For set collectors: Set scarcity

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Posted By: Jim VB

I am a compulsive set builder. Always have been. I have a complete Topps run from 1964 through present. Prior to that I have sets of 1953, 1955, 1958 and 1959. I'm in various stages of working on all the rest. I completed a 1933 Goudey several years ago. I'm about 65% through a T206 set. I even have, and/or am working on, many non-sports sets.

But... the one that haunts me is different. Fifteen years ago I was told by several hobby "experts" that I had a complete set of 1932 NY Giants Schedule Postcards. I own 18 different cards and both versions of the Hubbell. It was not cataloged at that time. Thinking it was complete, I stopped looking.

Recently (2006 or 2007) The Standard Catalog listed the set at 22 cards. Old Cardboard lists it as 20+. It turns out that in 2005 REA sold a near set of 18. Their lot included 4 cards I am missing, but I missed it (because I thought mine was complete.)

Since that time, I have seen exactly ONE card from the set for sale (and not one I was missing.) I have talked to one collector who has the 4 cards I need, but of course, I also have 4 cards he needs. Neither of us is interested in selling.

So, in summary, I am a set collector of a set so rare that I haven't purchased one card in the last 20+ years. I guess I'm not very good at this "set" thing.