Is it safe to buy graded? Or should I focus only on raw?

[swarmee]

The answer is no, do not buy graded vintage at this point. A purge is coming.

[ALR-bishop]

I have been collecting since 1957 and among other things have collected all the Topps sets from 1948 to 2018. All of them are ungraded. But I view baseball cards as just a hobby for me.

John is right that there may be some upheaval ahead in the graded world. Buy what you like in the condition that suits you. If it makes sense you can always grade them later. But if possible buy in person and do some research on card condition issues. The upcoming National might be a great place to start

[steve B]

I'd start with a bunch of non- graded cards. Find nice ones that should grade in your target range*. Get a feel for how they are and what a factory edge looks like for that set. Once the grading thing settles out you'll have a better roadmap for how to go.
A bit over a year seems pretty quick to me for any set. But then I'm a bargain hunter with no focus sort of working on every set all at once.

*The exception would maybe be nice commons if they're available for the cost of grading or less. Or really great deals on a star card, like ungraded value plus grading fee. Eventually you may want to grade them, and you won't have to spend the fees.

[wdwfan]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I've always been against graded, but I thought it was be easier for someone to move down the line when I'm no longer able to deal in cards. I'm going to hold off on graded for now and see where that fiasco goes.

As for pickups, I've made a couple of offers to people on here for stuff they've got for sale. Mostly stars (Mays, McCovey, etc. from the 1950s-1960s). Figured I'd start slow and buy mid range cards.

As for buying in hand, the only I have around here is an LCS. It's about 40 miles one way away, and they sell everything at high BV. I can trade there, but they give 1/3 BV in trade credit. So it would take a while to build up.

Got another question though. Is there any investment potential for 1970s? I've thought about putting those sets together (or buying stars form those years). Both seem to be a bit cheaper. But I'm wondering if they'll ever appreciate. I mean it's nice to get early 1970s commons for 10 cents apiece. But will they always be worth that?

[swarmee]

Step 1: Get a COMC account.
Step 2: If you want to get into the 70s, I would recommend focusing on the High Numbers and variations. The others are just too common.

[Rich Klein]

Hughes: You can always come visit me at a show or at my house. And I'll get you to the other LCS in the area -- make a day of it

You are always welcome at either venue

Rich