1915 Cracker Jacks

[jg8422]

I am going to attempt to build this set in low grade (3's,4's, and maybe some 5's). This will be as long-term project. Any advice/suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Would you go with PSA or SGC. I assume conventional wisdom would suggest PSA for resale and SGC if not planning on selling. Or perhaps SGC all the way? Will PSA graded cards be easier to find? Please give me any and all suggestions.

Thank you in advance.

[Leon]

If it were me I wouldn't concentrate on the plastic and would concentrate on the cards. Most of my cards are graded, but that has no bearing in how or what I collect. Just get the best cards you can, for the money, regardless of a holder, or whose holder they might be in. Personally, I find grades of 2-4 very nice...and if you are picky and patient you can get super eye appeal in that range.

[nsaddict]

Personally, I would purchase the commons raw from a seller with a good rep. But the stars I would buy graded. Just take your time and wait for the cards that meet your goal at a fair price. Good luck

[rainier2004]

I wouldn't worry about what the plastic says, look for eye appeal. CJs have their own set of defects with tilt, staining and varying levels color so decide what is important to you. For me its color and registration as I am about to finish my set in about Vg. CJs also go in waves, at the moment common prices seem to be quite high. #90 Smith is the most expensive common for some reason, and be prepared to shell out some cash for the Jax and Cobb...plus 35 additional HOFers and a few more star cards such as Gandil, Cicotte, Chase and Peckinpaugh. Good luck, I love mine but do not think Ill ever do something like this again.

[jg8422]

Originally Posted by rainier2004

I wouldn't worry about what the plastic says, look for eye appeal. CJs have their own set of defects with tilt, staining and varying levels color so decide what is important to you. For me its color and registration as I am about to finish my set in about Vg. CJs also go in waves, at the moment common prices seem to be quite high. #90 Smith is the most expensive common for some reason, and be prepared to shell out some cash for the Jax and Cobb...plus 35 additional HOFers and a few more star cards such as Gandil, Cicotte, Chase and Peckinpaugh. Good luck, I love mine but do not think Ill ever do something like this again.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I value all of it. Please keep it coming, as this board has an amazing amount of knowledge.

[CaramelMan]

I suggest to collect the Caramel stained cards only...these were the cards that actually came from the box...the cards without stains are a factory version and never touched Caramel...I think these lose some appeal due to this.

Edited to add that PSA doesn't even designate these stained cards ST...they agree they should be stained.