >>

You bet! But don't forget to also tip your hat to originalbest; he's the one that got me started with the George Brett PSA 7 (my first EVER graded card) several months back!

RipublicaninMass · January 24, 2008 5:09AM

<< My wife does the budgeting stuff, if that's any of your business.

>>

Prolly why he needed to post a pic of his lamborghini in the post any picture thread, and prolly be in foreclosure in the next 3-4 years. But hey good luck to you , you MAN OF THE HOUSE!

Downtown1974 · January 24, 2008 5:12AM

Yes that was nice of originalbest too. Great card to get out of the way. There is no shortage of good guys here to point you in the right direction towards your 75' journey.
Steve gave me some great advice before starting my 1955 Topps set, and I have used it to make an awesome set.

Estil · January 24, 2008 5:12AM

<< 

<< My wife does the budgeting stuff, if that's any of your business.

>>

Prolly why he needed to post a pic of his lamborghini in the post any picture thread, and prolly be in foreclosure in the next 3-4 years. But hey good luck to you , you MAN OF THE HOUSE! >>

Indeed, we don't even have or need a vehicle (or the gas bill) at all!

That's the beauty of living only 300 yards or so from the grocery store where I work and buy food from.

Estil · January 24, 2008 7:14AM

Okay, I'm currently negoiating with someone for a near set w/ some duplicates as well. I know I said in a couple months, but since I still have my share of the tax refund money so if all goes well with this deal, I can get the near set right away and worry about the key cards below later.

Now since it just so happens that there exactly seven cards (get it? seven cards in PSA seven from seventy-five!

) in this set that book for $20 or more, I'll later get these as PSA 7 NQ:

(already got Brett RC)
223. Yount RC ($50)
500. Ryan ($50)
1. Aaron RB ($30)
660. Aaron ($30)
70. Schmidt ($20)
320. Rose ($20)

Sound like a good plan?

Ladder7 · January 24, 2008 7:17AM

Why such a short title?

WinPitcher · January 24, 2008 7:42AM

(already got Brett RC)
223. Yount RC ($50)
500. Ryan ($50)
1. Aaron RB ($30)
660. Aaron ($30)
70. Schmidt ($20)
320. Rose ($20)

I would also look into buying many of those cards raw as well off the bay. Just be very picky.

Steve

Barfvader · January 24, 2008 10:23AM

Add me to the list that discusses various purchases with the wife before they are made.

Low dollar items are a non discussion but anything that costs more than the cheap crud I usually buy is a discussion on if it's affordable at the time. Don't feel henpecked, whipped or degraded as communication is a good thing in a marriage.

Good luck on that set Estil (I like the 75's as well).

Now who wants to help me out on the junk I'm working on.

ColleSystem · January 24, 2008 10:41AM

Buy raw off of ebay. Choose good scans. I had good luck with sellers that scanned the key cards and then said that the rest of the set was in similar condition. I bought 3 or 4 raw sets last month. Two of them actually were NM-MT. I could tell one of them hadn't been touched since 1975. see scan:

vintagetoppsguy · January 24, 2008 10:50AM

I have two sets and would be willing to part with one. One is solid NM with all the key cards and HOFers graded a PSA 7 and the other is NM-MT+ with all the key cards and HOFers graded a PSA 8. Both sets are very near completion only missing a few stars - all the commons are there. The NM set is missing 6 cards. The NM-MT set is missing 14 cards. Actually, I do have the cards, but the grade is not consistant with the rest of the sets. I would be willing to sell either set (not both), just let me know what part of it you want.

Sorry for the crappy pics, but if you're interested, I can get you better pics.

jamesgotpoorman · January 24, 2008 11:01AM

:good luck; Estil

Nice looking in the 800 ct box....... very colorful!!!

perkdog · January 24, 2008 12:05PM

Good Luck Estil!

Estil · January 24, 2008 1:56PM

Those scans are a perfect example of why I love the 1975 set so much!

Unless I got bad eyes, the box set on the left is the one that's NM-MT+, correct? I sent you a PM with the details. I just about drooled over that one on the left!

grote15 · January 24, 2008 2:30PM

Vintage,

Like the way you store thoise 75s, the color coordination/pattern is very nice! Isthat intentional on yr part?

Estil · January 24, 2008 7:50PM

<< Good Luck Estil! >>

And good luck to your and my wife's Patriots as well! You should be a fan of this set too as this was the same year Carlton Fisk hit that famous "wave it fair" home run during Game 6 of the 1975 World Series!

Estil · January 26, 2008 9:37AM

Okay folks! This is a FOX NEWS ALERT!!

