Anyone else wrestle with this?

[Tomman1961]

I complete a set and the chase is over. Will I ever look at it again? Do I have a bond to it?
Have you in your collection a set you completed and then sold it off because the kids college $ is better than a binder of cards?
I would never sell my Playballs-it was started by my uncle in 1939. Never my 1955 nor 1961 Topps set. Nor my T-206.
So-did you spend time on a set, then complete it, then sell it? I am wrestling with this right now.

[ullmandds]

IT's a common dilemna! Personally...I've only completed 2 vintage sets...1(e90-2)...I sold as it meant nothing to me. My other...e94...is still very special to me...but...you might say the thrill is gone. I think about selling it...but for now I will keep it!

There's no doubt that once the set is complete...the allure fades! Atleast for me!!!

[dabigyankeeman]

Its tough. I have broken up Topps and Bowman sets from the mid-1950's thru 1960 and sold most of the cards. Even sold some Yankee cards. Wound up buying back all the Yankee cards i sold, that was stupid. But the rest, while i miss them, is okay since i decided to specialize in Yankees only.

However, from time to time, i wish i still that complete run of 1955 thru 1960 sets!

[Paul S]

Not a set collector but have come close due to happenstance.
Keep the '39 Play Ball.
Cards are bought, sold and traded all the time and will still be around for you to reacquire after your kids finish college, should you desire them again (the cards, not the kids ) and when you finally pay off tuition.

[poorlydrawncat]

Once I finish a set I just start going about trying to perfect it. Sets never really feel complete to me...

[auggiedoggy]

Originally Posted by poorlydrawncat

Once I finish a set I just start going about trying to perfect it. Sets never really feel complete to me...

Agreed. A set is never really finished IMHO. The search for higher grades can go on forever. Although this may be of more importance to PSA Registry set holders.

[tcdyess]

My first few years collecting vintage cards I had no clue what I would keep or sell, I was changing my mind all the time. Then I came up with a plan that was perfect for me, collect a key set of my favorite team from every decade. I have to say that even though I have completed three sets so far, I constantly enjoy looking at them and don't think I will ever consider selling them. My goal is to make a card room "my museum" to display my collection of card sets and memorabilia/photos from the time periods. I have a long way to go, but I think my point is that if you can truly find what you want to collect, something that drives your desire to collect in the first place, then the question of what to do with it is simple.... enjoy it!!!, and oh yes I agree with poorly and auggie... always strive to improve it!! Collecting to collect just doesn't seem to cut it....

Tim

[t206blogcom]

I did a 518 T206 set and afterwards felt that void of what now. And they seemed to lose some of my attention after completing the set minus a few cards. I'm still doing Hindu SLs, but even with those, my interest is slowing due to the current high prices.

I will be selling the majority of my T206s in the near future to help fund a new home purchase (as I've mentioned before), but plan on keeping my SLs and HOFs, except any dupes. It might be a little difficult to pull the trigger, as I've been talking about doing this now for 6 months, but in the end I know it will be the right decision.

I also did a W512 baseball series set, got them all graded and now they sit in a pile. I can't remember the last time I looked at them. I had planned on framing them or putting them in a display, but no such time or luck. Will I sell? Perhaps - I definitely thought about it. But so far no decision.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[EGreenwood]

I have a few sets that have been long been complete, but I have not looked at them. Thanks for the nudge, I will take a look at them.

Erik