Don't feel like the Lone Ranger on this. There are a lot of us budget-conscious collectors out there. I am probably in the same boat on the '51 Bowman set (Mays and Mantle), but I really love the set's look. I will concentrate on the 50s sets that I can finish first (which is pretty much everything except for '51B and '52T), but after I have managed to complete all of those others, I might circle back and do what I can on '51B and '52T. I happen to like them both.

Finally processing a group of cards I got nearly a month ago from a Net member (1 or 2 lots maybe....). Now at 444/523 without high numbers.

LCS has a massive lot of high numbers. I've only ever been interested in the All Star cards. I might cherry pick the better ones (the ones actually listed in Beckett) if I can work out some kind of deal.

Also picked up my 4th Mantle of the set, Game 2 WS card. 2 more to go (406 monster 565 ft HR & 578 AS)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e82071dc9e.jpg

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Nice looking lot of 61's. I've been picking away at the 61 set myself. The area shows have been scarce this year so it's been slow going.
Good luck with your collecting.

I've recently started picking through most of the main stream 50's sets and picked up a really nice 56 Clemente so I thought i'd write a bit of an update because it's been 2 months since my last post.

Of the set's that i'm currently seriously collecting i'm at

50 Bowman 174/252
54 Topps 21/250
55 Topps 144/206
56 Topps 74/340
57 Topps 107/407

The 56 Topps set is the first set that I've started working on where I've been picking up stars first(got the Clemente, Mays, Aaron) instead of getting commons lots and then filling in the stars. I've found it's just as satisfying and a bit less stressful knowing that I've got the big purchases out of the way already and don't have to worry about them. I've attached the Clemente because I think you guys will enjoy it.

Not necessarily 'progress' in the truest sense of the word, but I did finally locate the 1960 Topps Baseball set my dad and I put together probably 30 years ago. I knew it was at his house somewhere, but had not seen it in years.

Going through a bedroom closet, low and behold, there it was - still in the three ring binder and every card in the sheets. No graded cards, none pulled out and put into hard cases. Everyone was home.

Like the Prodigal Son.

I received 8 cards in the mail today from an Ebay purchase which puts me at needing just 15 more cards to complete my 1956 Topps baseball set. They are all commons with the exception of Cerv and Don Larsen who sell above common prices but I am reasonably confident this set will be wrapped up by December.

Just got card #45 so I am now down to one card(#65) to finish my 1959 Fleer Ted Williams set.

I am curious about building this set as I was thinking about doing this one or the '63 Fleer set after I am done with the '56. Was this a pain to put together? I would be looking for non-graded, mid grade type cards and I know the "Ted Signs" card will kill my wallet but other than that, did you find this set hard to assemble and very costly or maybe not so much?

Sorry for all the questions but I am ready for a smaller set right now. lol

It is a beautiful set. Compared to other super star cards from the era they are beyond cheap and very easy to find.

If you buy the un-graded cards in bigger lots you can save a ton of cash. I have easily 30-35 SGC NrMint and better cards I would sell for $15 each if you take the entire lot. Thats cheap enough you could crack them out.:)

I am lacking about 80 cards on my latest project, a lower grade '52 Bowman. Really enjoying that set, and I am in no hurry to finish. I don't think that's ever happened to me before.

Got the last card to my 1959 Fleer Ted Williams set in the mail today.:)

Fellow member Sean(JoeDfan) noticed my post saying I only needed one card to finish the set. He was kind enough to send me the last card I needed for FREE. Thanks Sean.

I cracked it out as my set is ungraded.

A very nice gesture helps complete a great set!

Congrats! One of my fave sets. Definitely not the last card most collectors had on their want list.

Congrats Ben!

I finally got to get to a show and was able to pick up several cards for my 61 Topps Baseball set. I'm down to around 190 to go. Unfortunately I need almost all of the high numbers, so it's going to be a little slower going.

On Saturday I hit up the first card show we've had in Houston since early in the year. Only went to one table but came away with 130 or so commons (and a few minor stars) for my 1967 build. Puts me at 485 of 609, 79.6%.

I picked up the last 2 cards I needed to finish my 1961 Wrigley Exhibit Postcard back set. I had to buy a complete set to do it, though, so the rest of the set is posted for sale in the 1960-1979 Baseball B/S/T forum. If you are interested, take a look at the listing and email me with what you need.

Jay

With this 1971 Topps Greatest Moments Tim McCarver card, I am now just a tad bit past the '1/5 of the way' point of completion (13/55). It's a long and winding road for sure, but I'm happy to add him...

Attachment 419916

Grade aside, it's actually in really nice shape. The top left corner has a ding (that is much more evident when looking closely at the back) which surely lowered it to a 5.

My son and I made it to a show this past weekend. I found a nice Eddie Matthews and some high numbers for my 61 Topps set. Getting closer!

