The first set I collected was 1978 - bought tons, but still needed a handful. My father got a Yankees scorebook/magazine, and inside was an add from Renata Galasso for a complete mint set for 14.95 - it took me a while to convince mom to let me spend the money - I had to assure that since this was the COMPLETE set, I wouldn't need to buy any more packs! That was a sweet set when it came. I got a 1977 set from Galasso about a couple years later for maybe 16 bucks.
I've done some research where I consult old issues of The Sporting News and there are adds each year from about the mid-50s on up offering individual series for 3 bucks or so, or full sets for 10-12. Think of all the Mantles, the rookies - Rose, Seaver, Ryan - and all the high numbers and SPs that could be had mint from vending for pennies.
Must've been nice.
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