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#1
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When I got back into cards a couple of years ago, my main (basically nonexistent) collecting focus was "vintage". Then I saw "Oh, they have game used cards now? Cool!" So my focus was then "vintage & modern" which means EVERYTHING. That is not recommended financially, nor is it particularly fulfilling.
I did manage to complete one set (raw '56 Topps) but when you buy 95% of the cards off ebay, there is really no challenge to it. So I decided to narrow my collecting focus. I'm down to: -1951 Bowman in low grade without using ebay - Gorgeous set, I already have the Mantle and have found a few lots of raw cards. I'm about 60% done. -Harmon Killebrew - I just respect him so much, as a player and a person. While I never met him (we did exchange emails once), he is my favorite player and I'll buy just about anything with his name on it. My collection is mostly mid-grade. -Type I B&W vintage photos - I started with a couple of Branch Rickey photos awhile back. Then I realized "Wow, these are easier to display than cards!" so I've continued buying. Some of my favorites are recent pickups from Phil (Net54 user bcbgcbrcb who is a super nice guy) including a Kennesaw Landis and a pre-rookie Mickey Mantle. I also just bought my first Charles Conlon original, which I can see leading to an expensive habit. Other things I'm thinking of working on are '68 Topps (as I have over half of the set, all raw), '69 Topps (maybe 1/3 of the set but I love the look of them), Stan Musial (another gentleman of baseball), and Smoky Joe Wood (underrated and a great player). What are your collecting focuses? Please be in depth, I'm very curious to see exactly how focused some of our forum members are. |
#2
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Anything baseball listed by SCD for Topps from 1948 to 1994 and then only base and Heritage sets there after + anything baseball put out by Fleer from 1923 and 1959 to 1981, with just base sets thereafter through 2007 + all the Conlon sets put out by by The Sporting News, World Wide or Mega Cards
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#3
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I use to collect everything...cards, comics coins stamps toys guitars amplifiers, Now My card interests are a contemporary or playing year card of every Hall of famer. t206's (I have 518) 1933 Goudeys (complete but for the lajoie) 1952 topps (master set) I have a few other sets that mean alot to me Delongs, tip top bread, glendale hot dogs and tons of old cabinet photos of baseball.Also shrimp gumbo, shrimp curry , shrimp cocktail, shrimp scampi...aand thats about it. dave
Faith is believing in something you know isn't true. |
#4
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My main focus for post-war is building raw, mid-grade (EX) '52 thru '56 Topps baseball sets.
1952 - I'm about 50 cards into the set with a focusing on centering. All cards are no worse than 55/45 all the way around with a lot being 50/50 all the way around. It won't be the highest grade set ever built, but I guarantee it will be the best centered set ever built. 1953 - Also about 50 cards into the set. Not as concerned with centering. 1954 - Only missing the Hank Aaron rookie. All the stars are graded SGC 60-80. 1955 - A little over half way finished. 1956 - Also a little over half way finished. |
#5
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Post-War focus:
-HOF Rookie Cards -Upgrading my 1948 Bowman set -1939-1946 Salutation Exhibits -High grade 1964 Topps Giants set -High grade 1990 Leaf set -Andy Van Slyke cards and memorabilia -All Topps sets (raw) from 1970-1990 You can see my graded Post-War collection here: http://imageevent.com/vanslykefan/po...tyeqo2.camel_s Thanks - Rob
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My collection: http://imageevent.com/vanslykefan |
#6
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I usually describe my collecting as totally unfocused. I typically buy stuff I can aford that catches my interest.
The last few years I've tried to keep to a few projects. I haven't had much luck. "Current" projects - all subject to change, and some getting more work than others. 75 and 76 topps including minis. Adding a few nice T206s when I can. Cataloging variations in 1981 topps so I can offload the roughly 5-10 thousand I have left. (harder than it sounds- I'm going into extreme detail on them) writing up the printing errors collection as a guide. Plus a few new sets. If something interesting comes along that could all change. Steve B Steve B |
#7
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I am currently pretty focused on St Louis Cardinals cards.
I'm putting together the top 15 at each position since 1900. I also collect Lou Brock items, about anything unique to his playing days (1962 to 1980) I've pretty much not bought much more than that in the last year. |
#8
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I love threads like these.
