Prices of complete sets relative to singles

[Republicaninmass]

It's been near impossible for me to add any 1952 topps high series , even going after big lots of 20+ cards and paying "retail", after the BP, shipping, and tax. I'd suspect a full set would go for the full value of its parts, even more if it had a mantle.... people feel just to "get a mantle" is worth it. Also, always fun to upgrade a set along the way to you own personal liking. I cant speculate on others, but assume a "factory set" in the original box from the 70s might bring a premium as well.

[jayshum]

The current Mile High Auction has a 1958 Topps set listed as a complete set as well as individual cards with final sale determined by which is higher. Any bets on which way it ends up?

http://milehighcardco.com/1958_Topps...-LOT83297.aspx

[Exhibitman]

From the dealer standpoint, there is one thing that makes it more attractive to sell sets or near sets: time. Both the time value of money and the time it takes to sell. A single card takes as much time to sell as a set. Plus, when I buy a collection I want to get my money out and ready for the next deal as quickly as I can. Selling 20 sets is a hell of a lot more manageable than selling 2,000 cards.

[bbcard1]

For the most part, I've bought near sets and then filled them out to fill in my gaps from the 50s. I did a 1961 Topps set (birth year) basically card by card and found it painful every time I had to buy a high number common for $20.

[trambo]

I think it depends on the sets for value. In likely 99% or more of the sets, it's probably better to sell the individual cards than the set as a whole. There are some sets that I believe would sell at a premium due to scarcity. I doubt there are many vintage sets and likely even less modern sets but I think if a person had a t205, t206 (with or without some or all of the big 4) and maybe a handful of others, they would likely command a premium since they just don't come to market that often.

It will be very interesting to see the t206-520 that is being sold at one of the major auction houses in a week or two. My guess is it commands a 10-20% premium (if not more) to the average resale value of each card. We'll see how it goes, though!

[Leon]

If a complete, very rare set came along, I think the sharks would be out and the whole set would do better. As has been said, rarity would be a factor. Folks with deep pockets won't miss a potential unique opportunity...or one that only comes up every 10+ yrs. I remember selling my Western Playground set and I am pretty sure it brought more as a set than had I sold it singly.
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