I love your '60s collection. If you combine it with my '50s, we have....well still not as much great stuff as Al Richter (damn him), but still something awful good :)

Not sure what your condition requirements are, but I've got at least 100 '65s in G-VG condition that you can have for the cost of shipping. Also, in an earlier post you said you were thinking about starting 1963 Fleer. I just finished my signed 1963 Fleer set (no Clemente, because who are we kidding here), so I have some mid grade and higher commons from that set.

My set progress:

1956, 1970-1979 - complete
1955 - 185/206 (89%)
1960 - 515/572 (90%)
1965 - 518/598 (87%)
1968 - 596/598 (99.7%)

Working on the following sets:

1974 Topps baseball 570/660 (this is my second time around for this set)
1968 Topps football 205/219 (unfortunately one of the 14 I'm still missing is the elusive first series checklist card...I refuse to pay over $15 for a checklist, and they are going for $50 and up)
1951 Bowman football 91/144 (slowly but surely on this one, and I have the major star cards so far...)

Thanks John, that would be super cool to see...it would be cool if we could all gather with all our stuff and just check it all out...and yeah, Al is on another plain...life goals! :)

Can't wait to hold the 6000th card! My last 70's card was 1971 Don Baylor RC...never will forget that.

I have always liked that set a lot. I've never tried to build it because I don't think I could do much better than probably vg or maybe vgex ish. So, I haven't tackled it, but I always think of it. Kudos to you for doing it!

My final one for the '50s the other day was a '57 Juan Pizarro. Seemed to be a slight hoarding thing going on w/ it recently on ebay for low/mid grade ones, but I caught a set break by someone in a fb group.

I'm nowhere near in the '60s and '70s. Have a '67, '71, '73, '75, '78. Loooong way to go. Plus those are most of my favorites from the era, so not nearly as much motivation

Wow, Juan Pizarro for all your 50s...that's awesome and would have never guessed. My last card for my initial just 57 set was Koufax, then I sold set. Shouldn't have done that...lol.

You certainly have a great start...67 is the big boy and 71 is ROUGH. I'd recommend you do the 66 set...I believe the highs are still not at the value they should be, and I think that set is completely underated. Love that set, and would compliment your 67!

Finished my 1960 Topps set...finally! Got sniped 5 times on the 561 Al Kaline AS and finally scored a nice one. Focus now is on the 1964 Topps...one step closer to the 60's being complete. I feel like I am competing with twice as many set collectors than last year...haha. Good for the hobby, tough on us! :)


https://i.ibb.co/wpQpKFs/1960-Al-AS.jpg

I am down to only needing 2 for my 1954 tops set and 6 for my 1954 Red Heart set.
1964 is off to a good start as well with about 150 so far

Nice set John. It's kind of odd to me that the last card that you needed was that Kaline. I have 3 of them setting on my desk. I was a big Kaline fan when I was younger.

That would have been nice to know Jeff, I would have made an offer...:)

I am a huge Kaline fan as well. I have an employee in Detroit who literally grew up with Al as his idol. When he passed, I shipped my only autographed card to him (psa 73 Topps) as I knew he would need it more than me. That was a great moment. He held a zoom meeting with around 25 guys and we toasted Mr. Kaline and the card...the boys from Detroit area were very emotional. Cool moment and showed what he meant to a lot of people.


So that card was on a BIN for $32. My goal was to beat the BIN for my last card. 5 TIMES with cards equal but no better exceeded the $32 mark, a couple close to $50. I finally said screw it, bought the BIN! Not sure how that became the last card, always funny how the last card happens. I usually buy the big cards first...

Thanks! I have more pride in my '67 and '71 than most others. And since I'm not a Rose fan (foresee only wanting to spend '63 kind of $ on one that's been run over by a dump truck), I could quit the hobby with that '67 being my only '60s one and be content.

Was just able to find exactly the deal on the kind of '70 set that I hoped to (which is not easy, as it's fairly popular and can be tough to find at a price that's fair vs. the underlying breakup value).

So now halfway through the '70s, and it's the five that I prefer the most. Motivation to get the rest will be lacking :rolleyes:

I can't tell you how much it helped me reading this post. Here's my deal: I have a complete '53 Topps set. Then I am working on '54 Topps (have the big boys), '55 Topps (7 shy of complete), '52 Bowman (4 shy of complete), and '55 Bowman (25% complete but have Mantle, Mays, and Aaron). '50 Bowman is probably going to happen, as I have Jackie and Yogi. I also have a few '56 Topps stars and commons and would like that.

