Mike D's 1976 Topps Binder Project

[Mike D.]

Picked up today:

1976 Topps Nolan Ryan #330 PSA 8 - $56.71



Total spent on binder set: $267.85

Total spent on graded: $104.08

Total recaptured via sales: $3.98

[Mike D.]

Another PSA pickup:

1976 Topps Carlton Fisk #365 - $23.54



Total spent on binder set: $267.85

Total spent on graded: $127.62

Total recaptured via sales: $3.98

[Mike D.]

Sold my dup copy of card #650 Thurman Munson for $3.00 with free shipping. Had started at auction for $1.99.

Total spent on binder set: $267.85

Total spent on graded: $127.62

Total recaptured via sales: $6.98

[Mike D.]

Picked up today on eBay:

1976 Topps Tom Seaver #600 PSA 8 - $20.01

Gotta love when you watch a $20 item and the buyer sends an offer for $15.



Total spent on binder set: $267.85

Total spent on graded: $147.63

Total recaptured via sales: $6.98

[Mike D.]

A few missing cards added via Sportlots for $2.98 delivered:




13 cards missing

26 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $270.83

Total spent on graded: $147.63

Total recaptured via sales: $6.98

[jakeinge]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

I'm hoping folks will tolerate me using this thread to track my latest project.

Inspired by a friend who is working a half dozen Topps sets of various years and putting them in binders for easy viewing, I'm going to undertake a similar project of my own.

I'm going to build a "binder set" of 1976 Topps - the Topps set from the year of my birth!

So, what is a binder set? It's got non-high end, non-graded cards, perfect for flipping through without risking any major investments.

I'll probably aim for an average of EX for the set, with a range of VG-NM depending on what I come up with. Some of these cards might be a bit dinged up. At 43, I'm a little dinged up too.

To add to the fun, I'll likely pick up graded copies of some of the more interesting stars from the set. If I get a graded copy of a card, I'll still get a non-graded for the binder, but may allow for lower grade there to help keep costs in check.

Depending on what I get for duplicates, I may even dabble in some TTM autograph chasing.

I think this will be fun. My 7 year old son will be helping me with the sorting, so it's a nice father-son project!

Now...the 1976 Topps set has 660 cards. Here is the checklist.

The biggest rookie in the set is Eckersley, with cards of Hank Aaron and Nolan Ryan among the more expensive cards in the set.

I actually have several in binders. Let me know if you're interested and I can take a closer look as to what I have.

[Mike D.]

Three more missing cards picked up via Sportlots for $1.78:



Also sold 4 low-grade "All-Time All Star" cards for $1.99 on eBay auction.

10 cards missing

26 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $272.61

Total spent on graded: $147.63

Total recaptured via sales: $8.97

[Mike D.]

One more missing card filled in:

#200 AL Victory Leaders - $1.70



9 cards missing

26 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $274.31

Total spent on graded: $147.63

Total recaptured via sales: $8.97

[Mike D.]

Another graded card picked up on eBay:

1976 Topps Mike Schmidt #480 PSA 8 - $36.11 delivered.



Total spent on binder set: $274.31

Total spent on graded: $183.74

Total recaptured via sales: $8.97

[Mike D.]

Also, sold low-grade "All Time All Stars" (Wagner, Traynor, Grove, and Cochrane) for $1.99 w/ free shipping on eBay.

Total spent on binder set: $274.31

Total spent on graded: $183.74

Total recaptured via sales: $10.96

[Mike D.]

Sold a couple of low-grade dups:

1976 Topps Jim Rice #340 - Boston Red Sox - $1.99

1976 Topps Johnny Bench #300 - Cincinnati Reds - $1.99


Total spent on binder set: $274.31

Total spent on graded: $183.74

Total recaptured via sales: $14.94

[Mike D.]

Picked up another graded HOFer:



1976 Topps Joe Morgan #420 PSA 8 NmMt Reds HOF - $21.34


Total spent on binder set: $274.31

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $14.94

[stlcardsfan]

Nice Morgan Mike. Always wondered why his helmet appeared to be airbrushed on that card?

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by stlcardsfan

Nice Morgan Mike. Always wondered why his helmet appeared to be airbrushed on that card?

The photo also appears to have been selected for NOT showing the uniform front. I wonder if there was thinking that Morgan would be traded?

[Mike D.]

Picked up cards #591 and #596 for $2.62.




Did a recount of the binder, and realized I had miscounted, so with the two I picked up, I still need 9 cards to complete the set.

9 cards missing

26 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $276.93

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $14.94

[Mike D.]

