Toughest signed cards possible

[CooperstownExpert]

It took nearly 30 years to complete the 1985,86,87 Topps and the 1986 Donruss and 1987 Fleer sets. The funny thing is now that they're complete I don't really know what to do with them. They're pretty duplicitous. It took a ton of effort and I wouldn't want to another similar project. Getting 86T Doug Flynn, 87T Wright, 85T Al Williams, or that 87F Magic Mets, or 86D Romero took a lot of luck and attention. It's kind of like, "Now what?". Looking back, it was the toughies that made it so fun.

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by CooperstownExpert

It took nearly 30 years to complete the 1985,86,87 Topps and the 1986 Donruss and 1987 Fleer sets. The funny thing is now that they're complete I don't really know what to do with them. They're pretty duplicitous. It took a ton of effort and I wouldn't want to another similar project. Getting 86T Doug Flynn, 87T Wright, 85T Al Williams, or that 87F Magic Mets, or 86D Romero took a lot of luck and attention. It's kind of like, "Now what?". Looking back, it was the toughies that made it so fun.

How did you get the 87T Wright?

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by CooperstownExpert

It took nearly 30 years to complete the 1985,86,87 Topps and the 1986 Donruss and 1987 Fleer sets. The funny thing is now that they're complete I don't really know what to do with them. They're pretty duplicitous.

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

du·plic·i·tous
d(y)o͞oˈplisitəs/
adjective
deceitful.
"treacherous, duplicitous behavior"

[MacDice]

Why is the 87F Magic Mets such a difficult card? Is it just because Garry Carter passed away and had a short window to sign the card or does someone refuse to sign it?

[dgo71]

Originally Posted by MacDice

Why is the 87F Magic Mets such a difficult card? Is it just because Garry Carter passed away and had a short window to sign the card or does someone refuse to sign it?

I assume it's tough because of Carter, but not because he had a short window to sign it. Carter died in 2012, 25 years after the card was issued. Carter was tough(er) to get on cards from 1984 on, after his sister (I think it was his sister) passed away from leukemia. When that happened he would only sign cards from 1984 on for a $25 donation. While many collectors had no problem giving him the money to get their set cards done, the Magic Mets card probably wasn't near the top of the list people would spend $25 for. At least compared to say, 87T, 89UD, etc.

[vintagehofrookies]

is a 1973 Topps Roberto Clemente possible? That would be an amazing auto to have

[RaidonCollects]

Originally Posted by vintagehofrookies

is a 1973 Topps Roberto Clemente possible? That would be an amazing auto to have

Unfortunately he died on New Years Eve 1972, quite a while before '73 Topps was printed. You can find '72 clemente autos, but they sell for $$$$

Owen

[sbfinley]

Originally Posted by RaidonCollects

Unfortunately he died on New Years Eve 1972, quite a while before '73 Topps was printed. You can find '72 clemente autos, but they sell for $$$$

Owen

I was actually perusing an old Legendary catalog last night that had a signed 72' set with all three Clementes and my jaw dropped.

I also had no clue about the difficulty of a Perez-Steele Robin Roberts until this past Heritage auction. Closed over $7k if I recall correctly.

[Laxcat]

Originally Posted by CooperstownExpert

It took nearly 30 years to complete the 1985,86,87 Topps and the 1986 Donruss and 1987 Fleer sets. The funny thing is now that they're complete I don't really know what to do with them. They're pretty duplicitous. It took a ton of effort and I wouldn't want to another similar project. Getting 86T Doug Flynn, 87T Wright, 85T Al Williams, or that 87F Magic Mets, or 86D Romero took a lot of luck and attention. It's kind of like, "Now what?". Looking back, it was the toughies that made it so fun.

How do you define "complete" ? I'd pay $25 to see a certified '86 Maris.