However, prices aren't exactly going down these days, and I am trying to not freak out. I am coming to the realization that I probably won't be able to round out the 50s, let alone collect the 60s sets I like. I am even considering dropping down to VG (or even G in places) to give myself a fighting chance of going a little further. Even at that, I am realizing I'm not going to be able to do it all and am learning to accept that and be content with what I am able to collect.

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What makes it even easier to be content is that we've been fortunate enough to have a lot of our big boys already. Most set work is still really downhill from there, even in this market.

It's one thing to pay $250 for a '77 set that would've cost $150 before covid. But paying 5 grand for Mays or Jackie cards that were $1000 a year ago? That's an incredibly tough pill to swallow. I know I couldn't do it.

Agreed. I do have pretty much all of the big cards to the sets I am working on. Of course, there are some HOF cards left to buy but nothing crippling. Whenever I start to build a set, I have always tried to get the big ones first because if it took me two or three years to build a set, those key cards would have risen even more during that time. Even in this market mid and lower grade commons and semi stars are still affordable.

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Set Collectors - Report in your progress!
 

Robert provides a good lead-in here.

Hi guys. I haven't ever posted much in set builder threads, because historically - since about age 11 or 12 anyway when I first got into old cards - I have been mostly about the stars and HOF'ers - basically a singles collector.

However as time has gone by, I've realized as I get older (I'm about to turn 44...) that it would really be a shame not to put together at least one vintage set that I like. That's what led me to choose 1972 last year - the set is older than I am, but by far my favorite of the 1970's. I just love how the psychedelic design seems to represent the era so well. And, as Robert pointed out - I'm kind of taking the tactic of getting the big cards first so as to give myself a downhill run in terms of difficulty. I already had the Nolan Ryan and a few other cards in '72, so here and there have been buying common lots. I'm not far enough in to be organized enough to have an exact count yet, but I'm guessing I'm somewhere at 150/787 on this, the original postwar "monster".

'72 really should be enough for someone who is notoriously bad at organizing things, but if you will checkout my avatar - you will see my latest prized possession. You know where that thought leads: "If you have the '67 Seaver, why wouldn't you go after the rest of the set?" This may be insane, but a few weeks ago I decided I was going to chase '67 as well. In some self-destructive way, I like the idea that the set is more difficult because of those high numbers. Anyway, with '67 I'm just getting started, but in addition to the Seaver I have maybe 25 VG range commons, and some of the bigger names on the way.

Condition - I'm not going to be any kind of snob with '67, since the high numbers themselves there can act as expensive star cards if you go for everything in EX-MT or anything like that. So on the whole there I think I want a VG range set, with the stars EX or better if I can swing that. '72 I started nicer - my stars on average are probably EX-MT or better, so I'm going to try to do the commons average in EX - assuming this market bubble we are living through right now does not extend it's insanity to 1970's cards.

Thoughts? Honestly I'm here mainly for encouragement. I can't tell you how many times over the past 25 years or so even as an adult collector - I've started and then quickly abandoned the idea of doing a vintage set. I really just feel like the time is right - and if I don't get moving on this idea now, it will probably never happen.

Thanks!

As Leon would say, every thread needs some pictures:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...31a3a7059b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1a37e94336.jpg

Bad news out of the way first: :)

The '67 is a valuable set that's an expensive build. Without Seaver, it should cost around $3500-$4000 to get the rest in a raw VG-EX. Maybe 60% of that is in the remaining high numbers, even without Tom and with just 75 to get, because about half of them command $20 -$40 each even for mid-grade commons. You'll likely be hen-picking here and there and losing hair to get to the finish line.

Good news:

Along with the other advantages of having a '67, it's a great candidate for what you want (conditionwise). It's not much more expensive to get the highs in ex-ex/mt as it is in VG. And really you could say that about the whole set. You could build something really nice to go with that Seaver w/o spending a bunch more than my 3500-4000 estimate.

And of course, you're getting what many feel (myself included) to be clearly the best set of the '60s. Rookie cards of two of the very best players of the time, the best high numbers of the decade, and every superstar imaginable (as long as you're ok with a small sliver of Koufax!)

Bottom line: the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages, especially for your spot.

I'd go for it

Thanks. It's at least the second time recently I've heard mentioned that the high numbers are not that much more expensive in EX over and above VG...

I would agree '67 probably takes most top honors for the nicest set of the 60's in terms of the photography and simple design - although I do love those '65 team flags as well.

Thanks for the write ups guys...being in the middle of the 67 battle I can relate...and it's the second time i've built this set, gluton for punishment! I can tell you I totally agree, the highs are like stars. If you know anything about this set you'll know how excited I was to recently snipe a Demeter and an Alomar...haha...I know each of these by heart as I know you guys do to!