2 cards away from an exmt or better 59 set. Had some help from fellow board members along the way...chasing the elusive Del Rice and Wally Moon cards..haha!


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1967 Set
 

I'm inside last 10% on EXMT - NM 1967 set. Love that set.

3 cards away for completion of my '56 Topps baseball set. I just need the following:

263 Bob Miller
268 Dale Mitchell
332 Don Larsen

I cannot wait to put this one to bed!

After a fairly large purchase yesterday, I am now only 11 cards away from completing '52 Bowman. Strangely, I am not in a hurry. Loving these cards!

I'm chasing a number of sets on a slow burn. I've had a pretty good month.

1930 W554 18/18 44%
1955 Topps 105/206 51% (Killebrew, Berra and Rizzuto picked up)
1960 Topps 363/572 64%
1970 Kelloggs 30/75 40%
1970 Topps 368/720 51%

Working on 52 and 54 Topps sets. Got the last big card for the 54s yesterday and found some nicely centered 52 high numbers. So, now I’m at:

52T: 311/406
54T: 176/250

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I am working on this set as well, I have 67 left. It is a fun set to collect.

What kind of prices and value do you get at shows for stuff like that nowadays (compared to online)?

I still haven't been to a show since the end of the junk wax era at college....

Good deal and good luck on your set. I just purchased three more. Down to eight more to go.

I am getting close to completing one of my favorite sets of the 1950s, the 1951 Bowman set. Down to the last (5) 3. Robin Roberts, 26. Phil Rizzuto 30. Bob Feller, 80. Pee Wee Reese and 232. Nellie Fox. Been working on this set for quite sometime and looking forward to completing it but gonna miss the pursuit.

Started a complete Topps and Bowman 1950-1960 run a few months back and have made it to just shy of 30% done. My current progress stands at

50 Bowman 178/252
51 Bowman 34/324
52 Bowman 123/252
52 Topps 1/407
53 Bowman 53/224
53 Topps 2/280
54 Bowman 32/224
54 Topps 57/250
55 Bowman 18/320
55 Topps 164/206
56 Topps 83/340
57 Topps 162/407
58 Topps 222/495
59 Topps 232/572
60 Topps 54/575

I am now just waiting for the arrival of the Larsen and I will be done. I never thought I would be done before the end of this year. Been working on this set for two or three years and assumed it would take me at least five.

Now on to the '65 baseball set

Sets
 

1961 Post Cereal Baseball - Master Set Complete
1962 Post Cereal Baseball - Master Set Complete
1963 Post Cereal Baseball - Master Set Complete

1962 Post Cereal Football - Need 2 Sam and Dave Baker 60 for Master Set
1962 Post Cereal Canadian Football - Need 9
1963 Post Cereal Canadian Football - Complete 4 Upgrades and 13 for Master Set

2012 Topps Gypsy Queen
Base with Variations - Complete
Base Mini's with Variations - Complete
Moonshots, Sliding Stars, Glove Stories Mini and Base Complete
Hallmark Heroes -Complete
Rising Stars - Complete
Gypsy Kings - Complete
Gold Frames - Complete
Blue Frames - Need 3 - Griffey Jr, Yaz and Feller
Gypsy Queen Mini Backs - Have 214
Straight Cut Mini Backs - Have 104
Relics Regular - Have 21
Relics Mini - Have 24
Convention Minis - Need 3 - Harper, Luck and Tannehill

1961 Topps
 

I walked into a local card shop today and to my surprise there are several 61 Topps cards in the case. The cards I picked up are nice mid grade +. I got 4 of the All-Star cards, a nice Billy Williams, Ron Santo, and Hank Aaron card. Getting closer, only 140 cards to go.

http://https://www.net54baseball.com...1&d=1607549076

Just picked up these 1966 Topps from Greg Morris Cards on an eBay auction.

Need 29 to finish the set and just nine high numbers.

Completed my 52 Topps low number set today. Now the hunt get slow and painful, the highs, including Mantle, Robinson, and Mathews.

Whole set progress: 326/407

Sets in progress
 

I am currently trying to complete these great sets with 100% PSA graded slabs. PM me if you have any to sell.

1. 1963 Topps Baseball. Approx. 50% complete. Want to GPA @ 7.50+
2. 1972 Topps Baseball. Approx. 60% complete. Want to GPA 8.50+
2. 1975 Topps Baseball. 95% complete. GPA 8.57
3. 1979 Topps Baseball. 85% complete. GPA 9.31
4. 1980 Topps Baseball. Approx. 50% complete. Want to GPA 9.50+
5. 1989 Upper Deck Baseball. Approx. 40% complete. Want to GPA 10.00
6. 1959 Topps FB. 98.3% complete. GPA 8.26
7. 1979 Topps FB. 82% complete. GPA 9.75

I also need one 1955 Topps All-American in PSA 8.5 or 9 to complete my 4th set of AA's. Biggie Munn # 92. That said, I may have to settle for an 8, as I have 2 of the 3 in grade 9 that exist and the only 8.5 that exists in my #1,2,3 sets. If you have the only other Biggie in 9 or even a quality 8, please PM me.

