What should I do?????

[KCRfan1]

Personally, I believe you're making a big mistake busting out graded stars. Those cards are far more valuable graded than ungraded.

The sets I have collected, the major stars are graded and the commons are ungraded but in near mint condition. This may be an option to consider.

You can always work on the common cards, so I would be inclined to get the key cards and stars out of he way first. As for a 55 Clemente, that may be one you get a much lesser grade and work on a better one down the road.

The stars and key cards are going to appreciate much faster than the commons will.

I'm sure others have their own opinions, and will chime in.

Just my two cents worth though.

[swarmee]

I would agree that if you buy high grade cards, you shouldn't break them out, but that's your collection. Why not just buy high grade raw cards?

[661fish]

My Aaron rookie is slabbed. But some of the stars were 5'sand 6's. I can see the point about not breaking them out, but a dealer told me once that getting cards that grade 5 and 6 aren't really worth getting graded unless there are the key cards. I understand going after the major cards. I did that with the 56's but even the 54 commons at exmt are way too pricey.

[pokerplyr80]

If you want to finish a set I would focus on finishing the 56 set, then moving on. 55 Clements prices have come back down to earth, so now may be a good time to pick one up. I also would not recommend cracking these cards out. Maybe pick up a reprint to fill a spot in an album, and keep the real card in the holder.

[661fish]

I guess I'll start going after the money cards, but how has a Clemente rookie come back down to earth?I thought the 56 Mantle was way overpriced, but to pay 3 g's for a 5 or raw EX??? Imho that card is way overpriced.

[pokerplyr80]

During the peak of the run up they were going for 3-4k or more in a 5. Recent sales are in the 2k to 2200 range. For one of the most iconic post war cards in the hobby my personal belief is that is a good price. I don't see it getting much better. Good luck either way.

[ajquigs]

Jesse beat me to it. I think putting reproductions in with your raw set can be a decent compromise. I've done that a couple of times myself.