![]() I have 2 main focuses: 1.) Anything and everything Roy Campanella. I started with the PSA basic set and have since moved on to the master set. I am also adding photos, books, magazines, modern cards (including game-used cards), and anything else I can find of his. I haven't been working on this long and my budget is pretty small so I have A LONG way to go on it. But eventually I'd like to have one of, if not THE, most comprehensive Campanella collection in the world. 2.) I've also started to collect all St. Louis Cardinals baseball cards. They've always been my favorite team but I've just now started to really concentrate on building team sets for everything I can find. My goal (which will NEVER happen I'm sure) is to find get every Cardinal card from 1900-1980 and then all the base Donruss, Fleer, Score, Topps, and Upper Deck after that. At the moment I'm concentrating on the T-cards and the '50s but eventually will branch out.
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Want List: Any Cardinals prior to 1970 Adam Wainwright anything |
#9
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Excellent thread. Very eclectic group here!
My focus is the Milwaukee Braves, especially the regional sets such as Johnston Cookies, Spic and Span and Lake to Lake Dairy. My 2 grails would be a 1960 Lake to Lake Aaron and a 1955 Aaron Johnston cookies. |
#10
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Great Thread!
i too am guilty of being unfocused lol Currently My Focus consists of: - New York Mets Topps Base Cards 1962 - today (Complete through 2011 S1) (one copy of every base Topps pack-issued (plus Traded) card that features a member of The New York Mets, meaning: League Leaders, All-Star Cards, Multi-team RC, etc.)) - PSA Post War HOF Rookie Cards - PSA George Brett - PSA Mike Schmidt
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Currently Working On: PSA Graded Post-War HOF Rookie Card Collection - 100%! |
#11
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As many of us are joking about our lack of focus, it just remindes me how much variety this hobby offers. There is always something to "work" on as our interests waiver or change. Just pick up a Standard Catalog of baseball cards and flip throught it, an incredible variety of cards to choose from!
Just reading this post amazes me at the different approaches and interests within our hobby. The best thing about it is it does help keep me young and forget about work and my life responsibilities for a short period of time everyday. Happy collecting! Last edited by brob28; 09-03-2011 at 05:57 AM. |
#12
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I've managed to stay pretty focused on the following:
Jackie Robinson Bond Bread cards Jackie Robinson cards (from his playing days) I will admit I'm very tempted to start back on HOF RCs.
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-Shaun Currently seeking Jackie Robinson cards |
#13
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I have three main areas of focus, but one clearly rises to the top.
The two areas that take a back seat are base Topps Cardinals signed cards and Topps base complete sets. My signed Cardinals album has over 800 signed cards in it from 1952 to present. My other "back seat" focus is complete Topps sets. I have them all the way back to 1973, including Traded sets. **** My main focus, though, is my Cardinals team set collection. I started in 2002 with just wanting to get the base Topps cards from 1952 to present. Once I had that completed in about a year, I branched out and it hasn't stopped. Since I have branched out to Topps test issues and misc Topps inserts, my collection has almost come to a hault becuase the ones I need are very rare. My team sets consists of 20 albums. I have an album for base Topps for each decade, plus albums for different brands and such. Here is what I have - 1951 to 2011 Topps (base and traded/update) 1948 to 1955 Bowman 1989 to 2010 Bowman 1960, 1961, 1963 Fleer 1981 to 2007 Fleer with Updates 1981 to 2005 Donruss with The Rookies 1988 to 1998 Score 1989 to 2009 Upper Deck 2001 to 2011 Topps Heritage 1996 to 2010 Topps Chrome and Refractors (I only need a few 2001 refractors commons for completion. Those are hard to find. I have all the Pujols' though!). 2001 to 2007 Bowman Heritage 1951 to mid 1990's Topps Test Issues, Inserts, and misc. This includes sets that are too many to list. 1981 to 1993 Fleer misc This includes sets that are too many to list. 1983 to 1995 Donruss misc (except for 1992 DK Super Felix Jose which is super rare). This includes sets that are too many to list. 1947-66 Exhibits 1962 Exhibits Stat Back 1963 Exhibits Stat Back 1947 Bond Bread 1953 to 1955 Red Man 1952 Berk Ross 1961 to 1963 Post 1963 Jello 1970 to 1983 Kelloggs 1975 to 1979 Hostess *** Here is my want list in the Topps test issues category (most of these are pretty rare). Whatever Topps misc/test issue set is not listed below, if it is in the SCD catalog, I think I have it. 1973 Topps Comic Joe Torre 1972 Topps Candy Lids - Brock, Gibson, Torre, Carlton (? not sure if Cards uni or Phillies?) 1970 Topps Candy Lids Rich Allen 1970 Topps Cloth Vic Davillio 1969 Topps 4-in-1 (all Cardinals except Brock WS and Pinson, which I have) 1968 Topps 3D Curt Flood 1968 Topps Plaks - Cepeda, McCarver, checklist 1968 Topps Discs - Cepeda 1967 Topps Standups - Cepeda and McCarver 1967 Topps Punchouts - Cepeda and McCarver 1967 Topps Discs Cepeda 1966 Topps Punchouts - Flood 1964 Topps Rookie Banquet Julian Javier 1964 Topps Tatoo - (I have Boyer, but need Flood, Groat, and the logo) 1961 Topps Dice Game - Stan Musial (I will never, ever have this one. Would cost over $30,000 if I even found one) 1955 Topps Hocus Focus - Moon 1955 Topps Stamps - all Cardinals |
#14
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#15
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Like others my problem is I have to many things to focus on. I guess it keeps my wallet thin at least.
