Returning collector and new member -- Where to buy reasonable vintage??

[todeen]

Thre are deals still to be had. Look for non mainstream issues, especially premiums and over sized issues.

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[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

Originally Posted by todeen

Thre are deals still to be had. Look for non mainstream issues, especially premiums and over sized issues.

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Agree with this. My solution to "collecting on a budget" is to identify which players and eras I want to collect, then find a lesser collected set from that era...this allows me to chase and enjoy those cards at a fraction of cost of the "popular sets".

Examples:

I LOVE the artwork and player selection of 1951 Bowman...but due to the price of the 51 Mantle, I decided to build the 1952 Bowman set. The artwork is just as good, I still get to include Mays and Mantle, but I can get the ENTIRE set in EX condition for the same price of a beat up 51 Mantle.

I think the 1933 Goudey set is iconic...but I've been building the 1935 Goudey 4 in 1 set instead. A lot of the same artwork and many of the same HOF players (including Ruth!) but WAY more cost efficient.

You could apply this same logic to other sets...if 52 Topps is out of your budget, you could chase 1953 Topps (similar players and even better artwork in my opinion).

If you like t206, you could make a run at the gold bordered t205 (only has ONE Cobb to obtain instead of four).

And so on.

[rsdill2]

It can seem counterintuitive, but to be honest, a way to get good deals is to spend more money. Buy lots. Sell what you don't want to keep.

Most folks buying vintage cards are buying one or two at a time. The complete sets, or other large lots, don't have as many buyers. The whole is worth less than the sum of its parts. Buy a complete 60s or early 70s set, keep a few stars, sell the rest, and you'll probably make a little money too.

[jchcollins]

There are still decent deals to be had on midgrade vintage, even graded, on ebay - some good sellers have already been recommended. Yes, we are in a bubble right now and prices are higher, but I would agree with what Dean said above that the few regrets I have are as to things I didn't buy. Since you left the hobby, "investment grade" (I'd say PSA 7 and higher on vintage) has really taken off and there are individual cards there worth exponentially more in higher grades than say, a PSA 5 - but that as a trend is nothing new. Most of us here can still afford a decent / pleasing collection even on a budget. It will just take some time getting back into it learning how things work now. Good luck!

[ASF123]

Thanks everyone! I’ve sprung for some nice-looking raw cards from sellers with good feedback - Carlton rookie, 65 and 67 Mays, 64 Mays/Aaron, 56 Koufax...hopefully they look as good in hand when I receive them. Also a couple of PSA 3/3.5 tobacco cards. I think I need to rein in the spending a bit after this initial burst of enthusiasm though .