I got 40 left, and its a hell of a hill. I usually do start with the big cards but this time I had lots of commons to start and went from there. Last time I had a BEAUTIFUL raw Seaver that I can't believe I sold...so I am on that hunt...now...

I'm working on 67 too, and just passed 500. My most recent additions are Alomar and Grant. Still a big job ahead as I'm missing Seaver, Carew, Mantle, B Robby (looking for these guys graded) and about half the highs, and nothing's getting cheaper.

I find it interesting how infrequently 67s are offered here on the BST despite the popularity of the set and the number of us who are working on it.

Best of luck to you guys who are also in the hunt!

The Carew RC is ridiculous anymore. I don't historically think of that as being quite on par w/ the Seaver, but a guy on eBay this week was wanting close to $700 for a PSA 4. :eek:

Looks like a couple of PSA 4s sold for just 320ish two days ago though. Wouldn't have minded even upgrading mine for that, since it has the typical wacky Carew centering

Carews in BIN format are above my price point anymore. I may have to wait out an auction. I will agree the centering on all '67's is tough, due to the fact that the borders are so narrow to begin with. Add the ever-present tilt problem in, and it becomes even more difficult. For my set, I'm going for print clarity and color before centering. I don't like badly OC or miscut cards, but 70/30 one way is not going to bother me.

I am down to 100 even for my 54 topps set

Down to 3 on the 1954 Red Heart set

Down to 9 on my 1953 topps set
(really 8 as I have just about given up on ever having the Mays)

How are you doing on your 64 set?

I need 100 to complete including some stars but I have all the big boys. Also have a decent amount of the highs.
You? I already got rid of my dupes.

Cool, dang, your ripping that one out! Are you doing 54s too or did you mean 64s? I am down to 36, but DO need some big boys...Mantle, Rose...I usually get the Mantle first! Co-doing 67s at the same time is NOT helping...lol.

I won't even try 67!
I sold my Clemente rookie (56 is my fave anyways :) and so I had some cash on hand and a friend who is a dealer was happy to take it off my hands haha. I finished 54 and made the big dent in 64 and 53!

Current build here (probably one not mentioned much):

'48 Bowman

Always had Yogi. Eventually got Musial. Then someone sold me a lot of about half the set recently.

You know what will happen at that point. But always had in the back of my mind to get the whole set anyway. More than happy getting the little brother of everyone's favorite set of children's drawings from that year (yep not a fan of the '48 Leaf)

Will make due with Stan, Yogi, and Spahn rookies!

Schoendienst is the biggest card I have left now, and it's surprisingly tough.

34/48

1970's sets
 

I've never been a set collector, always looking for individual cards of HOF'ers. This post inspired me so a few months ago I decided to go after 1970 Topps sets. After all, with COVID restrictions there was nothing better to do.

I have all of them finished except about 100 cards for the 1970 and 1971 sets and a few cards for the 1972 set. There's a local show next Saturday so hopefully, I can get most of what I need.

Thanks to an N54 board member it looks like I'm starting the 1965 set next. Also, I have over 100 PSA graded 1969's so it looks like that set will follow.

All ex-mt and above:

I'm down to 3 high numbers to complete 1972. It's only taken 49 years.

I need 28 to complete 1971, mostly mid-highs. But a 1971 Bob Garibaldi in raw 6 or 7 should not be $10. So we'll hold on that.

I need about 80 to complete 1966, about 25 highs. Plus Mays and Aaron. May never happen.

That would give me complete from 64-65-66, skip 67, then 1968 to 2012 when I abandoned the new stuff. I have a few upgrades in those years to go, but again, that's a hold for now.

I have a nice 1964 partial that I might use to underwrite it and a nice 1961 complete set that I'll also move. I thought about upgrading the 61 set, but it'd be mostly moving from some ex-range stars to ex-mt. Especially in the high numbers, it doesn't make sense. Plus I don't like the 61s.

Nice work Dan! I love those binders and that's the first I've seen graded cards in binders? Great work on the 1970 set...I love mine. My birth year so when I built that one I was super picky...EXMT only and had as much upgrading as I did building. Great set, first post Mantle, but a killer Ryan. For a Seattle guy like me the Pilot cards are special too...

nwfsteve...great update, thats a hell of a run. Don't give up on those 66's...just chip away here and there...patience on the big sets!

John...how do your store your 48's? That set has always intrigued me...

I'm currently trying to piece together T206 (easy backs) and 1967 O-Pee-Chee sets. You'd think I'd be further along with the OPC's, but alas, you'd be unbelievable wrong (C'MON!). :p

T206 - 40.2%
1967 O-Pee-Chee - 6.9%

I just use card savers for any of the early undersized raw Bowman cards.