1.) 1952-1973 Topps basball sets. A few are complete (53 and 65) and most are 85-95% complete in VG-EX condition. I hate high numbers. 2.) pre-war sets that I collect T205, T206 (50% complete), T207, 33/34 Goudey, playball sets, E90s, E93 and 1915 Cracker jack all in low grade. 3.) 1970s Topps basketball sets. Only need a few dozen more for the whole run. 4.) 1950s and 1960s football. 5.) Anything else that catches my eye. |
#16
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Speaking of the Johnston Cookie cards (sorry, maybe should start a new thread), I have often wondered if other collectors found them - back in the years when they were sold, that is - in states beyond Wisconsin. It has puzzled me that some sources claim they were strictly a regional issue, whereas I bought the cookie packages in 1954 in upstate NY, so I know they got at least that far.
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#17
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Marshall university alums, low grade T206...thinking abt a 1961 topps...
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#18
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I have no focus. I collect all sorts of stuff. I favor obscure/rare issues; exhibit and other arcade cards; items relating to Burbank CA history, specifically Jim Jeffries materials; Joe Louis cards and premiums; Benny Leonard cards and premiums; Academy Awards tickets; Star Trek TOS autographed cards; 1976 Star Trek [Topps] materials; and so on. I've got probably 30-40 partial sets under way at any given time. I never seem to finish any of them but I am having fun.
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Read my blog; it will make all your dreams come true. https://adamstevenwarshaw.substack.com/ Or not... Last edited by Exhibitman; 09-06-2011 at 05:21 PM. |
#19
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I am also focusing on HOF RC's, although I might narrow it down to HOF Pitchers to start. I'm always looking for bargains, so if anyone has a beat up Tom Seaver or Whitey Ford RC for sale - let me know!
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#20
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I'm taking a crack at my first PSA graded set. I'm going to try for a PSA 5-7 1958 Topps set (maybe a master set). Basically, I plan on spending a ton of time and money to put together a product that nobody will want to buy when I'm finished.
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#21
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-- 1972 through 1980 Topps (my pack-opening years). About 30% done with '72; just a couple dozen cards short of the rest. Average condition is probably EX. I like having the actual, well-handled cards I collected as a kid, but will upgrade the real beaters.
-- 1952 Bowman. Currently 15 high numbers short of completing a solid VG-EX to EX set. Looking forward to meeting this longtime goal. -- NY/SF Giants Retired Numbers. -- Single cards of top-tier HOFers (T206 Cobb and Mathewson, '34 Goudey Foxx, '39 Play Ball DiMaggio, '54 Bowman Williams, etc.). I try to do the "type" thing here, and acquire examples from as many classic sets as possible. |
#22
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Read my blog; it will make all your dreams come true. https://adamstevenwarshaw.substack.com/ Or not... |
#23
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#24
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#25
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I began thirty years ago, intent on collecting every card from 1951, the year I first discovered them. After a while, branched out into all sets from the early '50's, slowly upgrading the lower grades to NMt. Since I'll never own the impossible big three from the 51 Current All-Stars, I guess I'll now settle for keeping my ex's lawyer from finding all my assets.
