autographed topps set/run?

[Gr8Beldini]

I read an article in Beckett Vintage Magazine a few years back about the popularity of getting 1958 Topps autographed and the scarcity (non-existance) of a signed '58 Dixie Howell, who died in April 1960, and Dick Farrell who lived in the UK after retirement and died in the '70's. Certain cards from these sets do not exist. 1970 Topps, for example had 3 rookie cards of guys that died in 1970 - Herm Hill, Paul Edmondson, and Miguel Fuentes. No way authentic sig's of these players exist on Topps cards.

76-78 would be near impossible because of Bostock. Same with 71-76 Danny Thompson. Anything Munson would be very expensive, if not questionable. Collecting signed cards would be fun, but any set from the 70's would be near impossible.

[JTB]

thanks, that is awesome info. may be going for near sets. any other collectors enjoy this type of collecting 70's or 80s sets

[darkhorse9]

I've seen sets of the 1964 Topps Giant signed. I would think collecting an older set all signed would REALLY test patience.

The closest I've tried to collecting an autographed set of something is 8x10 photos of all 43 players who played for the 1969 Cubs. I'm still five photos away (Joe Decker, Dick Selma, Hank Aguirre, Charlie Smith, Randy Bobb) with Randy Bobb proving to be almost impossible.

[esquiresports]

I am seven cards short of completing the 1978 set. There are maybe three or four dozen tricky cards. Most sets have that one or two cards that are almost impossible. In 1978, it's Bostock (have it) and Munson (don't).

Easiest way to start is to try to buy some large lots early on. Usually can get for a couple bucks a card. Then build from there.

But before you start:

Check eBay completed auctions to get an idea of what cards are difficult and how much you could end up spending to complete a set.

Think about what would make you happy as far as signatures. Would you want them all ball point or sharpie. That could make it a lot more difficult.

What about cards that have two or more players - would you want all signatures on the same card? That will really drive up your price certain years.

And what about team cards, look-back cards, etc.?

Thinking all this through before you start will really let you get a better idea of a set fits your budget and if it is really feasible. It will also save you a lot of money.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by esquiresports

I am seven cards short of completing the 1978 set. There are maybe three or four dozen tricky cards. Most sets have that one or two cards that are almost impossible. In 1978, it's Bostock (have it) and Munson (don't).

Hey, what 1978's are you missing? Don't have my man Munson, but I have a good amount of others that I got through the mail way back when. Some HOF'ers and stars are in my bucket and I also have a bunch of others that aren't pictured there. I'm always looking to trade.

[JTB]

Great info. love hearing about the tough/impossible cards for a certain year. I'm leaning towards collecting auto cards that have been already certified by psa/dna red or blue flip doesn't matter much to me. I just dont trust a signed raw card unless i needed it bad and would take a chance for cheap i guess.

Any auto will do for me as far as pen or sharpie.

How do you guys or people in general handle the team cards or say a card with aaron and ruth. i suppose in that situation id be happy with just the aaron auto.

with multi rookie cards should i get one copy each with one sig, or wait to get one copy with all sigs. or just count the card as signed if it is by the main player/players.

love to hear your thoughts advice.

[TAVG]

I know on another forum that almost has 1987 completed