If you were to start a vintage collection ...

[wdwfan]

Hey Ben, thanks for the tip. I didn't know about that set, but I will check it out. Maybe a set I decide to chase depending on who all is in it, etc. I knew about Topps, but I didn't think Fleer started until 1960. So I learned something new. I'd prefer, though, something from their playing days.

Originally Posted by bnorth

Emlily, you can get several higher end Ted Williams from the 59 Fleer set in that price range. There are several nice Ted Williams cards in the set to choose from.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by wdwfan

Hey Ben, thanks for the tip. I didn't know about that set, but I will check it out. Maybe a set I decide to chase depending on who all is in it, etc. I knew about Topps, but I didn't think Fleer started until 1960. So I learned something new. I'd prefer, though, something from their playing days.

The 59 Fleer set is a 80 card set of just Ted Williams cards. It is a very cool set. I have built a low grade raw set and a NrMint+ complete graded set over the years.
Ted was still playing in 59 so they are from his playing days.

[raulus]

Can’t speak to all of the players you’re looking at specifically, but I can tell you that one strategy for Mays is to focus on his later playing years. With some years the print runs were higher and/or the print quality was better, or they are just plain underloved, so the prices aren’t so outrageous.

For Mays, Topps 67-69, or 72 tend to be your best bets.

Another option is to pick a non mainstream issue with large print runs that you enjoy visually. For Mays, this might include stuff like:

1955 All American Sports Club
1955 Golden Stamps
1958 Hires Root Beer
1960 Armour Coins
1961 Chemstrand
1961 Nu-Card Baseball Scoops
Any of the various Topps Stamps issues
Pick an exhibit or coin from any of the issuers during the 60s or 70s
Any of the various team issues from the 60s or 70s
1967 Topps Who Am I?
1968 Topps Game
Any of the Topps Supers Issues
Any of the Milton Bradley issues
Any of the Kellogg’s Issues

Or even 1963 Fleer!

And if you’re willing to dip into the all star, league leader, or multiplayer cards then often those aren’t difficult to find at your desired price and quality either.

[skelly423]

If you're looking for Jackie or a Williams, a nice Exhibit is probably the best option from their playing days that meets your budget/grade criteria. Base playing-days Topps cards in EX+ grade will likely exceed your budget limits. There are plenty of late career Aaron and Mays cards that would fit the bill; personally I'm a fan of the 1972 Topps design, and they're within your budget up to PSA 8 condition. 1964 Topps Giants would be a great choice for Mays, Aaron and Mantle.

[mrmopar]

I am guessing a top shape card is no longer in the $500 range, but I favor the 1956 Topps set and specifically, the Robinson card. Been one of my all-time favorites since I was a kid. Really, any of the players from that set is nice, but that is Robinson's final card as well.

Scan borrowed from ebay...

[gonefishin]

Decide what direction you want to collect; players, sets, teams, etc. Once, you have decided that, you can then start focusing your efforts. The early Bowman sets are cheaper to obtain (generally) than Topps. A small set to start would be the 48 Bowman, however it does contain a couple of rookie cards that are getting pretty high in price. You can still obtain them in average condition without breaking the bank. The 59 Fleer Ted Williams and the 63 Fleer sets are also relatively small, abundant, and still afforadable.

[Exhibitman]

Look at Exhibits. For $500, you could get very nice examples of Mays, Aaron, Williams and perhaps a Mantle and probably have enough left for a hamburger. No fries, though.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I think for around 500 you could probably get PSA 6s of both Mays and Aaron in 1965 Topps. Among my favorite cards ever.

[ALR-bishop]

I do not follow graded card prices to know the cost but agree with Peter that the 65 Mays and Aaron are very nice cards