Topps Allen & Ginter

[obiwan1129]

I got really sucked into the 2016 Allen & Ginter cards. I am pathologically collecting the various Cubs cards from that set. Still have a few to go. I can't help but feel that this set was specifically designed to drive collectors like me nuts. (tongue firmly in cheek) Was just curious how many other folks here are into the the sets too.

Picked up my first printing plate. I don't have any silks yet. I'm not sure if I am into them or not. I know that is the beauty of collecting, you get to choose what you like.

I really like the jersey relics, autographs, and the back variations. I have most of them in a binder so I can look at them now and again. I have a few unopened hobby boxes on the way, looking forward to opening the packs up.

I have a Sandberg and Dawson base card autographed. Thinking about mailing out to a bunch of the players and seeing if I can get them to sign the card for me.

[swarmee]

A lot of vintage collectors like them because they resemble the old cards they collect, and add interesting historical items like those silks/cloths you mentioned. Some of the sets even include real cards from the 1880s in modern buyback frames as chase cards. While the original Allen & Ginter didn't make any silks to my knowledge, they were really popular in the 1910 era of tobacco cards:
https://www.comc.com/Cards,so,=silks,ot

Most set collectors still like them, but not as much now that you have to consider Ginter X, Chrome, and Sapphire? as parallels. Most people just liked the simplicity of a few parallels, which mostly stayed the same from year to year before Ginter X became a thing.

[PitcherMeRolling]

2020 was my 1st year collecting A&G. I don't think it's a particularly profitable product, but it's still one I like. Also, it's not that expensive, so it's not like you're breaking the bank. 3 hits per box is pretty good for the price, even if a lot of the relics aren't worth a lot (they're still cool cards).

The rip cards are cool and unique and, if you are looking to make your money back, they fetch decent prices on eBay.

I also like the feel of the cards. Chrome cards typically look good, but I don't particularly like the feel of them when I'm rifling through cards.

The throwback players are cool, too. They can be a nice addition to your personal collection without paying a ton for vintage cards.

[KangsKards]

I hadn't purchased a new release card since 1990, bought and opened two hobby boxes of 2020 Allen & Ginter, then another hobby box, had a blast, and then bought a case to put in the closet.

For my particular brand of OCD this set really lets me scratch that itch/enables me. The mini inserts and the other sub-sets, as well as the Rip Cards, in particular, all add to it, love that set.

Wanted to dive into 2020 Gypsy Queen, actually, not A&G, but didn't get the itch until September and that was already 6 months post-GQ release and it had already essentially doubled. Got in at $110 a box, $1100 on the case, GQ was roughly twice that.

[swarmee]

Gypsy queen doesn't hold long term value, comparatively. Ginter has a loyal following, and if you like puzzles, read up on the Ginter Code.

[PitcherMeRolling]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Gypsy queen doesn't hold long term value, comparatively. Ginter has a loyal following, and if you like puzzles, read up on the Ginter Code.

I wrote the messages down with some notes when it came out. My wife saw it with no context and thought I had gone crazy (more crazy?) for a few hours. Good times.

[PitcherMeRolling]

I like Gypsy Queen, too. Maybe a little more, since I think the chances of pulling an autograph are better.

Everything you said about A&G is right on the money, though.