Upgrading is satisfying, don't you think?

[ALR-bishop]

I have a Topps set run that is ungraded and in binders. When adding variations/errors to my sets, or just browsing through one, I will sometimes spot a particular card that I decide should be upgraded. I then make the mistake of looking more closely at cards around it and it becomes obsessive, particularly in the pre 1971 sets which were mostly assembled via packs or few cards at a time. But once in awhile I go all in in upgrading one of them in general. I find the process both satisfying and maddening at the same time

[thescooper]

The trouble is as I upgrade I keep the lower grade cards then the few become 1/4 set then 1/2 set then I have another full set.Then I keep upgrading set 1 moving the lesser quality cards down to set 2.Them the few of upgraded upgraded(!!) cards become a 1/4 set then 1/2 set then I have 3 sets etc etc. That is the reason why I have 6 full sets and 3 "on the go" sets of Davy Crockett Orange backs. Hi my name is Tony and I am a CARDOHOLIC

[Exhibitman]

I do just the opposite: I am downgrading my postwar cards to low-cost cards I can put into a binder and enjoy without all the slabs and money worries. upgrade or down, it is all about what you find to be the most enjoyable way to collect, after all is said and done.

[hangman62]

I think upgrading is a waste of money and time, if you buy a set or assemble a set in an eye pleasing shape..that should be good enough, use your card money on stuff you dont have yet.
Ive actually downgrade many of my cards... if I have a VG set of 1962T...and I find a NM high value star card..I will look to sell it or trade a 2 for 1 if possible

[grundle20]

Even the small number of replies suggests that it's completely a matter of taste. I personally love upgrading. I ran after a 1948 Leaf set and completed it in just about 8-9 months, but as you can imagine, they're all not the same grade. Right now they're kind of all over the map, but for me, I got to 'pat myself on the back' along the way by having a complete set. Now I can go back and make the set more consistent.

Yup, it's more expensive that way, but then again, what's the point of just, say, going out and buying the entire Leaf set thru an REA auction? Might as well buy some municipal bonds!

[Volod]

You're absolutely right there: I can't imagine why any hobbyist, or anyone other than a dealer selling broken sets or a speculator, would want to buy a complete set. It goes against the basic concept of collecting.

[hcv123]

Interestingly I collect Roberto Clemente cards and memorabilia - I LOVE upgrading unusual or rare cards. Regular issues are far too plentiful for me to care. Even more exciting is uncovering variations or issues I never knew existed!

[Rickyy]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

I have a Topps set run that is ungraded and in binders. When adding variations/errors to my sets, or just browsing through one, I will sometimes spot a particular card that I decide should be upgraded. I then make the mistake of looking more closely at cards around it and it becomes obsessive, particularly in the pre 1971 sets which were mostly assembled via packs or few cards at a time. But once in awhile I go all in in upgrading one of them in general. I find the process both satisfying and maddening at the same time

Boy Al I sure can relate...I sometimes upgrade my 1970-79 Topps sets that way...I think I'm okay with a card...then I notice something I didn't like...my pet peeve is tilted cards....OC top to bottom, left to right don't bother me too much unless its like 90/10....

Ricky

[Volod]

Interesting, the two widely varying sides to this, psychologically speaking. I wonder if it's just fussy perfectionists versus no-frills fundamentalists, or something more complex.

[Exhibitman]

There is a middle road, so to speak, which is consistency. I don't really care whether the cards are ex or mint, as long as they are visually appealing and consistent throughout my holdings. I will frequently get rid of cards that are below or above the average for the issue I am collecting in order to arrive at a consistent visual presentation for the set.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

There is a middle road, so to speak, which is consistency. I don't really care whether the cards are ex or mint, as long as they are visually appealing and consistent throughout my holdings. I will frequently get rid of cards that are below or above the average for the issue I am collecting in order to arrive at a consistent visual presentation for the set.

I think that's an great point. I've seen plenty of examples of VG cards with excellent overall eye appeal for a fraction of the price of the same cards in EX condition that don't have the same overall high end appearance. If I can get a lower grade, visually appealing card and save some money in the process, then that's the route I'm going.

[Scott T]

When high-end collectors upgrade their cards, those cards are upgrades for middle-grade collectors, whose cards then turn into upgrades for us low-end collectors!

Congrats!

[Volod]

Originally Posted by Scott T

When high-end collectors upgrade their cards, those cards are upgrades for middle-grade collectors, whose cards then turn into upgrades for us low-end collectors!

Congrats!

Trickle-down card collecting, huh?