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#26
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I used to focus on HOF rookies but then I got really interested in pre-war.
So now I just collect anything that interests me, but it's usually high end stuff from HOFers. Such as what i have now- a T3 Cy Young, 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson, '33 Goudey Ruth, T206 Mathewson/Cy Young and a few others like e91 Wagner. Since I'm a younger collector and can't afford really high end cards right now, I hope to acquire some big name cards like a 1933 Goudey lajoie, e107 Wagner or maybe even a baltimore News Ruth someday. ![]()
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Collecting nice-looking but poorly graded cards of legendary HOFers |
#27
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I am a 1909 Pirates fan. I would consider items that pertain to anything to do with that season.
I am helping my son collect all of the 1972 topps Pirates. My daughter and I are working on the 1961 Topps pirates set. I also love Bill Mazeroski stuff. I have met him a few times and he is from my home town. He is a big hero in those parts.
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I have counted the stitches on a baseball more than once.[/B] My PM box might be full. Email: jcfowler6@zoominternet.net Want list: Prewar Pirates items 1909 Pirates BF2 Wagner Cracker Jack Wagner and Clarke Love the hobby. |
#28
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I like to collect any Topps Baseball cards of Ron Santo and Billy Williams, specifically from the 1960's to early 1970's as they were my favorite childhood players. I also like collecting other Topps star cards that catch my interest, specifically from the 1960's.
Also, I am working on the 1961, 1964 and 1965 Topps All-Star Rookie Trophy card sub sets and recently completed the 1967 Topps All-Star Rookie Trophy cards. I am five cards away from completing the 1967 Topps Football Set. I loved the AFL and '67 is the year of my birth. Last edited by Samsdaddy; 01-06-2012 at 05:20 PM. Reason: Updated list. |
#29
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I love the '67s, and the All-Star Rookie cards are definitely some of my favorite poses! ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
#30
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For me its the 1958 Topps Baseball set. Not trying to build a high grade set so mine is all over the boards..........from SGC 20 to SGC 92.
Im working on the yellow varations at this point and hope to complete this set before i die.....just sayin Here are a few of my favorites from my set ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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Successful Transactions with: CardPadre, cammb, jim, sean1125,bobbyw8469, vintagetoppsguy, mintacular, rube26105, irishdenny, brick, Robextend,dboneesq, northviewcats, wdwfan, Dhogan, quitcrab, eliminator, Harliduck, tonyo, fetamore, hcv123, Bocabirdman, Casey2296,Aplyon86 Futbowl, pwang100, GoCubsGo32, Sidepocket, jcarroll84, DanP, YazFenway08, 4reals, sflayank, frazier and many others |
#31
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I love the big trophy's as compared to the smaller cup style that started in 1973. |
#32
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#33
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Really enjoyed reading through this thread. I started collecting as a kid over 40 years ago, and I think I was the Will Rogers of collecting - "I never met a sports collectible I didn't like!" Back then, focus wasn't required as access to sports collectibles was pretty limited - cards, oddball food issues, and the occasional flea market find. As a result of Al Gore inventing the internet
![]() Bob Laughlin sets (still need about half the super standups set) and original art Hugh Bedient items (1912-1914 Red Sox) Topps original drawings/artwork Other interesting original art OK as I was typing this list, I thought of about 10 others things I collect - interesting Mets items, Bills items, statues and figures.... I really have no focus! ![]() |
#34
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My collecting focus would be to be more focused. Seriously. maybe to finish the DeLong set by 2113. I am really liking the small set loaded with HOFers.
My DeLong progress http://photobucket.com/aj1 |
#35
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To answer a question I did not answer back then, my dad loved the AFL and would talk about it all the time. As I got older, I read more about the AFL and was fascinated by the wide open play, the high scoring and the great characters and players of the AFL such as Wahoo McDaniel, Ernie Ladd, John Hadl and Jack Kemp. My collecting focus has changed a little. Still working on the 1967 Topps AFL Football set as well as collecting baseball cards of some of my favorite players such as Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Tony Oliva and a few others. I also do like the Topps All Star Rookie cards from the 60s and pick them up when I can. Last edited by Samsdaddy; 11-14-2013 at 12:43 PM. |
#36
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Great rebirth of a thread. For those that previously posted, any changes?
