Building a "Top Ten" Collection

[jimivintage]

So, I have always loved HOFers and set collecting, but I really don't have the budget to collect EVERYTHING that I have typically wanted in the past, so I've decided I'm just collecting what I want at that particular moment instead of set guidelines. Those who have known me for awhile have seen me switch around my collection a bit weaving in and out of e98s, HOF RC collecting, 1945-46 Caramelo Deportivos, t206s, t205s, n28s, post war sets, T222 Fatimas, and plenty more.

So at the moment I'm focusing on HOFers in which I like the looks to, or have rare t206 backs, or a tough RC, and sort of building a TOP TEN of sorts. Basically, if I see something else that I'd rather have in my "top ten" then I will need to sell something to make it happen. SO, I don't consider any of my cards, necessarily, to be items that'll be stored away forever. No card is totally off the table, so long as there's something "cooler" out there I'd rather have. Make sense?

Anyone else doing a similar collection? Seems to me that I remember a guy on Net54 doing something like a Top 25 or something a few years ago. I could see my collection growing from "top ten" to "top 25" to building an insane HOF Collection, if I start making more money. I don't spend a dime of our income, so I have to make "wise choices" when I purchase things since there is a chance that the card would be sold some time down the road.

For what it's worth, I still LOVE HOF RCs, but knowing I'm not going to get 300 RCs anytime soon, I'm narrowing my focus for the time being.

There's got to be other freaks here like me RIGHT?!?!?

A handful in the top ten....for now....

[atx840]

Great cards! I'm trimming down the dupes (errors/backs) to focus on my top 10 and back runs.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by jimivintage

So, I have always loved HOFers and set collecting, but I really don't have the budget to collect EVERYTHING that I have typically wanted in the past, so I've decided I'm just collecting what I want at that particular moment instead of set guidelines. Those who have known me for awhile have seen me switch around my collection a bit weaving in and out of e98s, HOF RC collecting, 1945-46 Caramelo Deportivos, t206s, t205s, n28s, post war sets, T222 Fatimas, and plenty more.

So at the moment I'm focusing on HOFers in which I like the looks to, or have rare t206 backs, or a tough RC, and sort of building a TOP TEN of sorts. Basically, if I see something else that I'd rather have in my "top ten" then I will need to sell something to make it happen. SO, I don't consider any of my cards, necessarily, to be items that'll be stored away forever. No card is totally off the table, so long as there's something "cooler" out there I'd rather have. Make sense?

Anyone else doing a similar collection? Seems to me that I remember a guy on Net54 doing something like a Top 25 or something a few years ago. I could see my collection growing from "top ten" to "top 25" to building an insane HOF Collection, if I start making more money. I don't spend a dime of our income, so I have to make "wise choices" when I purchase things since there is a chance that the card would be sold some time down the road.

For what it's worth, I still LOVE HOF RCs, but knowing I'm not going to get 300 RCs anytime soon, I'm narrowing my focus for the time being.

There's got to be other freaks here like me RIGHT?!?!?

A handful in the top ten....for now....

Hey Jimi,

Love the idea. I'm collection something somewhat similar. I'm strictly just collecting HOF autographed 'rookie cards', or the earliest signed card of said player

[Bestdj777]

I narrowed my rookie card goal to the top 24/25 players from the 40s-60s who wore New York uniforms (Dodgers, Yankees, Mets). I am also working on obtaining autographs for each of these players to accompany my set.

[jimivintage]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

I narrowed my rookie card goal to the top 24/25 players from the 40s-60s who wore New York uniforms (Dodgers, Yankees, Mets). I am also working on obtaining autographs for each of these players to accompany my set.

Very cool! I see you are working on a Mantle run as well? What does that entail?

[g_vezina_c55]

Nice collection jimi !
For my part i focus since 1 year now on my T206 set.. but sometime i have idea like you to buy what i want and have no guideline of collecting...
Perhaps some days....
I have many cards on my want list i would like to have someday ...
ruth goudey card....52 topps mantle or 51 bowman mantle.... cobb or jackson or other cracker jack HOF ... some caramel cards... a goudey lajoie !

anyway nice collection congrat

[Harford20]

Jimi,
Several years ago I felt I was losing focus, getting too broad on my collection. I have narrowed mine to these and have done very well so far, with each set gaining several cards each year. I have given up on set collecting.

A. Not my "Top Ten", but my "Elite Eight" (player cards of ONLY their playing years-but this has given me a mini-type set as well)
1. Mordecai Brown
2. Frank Chance
3. Eddie Collins
4. Jimmy Collins
5. Nap Lajoie
6. Matty
7. Tris Speaker
8. Cy Young

B. T206 HOF's
C. T205 HOF's
D. E98 HOF's (all color variations)
E. Ted Williams (anything rare, cards or otherwise)

I think narrowing the focus made me appreciate my collection much more.
All the best,
Dave

[jimivintage]

Originally Posted by Harford20

Jimi,
Several years ago I felt I was losing focus, getting too broad on my collection. I have narrowed mine to these and have done very well so far, with each set gaining several cards each year. I have given up on set collecting.

A. Not my "Top Ten", but my "Elite Eight" (player cards of ONLY their playing years-but this has given me a mini-type set as well)
1. Mordecai Brown
2. Frank Chance
3. Eddie Collins
4. Jimmy Collins
5. Nap Lajoie
6. Matty
7. Tris Speaker
8. Cy Young

B. T206 HOF's
C. T205 HOF's
D. E98 HOF's (all color variations)
E. Ted Williams (anything rare, cards or otherwise)

I think narrowing the focus made me appreciate my collection much more.
All the best,
Dave

Very cool, Dave! Yeah, I've been narrowing down, too, BUT switching projects has been more of the concern. "MUST FOCUS!" I find myself saying, or, "Dude, you're almost there! Don't give up already!"

I am finding that I like collecting the bigger named HOFers especially on iconic cards like my '51B Mantle or with tough backs like the Cycle Matty.

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by jimivintage

Very cool! I see you are working on a Mantle run as well? What does that entail?

Thanks. I figured it was an interesting approach to take and would allow me to just get the cards I really wanted. Beautiful cards by the way!

The Mantle run is a bit of a challenge. I am going after every card issued during his playing days, including all variations. To make it a bit more manageable, I'm not, at least initially, going to be purchasing most of the regional and test issues. In total, I think I will end up with about 187 or 188 cards when I am done, so roughly 30 more to add. It had been an exciting project and has really given me an opportunity to get to learn some more about oddball 50s and 60s cards.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I have a list of my top 40 players through the 1967 set and my goal is to have at least one card of each (RCs from 1954 on), plus multiple cards of the very top players. I am up to 38 of 40.