Missing 9 cards to complete the set:

#330 Nolan Ryan
#462 1975 World Series
#500 Reggie Jackson
#504 Danny Murtaugh
#526 Checklist 397-528
#545 Sparky Lyle
#550 Hank Aaron
#561 Tom Carroll
#622 Rick Auerbach

I ordered the Ryan, World Series, and Jackson cards tonight...but still need the other 6 to complete the set. After I get to 100%, I'll work on more upgrades.

[Cliff Bowman]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

Missing 9 cards to complete the set:

#330 Nolan Ryan
#462 1975 World Series
#500 Reggie Jackson
#504 Danny Murtaugh
#526 Checklist 397-528
#545 Sparky Lyle
#550 Hank Aaron
#561 Tom Carroll
#622 Rick Auerbach

I ordered the Ryan, World Series, and Jackson cards tonight...but still need the other 6 to complete the set. After I get to 100%, I'll work on more upgrades.

I'm confused, you just ordered a #330 Nolan Ryan but back on October 15 you said that you picked up this PSA 8 #330 Nolan Ryan ?

[cesarcap]

I have about 200 Topps 75 minis if you want to trade and work on this set as a project.

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by cesarcap

I have about 200 Topps 75 minis if you want to trade and work on this set as a project.

Thanks...I'll keep that in mind. I just have started over the last few days thinking about what may be next.

I'm toying with 1975, 1977, or 1974. '75 has some pricey rookies (which is good and bad), but has condition sensitivities. '74 and '77 don't have the high dollar rookies, so may be a bit easier.

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bowman

I'm confused, you just ordered a #330 Nolan Ryan but back on October 15 you said that you picked up this PSA 8 #330 Nolan Ryan ?

Sorry for confusion...ordered an ungraded version to put in the binder (I hate gaps) and will keep graded version in the slab separately.

[Mike D.]

#330 Nolan Ryan
#462 1975 World Series
#500 Reggie Jackson
#504 Danny Murtaugh
#526 Checklist 397-528
#545 Sparky Lyle
#550 Hank Aaron
#561 Tom Carroll
#622 Rick Auerbach



Total spent on binder set: $301.01

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $14.94

[Mike D.]

Ordered #504 Danny Murtaugh & #545 Sparky Lyle...meaning the Aaron card is the last card I need to complete the set!

That feels fitting, somehow. It'll be a nice card to complete the set, for sure.

Still plenty of cards that could use an upgrade, but for now I have prioritized completing the set.

[Mike D.]

Busy day!

First, card #504 (one of the last 3 missing) arrived.



Sold a 1976 Topps Dave Winfield #160 for $1.99

Sold a lot of 550 duplicates of varying grades (no stars) for $30 plus shipping.

Total spent on binder set: $303.87

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $46.93

[Mike D.]

Took the mini "windfall" from the sale of the 1976 Topps dups and put it towards:

1977 Topps Baseball Starter Set (410 Different) BV $294 Avg Ex/Mt to Nm Palmer - $57.01



LOT OF 50: 1977 TOPPS COMMON CARDS - $5.91



Guess that answers the "What's next?" question.

I reckon I best be ordering another binder soon.

In the meantime, though....gotta stay focused on wrapping up the '76 Topps set!

[Mike D.]

Card #545 Sparky Lyle arrived today:



$2.79 delivered.

Total spent on binder set: $306.66

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $46.93

Just the Aaron remains for completion, although there are still a solid number that need upgrades.

[Mike D.]

Sold a duplicate Jim Palmer for $1.99 on eBay.

Total spent on binder set: $306.66

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

The Set is Complete....Hank Aaron #550 arrived today!



$11.66 delivered.

Roughly 3 1/2 months from start to finish...so pretty quick. Not too surprising as it's not a super expensive set.

Guess that's the way it'll go with these "young" sets (it's from the same year I am).

Set Complete!

26 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $318.32

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

The set is complete, but there's still a good number of cards I'd like to upgrade....26 at least count (although I withhold the right to add more cards to the list). After completing with the Aaron card, the focus goes to the upgrade candidates.

Speaking of Aaron...also arriving today was an upgraded version of card #1 Hank Aaron Record Breaker.



$6.69 delivered.

Set Complete!

25 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $325.01

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

Four upgrades picked up:



$4.92 delivered for all 4.

21 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $329.93

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

Another upgrade:



$2.40 delivered

20 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $332.33

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

With the light at the end of the tunnel in sight, I have officially kicked off my next project, Mike D's 1977 Topps Binder Project!

