Set-Builder Thread

[Vintagevault13]

I didn't mention this in my original post, but I store my sets in black BCW binders and 9-pocket sheets. I print a copy of the wrapper from the set and put it in the sleeve on the spine. I also have an original wrapper from the set in a page at the front of the set.

I definitely believe cards should be enjoyed so I love looking at sets in binders.


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[Shoebox]

I got started collecting as a kid in the late 80s and with the explosion of brands and sets in the 90s I never even considered set building. I would buy a pack or two of whatever was new on the shelf, occasionally, a hot insert, or a rookie that was exclusive to a set would keep me buying more. I didn't really get introduced to set collecting until the late 90s. I tried it a little but it's not something that has ever 'stuck' for me. I wonder if that is a generational thing driven by the era where I began collecting? Are more of the age 30-45 collectors than I realize set builders? It seems much more prevalent among those that got their start in the Topps dominated era.

[Vintagevault13]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

I got started collecting as a kid in the late 80s and with the explosion of brands and sets in the 90s I never even considered set building. I would buy a pack or two of whatever was new on the shelf, occasionally, a hot insert, or a rookie that was exclusive to a set would keep me buying more. I didn't really get introduced to set collecting until the late 90s. I tried it a little but it's not something that has ever 'stuck' for me. I wonder if that is a generational thing driven by the era where I began collecting? Are more of the age 30-45 collectors than I realize set builders? It seems much more prevalent among those that got their start in the Topps dominated era.

Dustin,

Those are great points and, perhaps, set collecting may be generational. Even so, I believe younger collectors can still catch the set-building bug. Set building is truly collecting. It isn't for those that are looking to invest. There is a thrill in finding certain cards and completing a project. It takes patience and maybe that is what keeps some from starting in today's technology-driven world where a premium is put on immediate gratification.

Even if it sets aren't something you enjoy,however, I am glad you do enjoy collecting. Lots of options in our hobby.

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[kailes2872]

I caught the bug early. When I was 8, I sold a bunch of 71-75's for $13 in order to afford a 1980 topps set. Instead of putting them away forever, I would play games with them - George Brett was my favorite, but I also loved Rod Carew. I loved the Fred Lynn card where he was running in from the outfield - with all star across the top of the card. He had 39 homers in the 79 season - just like Jim Rice. Keith Hernadez batted .344 to lead the NL and had 211 hits - although I thought it was strange that Gary Templeton had 212 hits but a lower batting average (the mind of an 8 year old...). I memorized every stat on those cards. I learned how to figure slugging percentage, and thought it was a bummer that stolen bases weren't on those cards - because 1980 was the year of Ron Leflore's 96 SBs and Rickey Henderson swiping 100. I bought the '81 set and then, when I got a paper route, I went crazy in '82. I bought two boxes of wax packs, opening every one, chewing every piece of gum along the way - my cheek looking like George Brett's '78 card. I then bought two 500ct vending boxes and would buy multiple packs when I collected for the paper at the beginning of the month. I hated that it was the strike year on the back and the stats seemed to be just meh compared to other years. In retrospect, that was a pretty ugly card, but it was the one that I collected the most. I didn't get the full 83-85 sets, but had several singles. I then was head first back into it in 86 - getting sets from 86-90 before leaving for college and having my attention diverted. I sold it all in college for $250. With all of the different brands and speculating, I really didn't miss it and could no longer keep up with it.

When I got back into it in 2011, I started with '85 and quickly bought all the way back to 73. It slowed down a bit at 72, but over the next 3 months, I bought 68-72 and '66. I then collected '67 card by ever loving card - making nice progress until getting to the high numbers and short prints. I spent probably 2x on the final series versus what I spent on the first 500+ cards. The next year was 63-65, with 58, 59, 60 coming the following year. After that came 57, 61, and 62. I then decided to collect 56 card by card. There were 342 cards, no expensive high series and 34 HOFers that I could buy exactly like I wanted to. That took about 8 months and I absolutely love that issue. Last year, I found a '55 less 9 HOFers and '54 without Banks and Aaron. I have spent the last 18 months upgrading all of the HOFers to PSA 6 or better. Then, earlier this year, I bought 53 Bowman Color and B&W as well as '50 Bowman. When I finish my upgrades, I plan to buy '55 and '54 Bowman next and then I will tackle a nicer graded '53 Topps. Along the way, I bought all of the new sets with a couple of minor exceptions. I also am in the process of picking up '63 Fleer and will probably buy the 59 Williams set as well as the early 60's Fleer legends sets. I have also painstakingly upgraded with nearly 300 slabbed cards - most in PSA 6 or higher.

