Beckett complete set values: an analysis

[stlcardsfan]

I used to get Beckett every month. I remember about 5 years ago or so the 59 complete set jumped from high book of $5,000 to $8,000 in one month. Thought that to be very strange.

[savedfrommyspokes]

Having broken a number of 1972 sets over the years, my normal goal is to spend around $1k for an EX-MT to NM 72 set. After listing fees, FVF, shipping costs, etc, then selling off the unsold commons in a lot, my profit is around $800-900. As far as my time. it takes me about 10 hours to scan and create the listings, then the time to ship when it sells ( I can ship on average 100 cards an hour when multiple singles are sold to one buyer, and 30 or so an hour when sold just as singles) which is probably about 15 hours total.

Having broken many sets over the years, the 72 is one of the best in regards to profit compared to original expenditure(nearly equal). Having broken other sets (61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67), midgrade copies of these sets yield about the same profit as a 72 set, but with an original cost twice (or more) of a 72 set. For me, the 60, 65, 68 and 69 sets have the worst yield of profit versus original expenditure. However, the 70-71, and 73-76 sets all provide a decent return as compared to the original investment(not quite as good as the 72 set though).

For me, breaking sets from the 50's profitably is harder because the cards from these sets are not as liquid as the cards from the 60's and early 70s.

[bobsbbcards]

Fascinating stuff! Thanks for putting this together.

[rsdill2]

The more I've thought about it - the more reasons I can see that the '72 set is so underpriced as a complete set. With 130 high numbers, commons of which are $12/each, it makes sense.

From a breakup perspective, solid EXMT or so '72 high # commons generally sell for $4-6 or so on eBay. Not even counting the stars (Carew, Cey, Alston, Traded cards, etc.) that sell for more if you can get $5/ea for 130 cards that's $650 right there and that's a very conservative estimate. I'd say a closer guess if you were to individually list each '72 high on eBay, I would think they'd sell for close to $1,000 just by themselves which is about what a complete set sells for.

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by rsdill2

The more I've thought about it - the more reasons I can see that the '72 set is so underpriced as a complete set. With 130 high numbers, commons of which are $12/each, it makes sense.

From a breakup perspective, solid EXMT or so '72 high # commons generally sell for $4-6 or so on eBay. Not even counting the stars (Carew, Cey, Alston, Traded cards, etc.) that sell for more if you can get $5/ea for 130 cards that's $650 right there and that's a very conservative estimate. I'd say a closer guess if you were to individually list each '72 high on eBay, I would think they'd sell for close to $1,000 just by themselves which is about what a complete set sells for.

I agree with this. I haven't put a whole lot of focus on my 72's, but still need a small chunk of the hi numbers. You RARELY get any type of steal deal on Ebay and local shops are pretty savvy to the prices. Those hi numbers simply are a good investment, and still very much in demand.