Is It Worth Completing A 1960 Leaf Set?

[darkhorse9]

I am a full on set collector for anything post-war. I have completed a 1960 78Leaf high grade low numbered set (1-72,), but I'm really wondering if completing the second series would be worth anywhere near the needed investment.

The second series is almost entirely madd up of Commons, yet you can never find a good condition high number for under $25 (usually more). That means at least $2,000 into the set. With no real rookies and the only stars being Sparky Anderson,Orland Cepeds and Jim Bunning I don't see people clamoring for the set.

I'm a completist and that hole in my collection just hits me, but I need someone to motivate me to take them next step or just stop at the low numbers

[isiahfan]

I am the same as you...I had a low series set for 25 years?...finally let it go last year as I felt both series were VERY low on star/RC power....i.e., don't have a lot of drivers to maintain/increase in value with the exception of scarcity of the higher series and HTF in good condition. I would sell your one series and invest in something more fun...maybe a 64 Fleer set?

[G1911]

Originally Posted by darkhorse9

I am a full on set collector

If you are a full on set collector, and you feel it is a whole in your collection and you like the set, then it doesn't matter that the players aren't big names and might not be worth much fiscal gain in the future.

If you are an investor, skip the Leafs.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by G1911

If you are a full on set collector, and you feel it is a whole in your collection and you like the set, then it doesn't matter that the players aren't big names and might not be worth much fiscal gain in the future.

If you are an investor, skip the Leafs.

well said

[ALR-bishop]

I have done the set and like it. I ended up with one unopened pack from each series. Besides the Lawrence/Grant variation there are 3 variants of the Hal Smith Cardinals card, 4 if you count the the prototype card. The Smith variants and the 8 “big portrait” prototypes are pretty pricy.

I wanted the packs because of their unique marbles rather than gum

But agree it would not seem to be a great investment set

[ALR-bishop]

Some 1960 Leaf

[Harliduck]

Cool stuff Al...

I've debated this set many times over...and have passed. But the debate continues as I run out of Post War sets I'm interested in. I have never owned a 1960 Leaf, not one common. I plan on picking a couple up...see if they speak to me...lol. But for right now I just can't find the interest due to the high numbers. I can say this...if I change my mind, much like your self debate...I WILL have to complete the entire set. It's why I can't get into the 52 Topps...my OCD will not allow anything uncomplete.

[Rrrlyons]

You could lower your condition requirements for the second series. Then if you sell the set you can sell them separately because there is still a high enough demand for lower grade high numbers.

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by Rrrlyons

You could lower your condition requirements for the second series. Then if you sell the set you can sell them separately because there is still a high enough demand for lower grade high numbers.

That's a good point Rick. Did you complete this set??

[Rrrlyons]

Originally Posted by Harliduck

That's a good point Rick. Did you complete this set??

Yes

[Exhibitman]

Really, it comes down to what you like collecting. I just wanted a few players in the set so I went for really nice examples.

[bradmar48]

I guess I'm the crazy one here. I bought some packs back in 1960 and had to have the complete set. My set is now a PSA 8 and I'm still working on it.
I have hundreds of extra high number as well as packs from both series.

[IndyDave]

I thought I had completed the set as they weren’t on my want list. The hobby went on a hiatus for about 15 years while my son was growing up. During the pandemic I spent a lot of time urging cards in binders. When I found the box with the 1960 Leaf I found I had the low numbers and only a few high numbers.

I’ve been working on it for the last few years. Found Sparky Anderson and the two Smiths in the last month. I’m down to 104 Jim Woods as the last one.

When I first found the hobby in the early 1970s the 1960 Leaf set was in the checklist book I bought. I’ve always considered part of the collecting the main post war sets.

I agree with others. This set certainly isn’t an investment vehicle.

[sb1]

It's a great set for purist collectors and does not have any really big $ cards.

It was not a popular issue at the time, many retailers had unsold stock. I was still buying them at the local grocery store in 1968. The second series was very difficult until dealer Allen Harness found a store full of unopened boxes in the early 2000's. This really brought the supply up and made the set doable, and made a large supply of high grade cards available.

The most cost effective was is to actually buy a complete set, which are auctioned on a regular basis, even if you have the 1st series, those can be sold to recoup part of the set price.