I don't think that I will ever have the wherewithall or bankroll to buy 52 Topps or 51 Bowman, but I will get 52, 48 & 49 Bowman in the coming years. I will try to buy a low number 52 Topps and as much of 51 Bowman as I can afford until I am able to get my Mantle and Mays. That probably gets me to 2020. After that, I will go after 39-41 PB and then probably the 35 Goudey set and my all time favorite, 33 Delong. The kids will be completely out of college by 2024, so depending on how things are going, I can look at tackling some of the classics like '33 & '34 Goudey, the 52 hi's and then maybe, just maybe taking a run at the tobacco and carmel cards. If the market does really well in retirement, I will probably take a run at CJ's and then maybe even get into 19th century stuff. My goal is to own every major issue. It is aspirational, and I know that my goals outstrip my finances, but I will continue to aspire for it.

I must have a completion gene. Everything tells me that set building is a money losing proposition. No one wants the commons. I could do much better if I just bought high grade versions on the stars, but I just can't seem to help myself. Thanks to all of those who have done deals with me hear as you have helped me in my quest.

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

I got started collecting as a kid in the late 80s and with the explosion of brands and sets in the 90s I never even considered set building. I would buy a pack or two of whatever was new on the shelf, occasionally, a hot insert, or a rookie that was exclusive to a set would keep me buying more. I didn't really get introduced to set collecting until the late 90s. I tried it a little but it's not something that has ever 'stuck' for me. I wonder if that is a generational thing driven by the era where I began collecting? Are more of the age 30-45 collectors than I realize set builders? It seems much more prevalent among those that got their start in the Topps dominated era.

I definitely think it may be generational. I was opening packs in 78, 79 and early 80s and like others said, the whole neighborhood of kids were as well, and we were all trying to complete our sets. I remember a FIERCE battle I had in 1981 trying to trade ANYTHING extra I had for Gene Richards (Padres) card. No one in the neighborhood had it...I SWEAR it was single printed. Kid got one at school and he knew several wanted it...I got it, last card in my set.


The mid 90s and even today there are so many inserts ect, what is a set anymore? My 11 year old is trying to collect the 2016 set through packs and with so many special cards it makes it distracting. He likes stars and players he knows...so I would agree with you...generational BUT only because of the way the companies came to market...imho

[KCRfan1]

I'm currently working on a 1973 Topps set, nrmt. The HoFR's are graded, and the rest are ungraded. These are the first cards I halfway began collecting. I had some 70's and 72's, but those years were just random packs.

The cards I had growing up have been long gone, and in selecting a set to build, I wanted one that would bring back some childhood memories. I also wanted a set that had a key rookie card and was loaded with HoFR's. The '73 set has the last card of Clemente and of Mays.

While the cards are rather affordable, I believe the set is undervalued. Centering can be difficult for the set, and the black back of the card shows wear easily.

I'm also working on a 1969 set, but that endeavor is a very slow one.

The sets are something I do for fun, but I'm much more serious about collecting individual cards (HoFRs ) in the best condition I find within my budget.

[darkhorse9]

Set building is the only way I can do it.

I started collecting in 1969 and eventually sold everything in 1978. I started a new in 1986 and never looked back. My goal was to get a complete set from every year.

As of now I have complete sets from 1951 to today. My 1952 set is a Bowman set, I ended the Topps set at 310 and will only consider it "finished" not complete.

I am currently working on the 1950 Bowman set (60 cards left) then it's on to the 1940's

My plan for the 1940's is:

1940 Play Ball
1941 Goudey
1941-2 Play Ball
1943 M.P & Co (completed)
1944-5 Salutation Exhibits
1946 Carmelo Deportiva
1947 Bond Bread
1948 Bowman
1949 Bowman

[ALR-bishop]

That is a great project Mark. Did you go/are you going all the way forward as well as going backwards ?

[darkhorse9]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

That is a great project Mark. Did you go/are you going all the way forward as well as going backwards ?

I have every Topps base set through 2016, so, yes...I go both ways.

Wait...that didn't sound right.

[Neal]

Nice thread!