I just finished negoitating with vintagetoppsguy and he's going to sell me the NRMT set with all the graded cards except Brett/Yount (will have to get the Yount later) and I'll be sending him the money Feb 1st! Thanks, vintagetoppsguy!

I'll have to skip the Yount RC for the time being and I'll still need the Schmidt and Aaron RB PSA 7's and I think three other cards, but I'd say with all the extra PSA 7's (having the probable 2009 HOF-Elect Jim Rice in PSA 7 and all the other RB's in PSA 7 can't hurt, right?) it should be worth four C-notes shipped, right?

perkdog · January 26, 2008 9:40AM

Congrats Estil! Put a few bucks away here and there and before you know it, you will have them all, Good for you!

Estil · January 26, 2008 9:44AM

Yep, here's what I'll still need:

In PSA 7:
Hank Aaron HL
Bob Gibson HL (to fully finish the HL subset graded)
Robin Yount RC
Gary Carter RC (if I'm going to get Rice in PSA 7, it only makes sense to get him as PSA 7 too)
Mike Schmidt

originalisbest · January 26, 2008 9:49AM

Sounds great Estil, and I'm glad the '75 Brett was a good addition to your collection! You'll be able to track down the others you need in time.

WinPitcher · January 26, 2008 10:04AM

Yep 4 bills is a good deal for the both of u, Ill still send the ones I told you about and u can either up[grade a few (if needed) or sell them. I also have 28 of 30 1990 football 1000 leaders for you too. Ill send them out Monday.

Steve

Estil · January 28, 2008 6:08PM

Okay folks, I think me and vintagetoppscollector finally got the deal all finalized and I plan to send him the money this Friday (barring any unforseen circumstances of course). The set is now going to be $375 (I asked him to remove Winfield/Reggie because I want to get those graded too), but I will still be short the following 11 cards:

These I will still need in PSA 7 NQ:
Robin Yount RC
Hank Aaron HL
Mike Schmidt
Gary Carter RC
Dave Winfield
Reggie Jackson
Bob Gibson HL (this will finish up the HL subset all graded)
Keith Hernandez RC
Fred Lynn RC

These I will still need raw but NRMT or better:
Bob Gibson (missing)
Willie Stargell (crease)
Willie McCovey (faded)

Originally, I was going to just do the ones with a Beckett Alamanc value of $20+ in PSA 7. But since vintagetoppscollector's set already has 3/6 of the $15 cards graded, I figured why not go ahead and get the other three (Carter/Winfield/Jackson) graded also? My goal is to try to have this set completed before my b-day on March 22. I know normally I only buy sets completed but I figured if I'm only going to do one where I have to at least do a little bit of it "the old fashioned way", I should make it this set.

Estil · January 31, 2008 10:37PM

I just sent my payment today!

I can't wait for the near set to arrive! Now all I need is those missing eleven cards.

Thanks again for everyone's help and support in my quest. This is definetly the best b-day ever!

Stingray · January 31, 2008 10:48PM

Wow VintageToppsguy!! You got me drooling on my keyboard!!

Estil · January 31, 2008 11:01PM

<< Wow VintageToppsguy!! You got me drooling on my keyboard!! >>

Indeed, you should go after that PSA 8 set (the raw cards on the left-side box) if you can afford it. I had to settle for the one on the right but as long as those raw cards are in the same shape as the PSA 7 graded ones I should be good to go.

*sees profile pic* Are you a fellow fan of the 1976 set, stingray? Although the design is not quite as bold/radical as the 1975, it's still a pretty colorful set in its own right. I got that set but I plan to upgrade it whenever I get the chance w/ the keys as PSA 7 also (my current set is only about EXMT-NRMT at most)

Estil · February 4, 2008 8:31AM

Well, folks, the big day's finally arrived! I just received my 1975 Topps set in the mail today (about a day earlier than I expected) and although I haven't quite gone through the set throughly yet, I must say it made an excellent first impression!

It really seemed like he knew what he was doing and what it took to make a consistently PSA 7ish level set. And to my surprise, it also included a spare Mike Schmidt raw card (that I didn't think was included). I still want to get a PSA 7 graded copy of that card, but having a raw spare can't hurt, right?

I know he's currently suspended, but I just wanted to give him a tip of the hat for coming through with this set; I don't think it's likely I could've gotten a set this consistent from Ebay. Now I just hope the rest of you can help me out with the remaining 11 cards (preferably someone who has several I can get in one purchase w/o having to get them one at a time on Ebay). This is looking to be the best b-day ever!

My quest for a complete PSA loaded 1975 Topps set (COUNTDOWN TO COMPLETION: 11)

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