My focus is 1952-1990 Topps Detroit Tiger cards. Less than 10 from completion. T206 Detroit Tiger cards, need 11 more. Post war HoF rookie cards and their Topps base cards (low priority). 1956 Topps set, my first vintage cards were from this set. 1969 Topps, year of birth and already have 1970 thru 2000. 1967 Topps set, was trying for Ex-Mt to NrMt. Think I'm going to bail of this set.
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Tiger collector Need: E121 Veach arms folded Monster Number 520/520 |
#37
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I have focused completely on Willie Mays. I sold a nice collection to pay for college, and was out of collecting for 20 years. I started again by opening new stuff. I learned quickly that it was a drain on the finances without giving a sense of satisfaction. I loved baseball since my first game at old Connie Mack stadium in Philly. They were playing the Giants and loved watching Willie pay. Collecting Mays cards, autos, memorabilia, etc. has brought me back to some of those feelings, especially when finding something rare.
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#38
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I really must focus on putting my '57 set together. I made a flurry of buys over the summer but haven't added any since September.
This is really just for fun as I collect only raw...in a few cases I've gotten a steal on a graded card and then freed it from its case. My next acquisition will be the Frank Robinson rookie. |
#39
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Great thread, Jarrod!
I have a few different areas of focus when it comes to post-war: 1. I am attempting to put together a Mickey Mantle (playing years) set. I'm still a ways away from completing it, but I have a few decent ones so far. 2. I like to collect the Yellow Plaque HOF Postcards that are autographed. I have around forty or so and love to collect them as I see fit. I realize that a complete set probably will never happen, but I enjoy grabbing them as I can. Happy New Year everyone...keep it real! Mike
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T206's Graded low-mid 219/520 T201's SGC/PSA 2-5 50/50 T202's SGC/PSA 2-5 10/132 1938 Goudey Graded VG range 37/48 |
#40
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i have been all over the place the last couple of years, but i think i have focused in a little.
i am working on topps run from 52 forward a daunting task but what else do i have to do? i have some sets started 52,55,56,57,62,69,70,71,72. i have from 73 up minus 04-05-06. if anyone can help with these sets please let me know. i collect them in various conditions depending on the lots i buy to start them. most of them are in vg-ex+,collector condition. the 56 and 57 sets are better since i had the opportunity to pick up lots in higher grade. i'm close on the 50's sets, except the 52. i also pick up some t206 cards when i can in low grade, one day i would like to take a shot at the monster, i have maybe 15% or so with HOF including a cobb. great post, fun reading good luck all!!! |
#41
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I think the coolest set is the 1948 Leaf set and I collect that exclusively. For several reasons:
1) - The cards look like pop art. Like Andy Warhol or something. They are all these crazy colors, and on the front it only lists play names. Not the team or position or anything else appears on the front and they're not even "photos." 2) - The horrible registration (which is NOT taken into account for the most part when graded by the companies) is just another element of card value. Usually, corners, centering, wear, creasing, etc. are the main elements. With this set, you also could have a PSA 5, but the card looks like tar because the print registration is way off. On the other hand, you could have the same card in PSA 2 with horrible corners and edges but spot-on registration. It gives the collector different "reasons" to go after certain cards. You don't have only "grade hogs" in this community 3) - It's expensive to compile, and hard because of the SPs. Anything worth going after should be a challenge and you can't just go out and complete the set in 2 weeks. That's my take! |
#42
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My collecting focus has broadened to include anything other than 1952 Mantles or T206 cards
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#43
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I am focused on completing the 67 BB set. I started this set back in the late 90s for a couple of years and then gave up. About 2 years ago I started working on the set again, and using eBay I made a nice dent in my want list.
This has been a challenge and I am still over 80 cards from completion. I prefer raw cards in NM and NM-MT condition but sometimes I buy 7s and 8s and then crack them out. Jim |
#44
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Down to 41 for the 1953 Topps set!
Only "biggies" are: Mays, Rizoutto, Haddix, Newhouser & Jensen!
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[FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]CampyFan39 |
#45
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I mainly collect Rod Carew during his playing years. I also dabble in the other Twins greats like Puckett and Killebrew. I keep tabs of my Carews at http://www.photobucket.com/rodcarewcollection
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#46
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Like you though, I prefer the cards raw. Erik |
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