I have not completed a set since 1980 Topps as a 12 year old kid. I have attempted a few, having reached 65%+ on the 1933 Goudey, 1952 Bowman, and the 1967 Topps set. I have completed Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt and Hank Aaron player sets, but that is another thread .....

Often, I will ponder another set to start, and most importantly, finish. Not sure if I am a complete set guy, but I kinda wanna be one lol! I also think that working on a set, with no set time table, does provide a more personal feel for the hobby and not just buying and selling.

Currently, I am daydreaming about a centered 1953 Bowman Color in mid grade. The photography is extraordinary, imo, and it both small enough at 160 cards and has enough HOF and star players from one of baseballs greatest decade to make it enjoyable for me. If only there was a Jackie and a Williams ....

I registered a set tonight with the Spahn already in my collection. We'll see ....

In any event, this has been a good read and best of luck to all the set guys out there.

[Mountaineer1999]

Originally Posted by Vintagevault13

I didn't mention this in my original post, but I store my sets in black BCW binders and 9-pocket sheets. I print a copy of the wrapper from the set and put it in the sleeve on the spine. I also have an original wrapper from the set in a page at the front of the set.

I definitely believe cards should be enjoyed so I love looking at sets in binders.


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I Love the binder with the wax packs added! Looks very cool.

[Mountaineer1999]

I have been all over the place the last couple years after getting back in the hobby after a twenty-five year absence. I collected from the mid 70's until about 1987 then marriage and military began. When I picked up the hobby again I started the '72 Topps set and still need most of high series. I then started going after the monster and when that fell apart I started looking at HOF PSA graded cards. I still look for the HOF graded but have once again started on my old incomplete sets . I built a website, http://mountaineer1999.wixsite.com/donniesbbcards , to try and track what I have and where I am going. My immediate goal is all Topps sets from 1970-1989... Most of the 80s are complete save a few minor cards so the focus now is the 1970s.

[darkhorse9]

I've posted this several times before, so I apologize to frequent visitors, but here's how my set collection looks at the present time.

In the top shelf on the left is the binder that holds the sets from the 1940's I'm building. The two other thin blue ones are 1950 Bowman and 1951 Topps Red and Blue backs. Each year in contained in their respective binders. The card on the outside is an extra HOF or superstar card from that year and is in addition to the set.

[ALR-bishop]

Those binders are great Mark.

[Mountaineer1999]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Those binders are great Mark.

+1

[darkhorse9]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Those binders are great Mark.

Thanks. BTW you might even notice a theme to them.

The 1950's sets are all in blue binders
1960's in black
1970's in blue
1980's in multi-color
1990's in blue
2000's in black
2010's in blue

That's how OCD I am with them.

[skil55voy]

I started collecting in 1962. I had full or partial sets from 1954 through 1981. This included Topps and Bowman. I also had some Post Cereal and Jell-o. When my first daughter was on the way I sold most of them (1986) to buy a house. I kept the Post Cereal and Jell-o cards and decided to collect them as sets. Being a Detroit Tigers fan I kept a lot of the Tigers and have been building team sets.

Baseball
1961 Post - Complete Master Set - One Card from every box and one of every company card. (525)

1962 Post Complete. Working on a Master set. (Short 70 cards)
1963 Post Missing Thomas. Working on a Master Set (Short 64 cards)
1962 Canadian - Missing 29 Cards
1962 Jello - Missing 88 Cards
1963 Jello - Missing 36 Cards

Football
1962 Post - Missing 11 Cards. Working on a Master Set based on different backgrounds
1962 Post Canadian - Missing 15 Cards
1963 Post Canadian - Complete. Working on a Master Set

I have panels from each year and complete Jello boxes from each year. I also have the albums for 1962 Canadian Football in French and English.
Also have a few of the newer (Post 1980) Hockey sets and complete cereal and Jello boxes.

[Vintagevault13]

Originally Posted by darkhorse9

Thanks. BTW you might even notice a theme to them.



The 1950's sets are all in blue binders

1960's in black

1970's in blue

1980's in multi-color

1990's in blue

2000's in black

2010's in blue



That's how OCD I am with them.

Funny. I can definitely relate to the OCD tendencies. I think that kinda goes with the set-building mindset.


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[SAllen2556]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Those binders are great Mark.

I agree! One question though - I have read that it's better to store binders horizontally rather than vertically as shown in the photo. Any truth to that?