Stay tuned here while I work to wrap up the '76 Topps project, though!

[Mike D.]

A few more upgrades arrived today:



$5.82 delivered.

15 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $338.15

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

A few more upgrades:



$1.86 delivered

11 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $340.01

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

A few more upgrades today:



$8.70 delivered

6 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $348.71

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $48.92

[Mike D.]

A New Years Day update. Here are the six remaining upgrade candidates I have identified:

46 Walter Alston
48 Dave Concepcion
346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph
606 Alex Grammas

Once I get these six, I'll probably put the set to bed for a while. I may go through it at a later date for any final upgrade candidates, but hoping there will be very few.

[Mike D.]

Sold dups of Babe Ruth ATG and Hank Aaron RB #1 for $1.99 each (both in rough shape).

6 upgrade candidates

Total spent on binder set: $348.71

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $52.90

[Kurri17]

I've got a nice Concepcion I can trade you if you like.

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by Kurri17

I've got a nice Concepcion I can trade you if you like.

Thanks! Will send you a PM!

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by Kurri17

I've got a nice Concepcion I can trade you if you like.

The Concepcion arrived today! Thank you again!

46 Walter Alston
48 Dave Concepcion
346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph
606 Alex Grammas

[Mike D.]

Sold low-grade dup of Walter Johnson ATG #349 for $1.99.

Total spent on binder set: $348.71

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $54.89

[Mike D.]

Ok, so while putting in the Concepcion, I noticed two other cards who could use upgrades, in #10 Lou Brock and #44 Doug Rader.

So it goes...one down, two added.

Here's the current list of cards I need:

10 Lou Brock
44 Doug Rader
46 Walter Alston
346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph
606 Alex Grammas

[Mike D.]

Picked up today at the Cranston/Coventry Show:

346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph

$14...with no delivery charge.



10 Lou Brock
44 Doug Rader
46 Walter Alston
346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph
606 Alex Grammas

Total spent on binder set: $362.71

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $54.89

[Mike D.]

And in the mailbox when I got home from the show:

#10 Lou Brock - $5.24 delivered



10 Lou Brock
44 Doug Rader
46 Walter Alston
346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph
606 Alex Grammas

Total spent on binder set: $367.95

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $54.89

[Mike D.]

10 Lou Brock
44 Doug Rader
46 Walter Alston
346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph
606 Alex Grammas

Cards #44 and #46 are already on their way.

I just ordered #606...so hopefully this one will be wrapped up soon!

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

10 Lou Brock
44 Doug Rader
46 Walter Alston
346 Ty Cobb ATG
441 Gary Carter
592 Rookie Infielders Randolph
606 Alex Grammas

Cards #44 and #46 are already on their way.

I just ordered #606...so hopefully this one will be wrapped up soon!

This is fun to watch. The cards have gotten crispier since you started for sure.
How's that '77 coming along??? Are you waiting 'til you're completed with '76?

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by Phil68

This is fun to watch. The cards have gotten crispier since you started for sure.
How's that '77 coming along??? Are you waiting 'til you're completed with '76?

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the journey! It’s been fun!

I probably ended spending a bit more on the set than it’d have cost to just buy one...but it’s really about the journey.

Looks like you found the ‘77 thread. Despite starting with a sizable pile of cards, I’m ending up with a lot of gaps and upgrades.

[Mike D.]

Added:

#46 Walter Alston / LA Dodgers Team

$2.10 delivered.



44 Doug Rader
46 Walter Alston
606 Alex Grammas

Total spent on binder set: $370.05

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $54.89

[Mike D.]

Added:



44 Doug Rader
606 Alex Grammas

$2.61 delivered.

Total spent on binder set: $372.66

Total spent on graded: $205.08

Total recaptured via sales: $54.89

[Mike D.]

And with that, we're done.

I'm sure I could hunt through the set and find more upgrade candidates, and I'm sure I'll occasionally go in and pick up one or two if I find them, but for all intents and purposes, I'm wrapping up my first binder set project.

Cool.

[cdn_collector]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

And with that, we're done.

I'm sure I could hunt through the set and find more upgrade candidates, and I'm sure I'll occasionally go in and pick up one or two if I find them, but for all intents and purposes, I'm wrapping up my first binder set project.

Cool.

Congrats, Mike.

I think this is my first post in this thread, but I've been following it (and am following your '77 progress) all along. Thanks for sharing all of the details along the way, and for taking all of the time to scan and post all of the cards in the set.

That was fun.

Cheers,

Richard.