Any Topps Post War Completionists out there?

[savedfrommyspokes]

Originally Posted by mintacular

How much $ do you think it would be to complete 1952-1979 Topps Basic Sets with:

1950s in EX
1960s in EXMT
1970-75 in NM
1976-79 in NM+

It absolutely depends on how you do it. If you were to do it "card by card", it would cost what many of us would consider a fortune.

However, if you have the time there is a far less costly (and for me, far more fun)way of completing this run of sets. Minus about 80 or so 52 hi#s, when I completed my 52-79 Topps sets I took an approach different than that of building each set card by card. When I would begin a new set to build, I would look to buy as many lots/near sets from that set as possible, all in the grade ranges I was looking to achieve. For me the "fun" was sorting through each of the lots and using them to build, and in most cases, nearly complete a set. This part did take some time, as did the selling of the duplicate and triplicate cards off (in most cases selling these extras as singles at shows or on ebay to maximize the return). The selling of the excess allowed me to cover my costs for building each set. Obviously, there were some cards here and there that I did not receive as part of any of the lots I purchased, so these cards I did subsequently purchase as singles from the excess funds generated by selling off the extras. I repeated this process over about 3 years on each of the 52-75 Topps sets, and minus about 80 hi # cards from the 52 set, they are complete. This did take several thousand dollars at first, but once the process was rolling along, the proceeds from the sales of the extras of one set, covered the purchases of the next set I was working. To be able to begin another set, I would have to complete the process of selling off the extras from the previous set.

To answer the question asked, money wise a few thousand dollars and a lot of time the way I did it. As for any collector, the time "invested" in doing this was enjoyable as well as "priceless", so I consider it both the time and money well spent.

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by savedfrommyspokes

It absolutely depends on how you do it. If you were to do it "card by card", it would cost what many of us would consider a fortune.

However, if you have the time there is a far less costly (and for me, far more fun)way of completing this run of sets. Minus about 80 or so 52 hi#s, when I completed my 52-79 Topps sets I took an approach different than that of building each set card by card. When I would begin a new set to build, I would look to buy as many lots/near sets from that set as possible, all in the grade ranges I was looking to achieve. For me the "fun" was sorting through each of the lots and using them to build, and in most cases, nearly complete a set. This part did take some time, as did the selling of the duplicate and triplicate cards off (in most cases selling these extras as singles at shows or on ebay to maximize the return). The selling of the excess allowed me to cover my costs for building each set. Obviously, there were some cards here and there that I did not receive as part of any of the lots I purchased, so these cards I did subsequently purchase as singles from the excess funds generated by selling off the extras. I repeated this process over about 3 years on each of the 52-75 Topps sets, and minus about 80 hi # cards from the 52 set, they are complete. This did take several thousand dollars at first, but once the process was rolling along, the proceeds from the sales of the extras of one set, covered the purchases of the next set I was working. To be able to begin another set, I would have to complete the process of selling off the extras from the previous set.

To answer the question asked, money wise a few thousand dollars and a lot of time the way I did it. As for any collector, the time "invested" in doing this was enjoyable as well as "priceless", so I consider it both the time and money well spent.

Almost exactly how I start...although not as intense with the lots. I grab a large lot or two (yes, that is the FUN part for sure)...then look for smaller lots...then scour shows, shops, ebay, here...For some sets though it is MUCH cheaper just to buy the whole set, which isn't as much fun. I did however buy my 75 on up sets. Most of those sets I got super cheap coallated through vendor lots...so those sets are mostly NrMT. A far cry from my sets I had in those years as a kid, haha. Except for my 79s..I kept that set from my youth and only had to replace the few cards my neighbor kids stole. That set is in rather rough shape, but I could care less....

[darrend505]

I have a complete base Topps run from 1970 to present and currently working on 1953! Down to mostly hi numbers .

[ALR-bishop]

What made you pick 1953 for you first pre 1970 foray ?

[darrend505]

Always lived the look of the set and the first vintage card I ever picked up was #213 Ray Scarborough! Also, if was something different than how I usually do sets, when I finish this one I want to take a break for a bit, sell the rest of what does not fit in the main focus if my collection and go back through and make sure everything I have so far is complete!

[steve B]

I suppose I count as a completionist, I plan on eventually finishing all the topps main sets. I'm fairly close on the 1970's, finished with 74, 77-83 and really close on 73 and 75-6 Fairly close on 68-72. The rest I've made a decent start but wouldn't say I'm close at all, maybe 20-25% on most of the mid 60's and a bit better on the older sets, maybe as good as half on a couple.

I don't really work at it, if I see a nice card at a good price I'll probably pick it up. And a small lot I can afford is something I'll go for if it's right there.

Oddly the way things happen for me is that if I go to a show looking for something in particular I won't find much that I want. But I usually do find some fun stuff.

So I usually describe myself as an opportunist collector. Not really completionist, since I seldom make a serious effort at finishing a set(I usually do once I realize I'm within about 10 cards or so) But also not a type collector since I don't limit myself to only one card from a set. I don't really pursue HOF or rookies, or a particular team, or anything although I have preferences.

I haven't really found anyone else that collects that way.

Steve B

[ALR-bishop]

Steve---do you have a sign in your front lawn warning your neighbors about your status