What to collect? Complete Sets or HoF Players from that Set

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by wilkiebaby11

So, I've been trying to collect the 1956 Topps Complete Baseball Set for about 6 months now. I've been buying, selling, and trading. I've found it fun to do this, but when it comes down to collecting the common cards, it's becoming mundane. I've got about 60 common cards, 30 minor star cards, and 20 Hall of Famers so far. I'm considering parting with the common and minor stars and concentrating on just Hall of Famers. Looking at recent sales of complete sets, it doesn't look like there much added value in having common cards, so if I'm not enjoying it as much as collecting the HOF players (I'm still enjoying it but not nearly as much), why collect them, right? My collection is mostly PSA 5 to PSA 7.

I was wondering what anyone out there prefers or has any suggestions.

-Steve

Steve,

For the last few years I considered myself a set guy. However, my budget isn't unlimited. I have come to see that I need/want to make every card count. I want cards that matter to me or effect me in some way. There are sooooo many sets that I love. I will never, ever be able to build them all. I have recently arrived at conclusions similar to yours. So, I have identified key cards from each set that I would really like to have. Over time, I feel as though I could obtain a nice sampling of many different sets. You have to do what you like. You aren't collecting for me or anyone else. Collect what you like, what moves you. If commons feel expensive and burdensome, don't mess with them. A nice smattering of star cards from various sets would be very nice. When I finish my current project, that is what I am doing. There is no wrong way of doing this. Happy collecting!!

[Rich Klein]

Honestly, if you are only interested in ROI, do some research and buy the best HOFers for the most reasonable prices you can afford and while the ROI may not be swift as these cards are pretty static, at least you have the easiest players to sell when it is time.

If, however, you are wanting to be a collector and if the concept of a full set scares you just go a type set route or a player from each team route or whatever give you the most variety.

I.E. in 1956 Topps I'd go after one card from each team and pick the best player: Mantle Yankees, Williams Red Sox, Clemente Pirates, Aaron Braves, Robinson Dodgers, and then some teams you might not have a future HOFer so you can pick a random A's card such as Spook Jacobs.

Regards
Rich

[Exhibitman]

I've completed and sold off many sets over the years because I've found that common players don't interest me for the most part [there are some great common cards like the 1952 Topps Zernial] and I don't like to tie up financial resources in them. I no longer bother with sets unless I can pick up a whole set on the cheap. When it comes to postwar cards I basically collect the stars and specific players I like and leave it at that. I also have gotten rid of the high grade stuff because I've found that I'd rather own several lower grade cards of a star than one of his high grade cards.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I've completed and sold off many sets over the years because I've found that common players don't interest me for the most part [there are some great common cards like the 1952 Topps Zernial] and I don't like to tie up financial resources in them. I no longer bother with sets unless I can pick up a whole set on the cheap. When it comes to postwar cards I basically collect the stars and specific players I like and leave it at that. I also have gotten rid of the high grade stuff because I've found that I'd rather own several lower grade cards of a star than one of his high grade cards.

I 100% agree! That '52 Zernial is awesome. I have no desire to build that entire set, but I would certainly like to snag that one.

[wilkiebaby11]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

Steve,

For the last few years I considered myself a set guy. However, my budget isn't unlimited. I have come to see that I need/want to make every card count. I want cards that matter to me or effect me in some way. There are sooooo many sets that I love. I will never, ever be able to build them all. I have recently arrived at conclusions similar to yours. So, I have identified key cards from each set that I would really like to have. Over time, I feel as though I could obtain a nice sampling of many different sets. You have to do what you like. You aren't collecting for me or anyone else. Collect what you like, what moves you. If commons feel expensive and burdensome, don't mess with them. A nice smattering of star cards from various sets would be very nice. When I finish my current project, that is what I am doing. There is no wrong way of doing this. Happy collecting!!

Yea, I think that I am going that route. The common cards just arent that interesting to me. I tried doing it, haven't found nearly as much enjoyment in it. I'm sure finally getting the complete set would be surely be worth it in the end, but I think I want the continued enjoyment, rather than one big hurrah at the end, and only to pull out the big name cards ever again.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by wilkiebaby11

Yea, I think that I am going that route. The common cards just arent that interesting to me. I tried doing it, haven't found nearly as much enjoyment in it. I'm sure finally getting the complete set would be surely be worth it in the end, but I think I want the continued enjoyment, rather than one big hurrah at the end, and only to pull out the big name cards ever again.

I hear ya! I have a complete '53 Topps baseball set that is a nice mid-grade set. I am nearly done with '41 Play Ball.
There are other sets I have toyed with, but I find I am growing less and less patient and my budget is growing ever tighter. So, cherry picking the cards from sets I like is what I am gravitating to. I have a ton of admiration for the set builders on this board! There is no wrong way to do it. I love this hobby!

[parkerj33]

I have struggled with this very question....I built the entire 67 set but didn't like paying $50+ per hi# no-name sp (shellenbach, barker, shannon, etc). But I do LIKE having the whole set now that its done. There is no wrong way to do it, but you have to figure out what works for you personally (which sounds like you have). I haven't!

There is a thread over on CU board where a guy has a display case that holds about 30 cards and he rotates the key 30 cards from each topps set, to display on his wall, he posts a pic and you see all the hof-ers from a single set all together. Its quite impressive seeing all the same year cards all grouped together. That always appealed to me, so its something you might want to consider.

We all may be able to picture, say a 63 mantle or aaron or rose, but can you quickly picture a 63 drysdale, banks, gibson, koufax, and billy williams? maybe so, but pick some year and think about it. its a great visual to be able to see all of them together from same year in same style, side by side.

[ALR-bishop]

Hey Parker, Shannon is not a nobody

55 + years in baseball , mostly with the Cardinals, including 3 World Series