Complete Set frustration

[Tomman1961]

I am collecting a raw but nice set of Diamomd Stars. I picked up the 2 Mahaffey variations for kicks. I know that having every number and ever variation is a Master Set. Would you be satisfied by calling your set "complete" if you did not get the High Numbers in this set? And none of the complete variation? The high numbers are the exact same poses as their lower number.
I have 1961 Topps Master Set - the year I was born. VBut the cost was insignificant.
I do not chase T206 because I would NEED to have everyone-which will include the big $ guys, and I will never afford them.
So, I am frustrated. I do not mind not having the name and team variations. Do I need the high numbers to call my set "complete?" Even as i am typing, I am back-tracking and think a set is not complete until you have all the numbers, and all the variations.
Thoughts?

[drc]

Wouldn't all variations before a master set, not a complete set? I don't follow the issue, so i may be missing something here.

[HercDriver]

I had to stop collecting complete sets because I got tired of paying for guys I didn't care about, like Mantle. Find what you like, and go with it - you're the only judge of "complete."

Take Care,
Geno

[g_vezina_c55]

I think like you, i want every variation and short print when i build a set.

It is the only thing i hâte in t206, iwill never have a complete set

[drc]

I guess I'm lucky in that I've always liked assortments and variety. I've never desired to complete a set. I'm a restless sort.

[kcohen]

From what you wrote, it would appear that it doesn't matter what the rest of us think. You probably will not be satisfied with anything short of a master set. FWIW, I personally think that you need examples of the high numbers for a basic set. If I'm not mistaken, the high numbers have different bio info on the back even though the fronts are the same. Also, to be complete, you probably need both Greenberg and Greenburg.

[howard38]

.

[drc]

Technically, the Diamond Stars is considered an extension of the Old Judge set, so you're going to have to get those cards too.

[HRBAKER]

When these things start to become an aggravation it moves from being a hobby to self-torture.

I think the answer to your questions is yes, they are part of the set and to have a "complete" set you would need them.
What you would have without them is a partial or low number set.

[darwinbulldog]

I used to collect Diamond Stars. I was working on putting together a complete set. My opinion at the time was that would include the high numbers. If I try it again, I'll try to complete it with the high numbers.

[bbcard1]

It's your collection, you get to do it as you want it. I have a t205 set without the stray line variations. Doesn't bother me in the least. I have a T206 519 working toward 520. It is unlikely I would get a Plank and honestly i think the Magie is overrated...and if I get to a 520, I'll be quite happy. You don't think it's complete? I don't care, it's my collection not yours.

[g_vezina_c55]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

It's your collection, you get to do it as you want it. I have a t205 set without the stray line variations. Doesn't bother me in the least. I have a T206 519 working toward 520. It is unlikely I would get a Plank and honestly i think the Magie is overrated...and if I get to a 520, I'll be quite happy. You don't think it's complete? I don't care, it's my collection not yours.

I agree with you

Everyone have a personnal way to collect and build his set. And all way is corect!

[Bridwell]

I consider the set complete at 108, with the 12 high numbers. Collecting all the green and blue backs and variations is ridiculous in that set. A 'set' of 96 is reasonable, too, because you would have one of every player. Like some of the others have said, the hobby is for you to decide what you enjoy best.

[Leon]

A "set" can be whatever you want it to be. Personally, I would include high numbers in a set but maybe not variations that were errors. (If I collected sets)

I have been searching for a few specific types for many years. As I told someone in an email a few minutes ago, the hunt is a big part of the fun.

[AgonyandIvy]

I would say it would be "complete" with every variation. But so what? Why does it "HAVE" to be 100% complete right NOW or it's all a complete failure? If you want to collect a complete Diamond Stars then collect a complete Diamond Stars. Collections are journeys not deadlined tasks. If its not 100% complete so what? I think a 50-75 or 80% complete Diamond Stars would be a pretty cool kick butt collection on its own. I'd rather have even a 50% DS or 25% T206 thàn say a 100% 1986 or a 1990 anything collection.

You never know what the future holds. There are cards that I thought I would never own that I do own in my collection now. I think you should keep doing what you want to have. Diamond Stars are awesome cards. Sure it might be hard. But like Jimmy Dugan said in "League of Their Own" 'it's the hard that makes it fun' (or something like that).

[T206Collector]

I am by nature a set chaser. T206 provides a perpetual thrill of the hunt. To deprive yourself the joy of owning a Donlin Fielding or Chase w/ Trophy because you will never own a Wagner is massively unfair to the 520ish other T206s that are ready and willing to provide you with a lifetime of joy!

[Luke]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

I am by nature a set chaser. T206 provides a perpetual thrill of the hunt. To deprive yourself the joy of owning a Donlin Fielding or Chase w/ Trophy because you will never own a Wagner is massively unfair to the 520ish other T206s that are ready and willing to provide you with a lifetime of joy!

Couldn't agree more! I picked up this one last weekend, and I love it. I will also never own a Wagner.

[Tomman1961]

Thank you all. I would always be frustrated if I had 520 of The Monster. Never being able to complete it without tho$e big money guy$.
A good point came up that not only are there front variations to the DS set (names and jersey team designations) but an awful number of green backs/blue backs. Since the high number fronts are the same pix as the low's, I am leaning towards my "set" will be 96. And only 1 variation for kicks-the Mahaffey uniform difference. I do not need the Babich, The Greenburg/berg. That then would set me off to chase all the green and blue variations. ( Hope this is the most troubling thing i have to wrestle with the rest of my days.)
Again I appreciate the help. And at no cost! My therapist charges me $250 an hour for this stuff.