Advice on selling higher end sets???

[KC Doughboy]

Does anyone have advice on finding buyers for higher end sets?

I don't really have the time or energy to piece out my '61 Topps set, and selling a higher end set on eBay looks a little hit or miss.

Other than the dreaded #492 Ron Fairly "Green Ball" variation, I have the complete Master Set (almost exclusively raw cards). Most of the high numbers are NM to NM-MT which has been a painstaking effort over many years. I hate to throw away all that effort.

I'm not looking to set any records for sales price, but I'm looking to sell the set for a fair price, and more than just the typical VGEX/EX sets that I see selling on ebay.

Thanks,
Eric

[pawpawdiv9]

I am in the same boat...selling off (most) of my collection...And its mostly Mantle stuff.
I been having slow luck on Ebay, but been getting my prices.
I also use the BST thread here and snag some good sells.
I been contiplating....going to a consignor/auction house

[ALR-bishop]

I do not sell much, just dupes that I end up with. I use Love Of The Game auctions.

Some other 61 oddiities

[smtjoy]

If I had that set I would send to an auction house that would work out a deal on all the cards they felt were gradable, then make a deal for them to break the set up and sell high value cards as graded singles and the remainder in a lot. IMO selling as a set is leaving money on the table.

That said if you just want the money now then selling as a set is quick and easy.

[ALR-bishop]

Good points Scott

[bnorth]

Great advice Scott.

Al I see we have a similar collecting style. I have several of those same errors plus several others from that set. The picture is of my favorite 61 Topps error.



I picked this up a couple years ago. It is the only known black hat version. I have used a black light, halogen light, and several other things to detect alteration and this card is the real thing. The black on the hat perfectly matches the black on the rest of card.

[ALR-bishop]

Fascinating card Ben. I think you have posted it here or elsewhere before. I am of the view that any print defect or variation that is one time is suspect. This item would be worth a bunch if another shows up. He did not change teams that year, so it is unlikely Topps did this. But would love to see it in person

[KC Doughboy]

Some great suggestions, I apreciate them. It's also interesting to see other variations I was not aware of. Im going to look through my sets for the black hat!

[Zach Wheat]

I agree with Scott - have the key cards separately graded & sold individually graded. I would also consider grouping some of the semi stars or high numbers in a mini-lot as well. I would also check with a number of auction houses including going over previous set sales. I don't know the make up of the sets you intend to sell, but it seems like some auction houses get better prices with different eras.

Best of luck.

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Great advice Scott.

Al I see we have a similar collecting style. I have several of those same errors plus several others from that set. The picture is of my favorite 61 Topps error.



I picked this up a couple years ago. It is the only known black hat version. I have used a black light, halogen light, and several other things to detect alteration and this card is the real thing. The black on the hat perfectly matches the black on the rest of card.

I did not even know a Black Hat variation existed for Dalrymple. If he did not change teams, why would he have had the black mask put over his hat? Al, you seem to suggest this was not a Topps variation, but added post-production. Did they have done this for other cards as well? Are there other known black hat variations in the '61 set? Just curious thanks.

[bnorth]

I have some alteration knowledge and I have looked at this card every way I know and it looks factory done to me. I even soaked the card to see if the black would come off. I am guessing it was an employee that messed with the plate or screen(not sure of exact print process of older cards) at or near the end of the print run or right before a new plate or screen was used.

Edit: I do not think there are other black hat versions in 61, but I do know Topps has done very similar black hats in other years.

[KC Doughboy]

I've noticed that Topps blacked out a lot of hats over the years (and the end of a bat!), typically when players changed teams. They were not even very careful nor artistic in their efforts. It has always looked to me like someone took a black Sharpie and had their 7 year old color the hat!

[ALR-bishop]

Yes they did, and sometimes changed the card more than once in the process, but it usually looked more like these, and if part of the print process they are not rare, and sometimes not even scarce

[KC Doughboy]

Thanks for the advice on selling the higher end set. I had someone call yesterday and ended up selling the '61s.
I love net54... The group here has so much knowledge and is so willing to share!

[KC Doughboy]

Speaking of card variations, does anyone know the origin of white backs vs grey backs? Strategy to sell more cards? Changed cardboard suppliers? Printed sets at different locations? I've always wondered...