Question on PSA Graded Sets?

[mcadams]

I'll defer to others as to the question about best way to accumulate high end commons, but I would like to chime in on the base vs. master.

I would HIGHLY recommend completing the base sets first, before considering the master. Not just for '57, but for any set. After the time you've taken to complete a base set, you'll be much more knowledgable and prepared to go after the other items. You'll also know if you really like the set enough to make the extra investment.

[vargha]

Start tracking pricing on your own or pay for a Vintage Card Prices subscription. It will save you money in the long run.

[Zach Wheat]

Jeff,

I am primarily a collector of individual sets. I completed a base '57 Topps set and didn't find it too difficult. However, eBay has changed and it will be more difficult to pick up lots in today's market. I completed the set by picking up larger lots of cards, upgrading where needed & then selling duplicates. The biggest issue with collecting a set by buying individual cards is the aggregate shipping costs you will have to pay by the time you are done completing a set. In addition, it is more difficult to collect high grade '50's Topps sets since most high-grade cards are split out, graded and sold individually.

It can be a long process. I agree with the previous poster....complete the base set first and then go after variations.

Have fun either way.

Regards,

MWheat

[jg8422]

I have been trying to buy the 1957 PSA 8 commons in groups. A few weeks ago I got 35 commons for $20/each. A few days ago I got another 25 commons for $20/each from the same seller.

It seems as if $20/card if the best I can find for purchasing '57 commons in straight 8's. Does this sound right?

Thanks for the advice on building the base set first. I will definitely be taking your advice.

Anybody have any ideas on what it's like building the '55 and the '56 set in straight 7's? I see those sets are significantly smaller than the '57.

I something think it is foolish to purchase graded commons, but I amways come back to the idea of having the complete set graded. I know it is much more expensive to have the entire set graded, but oh well.

Sport cards in my vice for sure. Anybody else feel this way?

Jeff

[vintagecpa]

It really depends on how long you want to enjoy the set-building process. Probably the best way to build the set is to try and buy at least 50%+ at one time to save on shipping charges. If you are patient, there is always somebody trying to unload a partial or whole registry set on eBay. The best way is to knock off a good chunk of commons in a big lot and look for deals with the stars.

[Zach Wheat]

Yes, I agree with Mike. I have seen a number of sets/partial sets for sale lately. FYI, I don't have my sets graded....I would rather spend the money on completing sets rather than paying for grading.

MWheat

[jg8422]

I agree Zach. I buy all of the cards for my sets already graded. I do this for 2 reasons. (1) it would cost a ton in grading fees and (2) I would be nervous about buying raw b/c I do not feel I have a good enough eye.