Building a set from scratch

[wdwfan]

Dec. 30 Update
Cost: $20
Went to the LCS and picked up a notebook and box of pages to put this set in as I work on it.




Jan. 3 Update
Cost: $15
Got 2 nice lots today. The first 10 cards came via a trade on here. The second lot, about 45 cards, came by purchasing a lot from a member on here. Paid $15 for that lot.

Lot 1:



Lot 2:

[wdwfan]

Jan. 11 Update
Cost: $0

Decided to pull the creased cards out and put them into my trash pile. But I also traded for 5 more cards pictured today at the LCS. So my overall number dropped by a couple from the last update, but I added some value to the set.

[wdwfan]

I have only gotten 1 new card for this set in the last 2-1/2 weeks. It's going very frustratingly slow right now. I don't know how you guys continue to build sets. I'm already ready to give up on this one because it's taken nearly a month for me to get about 1/10 of the way in, and I can't find anyone that wants to trade with me or sell to me on here. But I will continue to chip away on it.

[commishbob]

I finished the set in December. My last additions to the set were the Kubek and Richardson rookies. Very much a fun build. I did it in about a year having had a head start... I owned the Orioles, Frank Robinson, and a few others.

When I build my vintage sets from that era I go for what I suppose is VG+ as an average. There is a 'sweet spot' for me that is determined by cost and the condition I can live with. I avoid obvious creases and cards with paper loss and writing on the front. An ink mark on the back, a 'checked' checklist, soft corners are generally fine.

I added a few cards from that tough 4th Series that were a bit more off-center than I'd prefer simply for pricing reasons. The one rule I have is that as long as a neighboring card on the sheet isn't visible I can live with it. That's mostly for tougher cards. With commons, I'll just pass on very off-centered examples since a better one is likely at the next table.

I don't buy very low-grade examples of star cards just to have them. I try to keep to cards that are at least as good as my standard for the rest of the set. And I do buy mid-grade slabbed cards of stars if I don't get one raw from a dealer I know and trust. They always get cracked out and go in the binder.

My rule on variations is simple. If my 9-year-old eyes would have noticed the difference then I will add it to the set (think '62 green tint/alt photos). Something as small as added or missing 'Traded to' lines of text or corrected stat errors? I don't bother in most cases.

I always like adding some 'spice' by including a wrapper and the inserts when I can afford them. The checklists in the '57 set (at least a couple of them) are a pain to find in decent shape at a cost that is not budget-busting. At least that was my experience. The contest cards are easier and make a fun inclusion.

It's a wonderful set. Build it in a way that makes YOU happy and enjoy the journey.

[jgannon]

Hey, I'd say don't rush things. Enjoy the journey and take your time. Take the time to enjoy the ones you already have too. I keep a lot of my cards on top of the piano, and every now and then just go and look at them, sorting through them looking at the photos and reading the backs. Getting new cards is always fun, but savor the ones you already have too!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by wdwfan

I have only gotten 1 new card for this set in the last 2-1/2 weeks. It's going very frustratingly slow right now. I don't know how you guys continue to build sets. I'm already ready to give up on this one because it's taken nearly a month for me to get about 1/10 of the way in, and I can't find anyone that wants to trade with me or sell to me on here. But I will continue to chip away on it.

Trading can be a serious PIA. I have found the first trade with someone is always the hardest. After that then you know what to expect. I would think anyone on here would sell to you.

Don't give up so early. I did a complete set with cards only from Net54 members. It took a few years and cost a fortune because of shipping. I only bought and traded for cards I needed. If you buy big lots and sell off the extras you can end up with a complete set for next to nothing. Mainly depends on how much work you want to put into the project. Good luck.

[1963Topps Set]

Are you going for the base set? Or the complete set with contest cards, lucky penny card (and lucky penny!) as well as the EIGHT checklist cards (there are two variations for each checklist) Good luck in whatever you decide.

[Gpaal]

Good luck with your set I look forward to following your thread.