I'm continuing to upgrade my 53 Bowman Color set to where it will be anywhere between excellent to excellent mint. However, my acquisitions are slowing down as prices are rising and my Mantle, Reese, and Musial cards are in vg/ex condition and the jump up to excellent is costly.

After finally adding Carrasquel last month I am one card away from finishing my 1952 Topps low number run but it looks like I picked the wrong card to put off til last: Willie Mays. Pandemic prices have skyrocketed and even poorly centered ones are through the roof. I've been looking for a decently centered 5 or 4 but I'm afraid I may have missed the boat. (If you have one available please let me know.)

With 52T nearly in the books I really want to stay involved in a 50s set so recently picked up the pace on 1954 Bowman. I'm just out of the gate and sit at about 10%.

My 67 set is creeping along and I'm now a little over 80% at 490. Recently added Mays, Maris, and a half dozen high numbers including a PSA 7.5 Wills.

Deleted

Wonderful story! Happy for you

Woohoo! I finally finished off my 1952 Topps 1-310 quest. I bit the bullet and added this Mays from Lelands on Friday. Not as well centered as I’d have liked, but I think it presents nicely otherwise and won’t look at all out of place in my EX+ set.

Time for a breather now since I blew several months’ card budget on the Mays, but am looking forward to working aggressively on 1967 and 1954 Bowman next year.

Congrats on the low number milestone and great looking Mays!

52 Topps Progress: 329/407

Low number base set complete, but still need 37 red backs, 4 black backs and a wrong bio Sain to complete my master run (not doing grey backs).

Box is already full though, gotta expand
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Thanks to pickups from a few Net54 members, I've made good progress on my 55T and 60T sets. Only 27 cards for my 60T set.

Somehow I've also started a 1975 mini set too. It wasn't my fault. It all started with a spur of the moment purchase of a bunch of high grade commons....

1955 Topps 125/206 61%
1960 Topps 545/572 95%
1961 Topps 211/587 36%
1970 Topps 405/720 56%
1975 Topps Mini 224/660 34%

I picked up a nice Mantle #300 for my 1961 Topps set. The neat thing about getting this Mantle is it's a card that I sold to my friend 30 years ago. Now I have it back and in my set.

Haven't checked back in on this thread in a long time. Funny to see the progress since my last post. I have completed the 1933 Goudey except for the second Gehrig and the Lajoie. 1934 Goudey is done except for Greenberg. Diamond Stars is done except for 3 high numbers (99/105/108). I have the Play Balls except the 39 Williams, 40 Dimaggio and 40 Shoeless Joe. I consider all these "done" - except for the Diamond Stars - as the remaining cards are too darned expensive.

In the mean time, I started collecting variations. For example, I have all but 3 of the 1958 "yellow letters", the entire 62 green tint set, and all but 1 of the 69 "white letters". I have also picked up the other standard variations across the mainstream post-war sets with a couple of exceptions like the 55 Bowman Kuenn (name spelled correctly); the 58 Loes (no trade) and the 67 Topps Gomez and Belinsky stat line misprints.

I have also started in on some of the older small sets like the 1948 Swell Sports Thrills, 1951/1952 Berk Ross, 1952 Wheaties, 1960 Leaf (need 4), and 1968 Milton Bradley. And some of the less popular inserts from the 1960's like the 1965 Transfers and 1966 Rub-Offs. And working on, but not expecting to complete, the 1962 and 1963 Jello sets. Its interesting to see how much variation there was in the population across these sets, which are not reflected very well if at all in Beckett pricing.

PM me if you have any of the things I have mentioned here and are interested in selling/trading. As always, happy hunting to all my fellow set collectors!

Can't wait to see photos of Mantle, Mathews and Robinson once you get them! As a set collector, this is the one major set I have been loath to pursue, as I can't imagine being able to complete it, so I am rooting for you!

I just picked up the last of the Mantle cards for my 61 set. Down to 84 cards total 37 of which are hi numbers. I'm hoping to complete this set by the end of the year.

With the last few '56 and '57 commons on the way, my Topps '50s run is now complete :)

Congrats, John. :)

I finished my 61's last summer...what a journey. Buying HOFers basically 3 times and dealing with the high numbers, you will feel super accomplished when your done. Getting any Mantle is a good day...:)

BTW...I took my time on the highs, knew what I wanted to pay and after multiple snipes I eventually put them all together in really nice shape at the price I wanted to pay. Where I probably over paid was some of the AS cards at the end...Ford, Brooks, Kaline...I just bought BINs that were a stretch...should have had more patience. I always get ancy at the end...:)