Probably not the best idea, but especially as someone who doesn't like binders (my '51s even came in one w/ the custom sheets for that size, yet I quickly plucked them out like they were on fire), I haven't looked into a better solution yet :confused:

Working about three sets right now with one in wait. I am extremely close to being complete on the 1966 Topps set just waiting on the mail to get the last few cards. I just love this set and the design of the cards. The backs are a bit tough to read sometimes but still its my joy. The 67 Set is getting closer. I listed a 77 card lot on the BST boards in hopes to try and find some trades and made a few nice trades so far but here I have 461/609 so far. The Seaver, Carew and a few highs will hurt but I have some trade bait HOF rookies im holding on too to help with cost of that when the time arrives. The 1964 Set is also one of my favorites I am working on and so far I am 387/587. Its quite fun building sets. I hope to get close to completion on the 67 set this year with the 64 coming in behind that. Anyone looking to trade hit me up I have lot of 65 topps and quite a few other years if I can help anyone out.

Yep, I have a bunch of commons available for sale or trade too. 1964-1970. Mostly mid grades, but some lower grades too. And have some NM and better from 1964, 1965 and 1970.

Let me know if you need anything. The 64s are especially nice, I plan to put some scans up on BST.

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Working on my updated 64 and 67 Checklists now...……...will send to you. Can you PM your email to me. I am mainly looking for strong VGEX to EXMT but will see what ya got. NM may be too good for the sets I am doing.

Thanks! Yes, those are graded cards in binders. I'm trying to get 8 - 12 PSA graded HOF'ers for each set. I'm not doing those graded card holders any more (don't think). They are way too expensive.

progress?!
 

1934-36 Diamond Stars - 6 cards away, 36 cards in for grading
1910 Mecca T210's - 6 cards away, 30 for the master set
1952 Berk Ross - I have bought 1 card, but I have good intentions
T206 - 206/520 advancing slowly, glaciers move faster

1948/49 Leaf Baseball - Complete
1954 Red Heart - Complete
1963 Bazooka All Time Greats - Complete
1940 Superman- Complete
1966 Batman (Black Bat) - Complete

The hunt is on, especially with prices going up, and my spending money is not matching the pace.

Completing the Leaf set is quite an accomplishment. I have completed the non-short prints and have a little less than half the short prints, but I doubt I will ever be able to afford a Paige to actually complete the set.

45/48 now on the '48 Bowman. Just three commons left.

Seems strange having a set that fits in your hip pocket

While I was working on it I kept posting on here that I was looking for the corner of a Paige to complete the set. Ironically enough, mired in the back pages of a Sunday Heritage sale, I was able to buy a borderless Paige, technically, everything EXCEPT the corners. My pockets are not deep, and I was able to pick it up for less than $900, but still had to sleep in the garage for a couple of weeks.

:p

Maybe I can find the missing borders some day and buy them so I at least have part of a Paige.

The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a slab containing just the borders graded AUTHENTIC out there somewhere!

Progress is a flexible term, right? I finished the 60T and actively working through 55T now (but the Clemente might have to wait a few years). My run of Kelloggs is coming along nicely.

1930 W554 44%
1955T 69%
1955B 26%
1960T 100% Complete
1961T 41%
1962 Salada Coins 30%
1964T Giants 73%
1970T 60% + Booklets 67% + Scratch Offs 13%
1973T 73%
1975T Mini 49%

1977 Hostess Panels 73%

Kelloggs: 1970 47%, 1972 87%, 1972 ATG 100%, 1973 100%, 1974 16%, 1979-83 100%

1953 topps (need only 1: Willie Mays and I pick it up on the 20th from a dealer friend who hooked me up with an unbelievable price. He is even taking a loss. Man it is great to have awesome friends!)

1954 Red Heart (need only 1: Roy McMillan)

1964 topps (need 50: hoping to put a major dent at that card show in 2 1/2 weeks

'48 Bowman set is complete.

Was glad to get the Musial finally in hand....one of those slabbed 2s (SGC) that's the typical "what is wrong with this". When you know they saw something, but I have tilted at every angle and can't see anything wrong with the surface, and otherwise it's a 3.5 or 4

At least it has that eye appeal regardless *shrug*

I am about 25 cards shy of completing my 67 set.
I need 3 more 66s... Craig, Tebbetts and G Perry
Need 5 more 64 stand ups to complete set
Need 1 more 69 super. Rich Allan
Need 5 more 54 red hearts
Need a 2 68 upgrades... all star Brooks and Roberto
Need 1 65 bazooka panel- Koufax