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Paul SAbout 1967-68, when I was in my early teens, I spent a summer sorting cards for Goodwin Goldfaden, of ADCO fame (I'm sure some of you know his name.) He'd taken a liking to me when my mom would drive me over the hill to his old store on what was then called "Little" Santa Monica Blvd. Anyway, he then moved, his residence, a five minute bike ride from me in Sherman Oaks (I'm back east now.)
So all summer long for very little money -- and I would have done that for free -- I'm sifting through piles of mostly post-war that he'd dump on his kitchen table. When I finished a pile he'd come back from his garage and dump more on me. A kid's paradise! Mostly commons but some good name players, future HOFers, etc. most of whom I already had. Except when I all of a sudden found myself staring at my then holy grail 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311. Of course I can't afford it, I think it went for about $35! Could have cost more but not much more back then. Well...I stuck it in my pocket (forgive me, it's hard enough to admit.) Later, shortly before I left, I put it back on the table on top of the stack of other name players. You know, just not my style. So, it was mine for a few hours. I never did end up owning one.
Edited to say: I don't actually wish I had it back under those conditions...just wish I'd bought one at some point back then.