I started my first vintage set in 2012. Traded for a single 1958 Topps card at the LCS, and then I decided I wanted to build that set. Slowly traded for some, bought here and there when I found good deals and started putting it together.
Over a year later, I finally finished it. A year. I said never again. There's no sense in something taking so long. But once I finished, I was proud of it. I wound up spending about $500 and put it together in Ex-Mt type condition.
I sold it a year or so later for $1,500, so I tripled my money. Probably could've gotten more, but I got 3x what I had into it. So I was satisfied. Plus, I used the money for my first trip to Disney World.
I know I said never again, but I guess that's why they say never say never. I've started a 1962 Topps set, a 1957 Topps and a 1975 Topps set. I also bought a complete NM 1974 Topps set for under $100 two years ago.
I guess I just enjoy the vintage aspect of collecting so much that it's making the chase as fun. Plus, I try to trade as much as possible so that keeps the cost down. I don't mind working on vintage sets so long as they don't take a year to complete.
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