A 1952 Topps complete set. Starting "the" ultimate post war project

[cardsagain74]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Damned fine cards, John.

Appreciate it Adam.

I'm pleased with the eye appeal of the top of the set, and that I was able to get the big boys in grade 3 and most of the other huge cards in around grade 4 without breaking the bank. And all clean except for Jackie (even though it's a very weak 3, am glad to have gotten him at all just before the spike in recent months).

The commons (both high and low #) drag down the overall set grade a little since about half of them would be 1.5s or 2s, but that's ok. It's difficult enough to build this at all, much less get everything in at least VG

[savedfrommyspokes]

Originally Posted by cardsagain74

And all clean except for Jackie (even though it's a very weak 3, am glad to have gotten him at all just before the spike in recent months).

The Jackie card is the only regret (in regards to not seriously pursuing a copy pre-spike) I have had in building my 52 set...I simply waited way too long to find a Jackie as I had no idea this card would nearly double in value in such a short period of time. Earlier in the year, similar grades were going for almost half of what I paid for a copy last week.

In watching prices (as compared to typical market values) for the key cards in this set over the past 15 years, I noticed typically December is the best month to buy. Well this year that theory did not hold water as the Jackie was twice the price this December as it was last spring. I don't believe I have seen the Mantle, Mays or Mathews from this set double in value over any given 6 month period like the Jackie has.

Will the spike of this card continue in 2021?

[cardsagain74]

Originally Posted by savedfrommyspokes

The Jackie card is the only regret (in regards to not seriously pursuing a copy pre-spike) I have had in building my 52 set...I simply waited way too long to find a Jackie as I had no idea this card would nearly double in value in such a short period of time. Earlier in the year, similar grades were going for almost half of what I paid for a copy last week.

In watching prices (as compared to typical market values) for the key cards in this set over the past 15 years, I noticed typically December is the best month to buy. Well this year that theory did not hold water as the Jackie was twice the price this December as it was last spring. I don't believe I have seen the Mantle, Mays or Mathews from this set double in value over any given 6 month period like the Jackie has.

Will the spike of this card continue in 2021?

The '52 Mays has had a big push lately (though it took awhile to participate much in the covid boom). But once it finally did, it caught up quick.

Mathews has still been a laggard this year though. To the point where Jackie may have passed it as the second-most valuable card in the set. Neck and neck now. For a card that has always been so prized and seen as so incredibly difficult, you would've thought it would do a little better.

As far as 2021, I'd be surprised if things didn't level off. When even the easier cards like Mays have spiked, that could be a sign that the overall pop (even for the "leaders" like Jackie) has about run its course

[Exhibitman]

well, I am just watching and scheming and picking them up when it makes sense



Which is made much easier by me not giving a damn about grade or slab.




Though I will get a slab when it makes sense:

[campyfan39]

Great cards! I detest grading and have cracked my share of cases. Love seeing these "pure" (not raw) cards!

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

well, I am just watching and scheming and picking them up when it makes sense



Which is made much easier by me not giving a damn about grade or slab.




Though I will get a slab when it makes sense:

[Exhibitman]

Thing is I gravitate towards cards that looked like they did when i was a kid. My 1970s cards were pack-fresh but OC (Topps) and my vintage cards were well-loved. Makes it a lot easier to collect older cards on a reasonable budget.

[cardsagain74]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Thing is I gravitate towards cards that looked like they did when i was a kid. My 1970s cards were pack-fresh but OC (Topps) and my vintage cards were well-loved. Makes it a lot easier to collect older cards on a reasonable budget.

That's just how I've always felt. Along with it being cheaper, I even enjoy having sets with some off-centered cards. A mix of all kinds of centering gives it more of a realistic feel.

My arbitrary cutoff for not minding "well-loved cards" is all vintage prior to 1972. That's the year that the sets start to really lose value and feel more modern. With this '52, I would have been fine with a full set of grade 1.5s, but the better deals for the HOFers ended up being in that 3-4 range.