Is it worth the trouble to build vintage sets?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by rsdill2

Here's the analysis I did using Beckett high values:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=183323

To build a set card by card will always be a losing proposition from a financial standpoint. The whole is cheaper than the sum of its parts.

However, we're all collectors here and enjoy the thrill of the chase. If you enjoy building a set card by card, then do it. But understand it's probably costing you a little money.

I think the '72 set is a perfect example. You can buy a decent mid grade set for a little less than $1k. There's 130 high numbers in a '72 set that will each run you $3-5...some slightly more so just the highs will cost around $600. Then you've still got 656 more cards to chase including Mays, Ryan, Clemente, Aaron, Rose, etc.

^^Great price break down in the other thread^^
Buying it already completed is way cheaper. Not only do you pay way more for just the cards you have to add in all that shipping.

I am almost done with a 55 Bowman. I received at least 1/3 of the cards for free including most of the star players. With what I have into the rest of the set including shipping I could have bought a complete set in better condition.

I will say the experience of putting a set together is well worth the price.

[Volod]

Originally Posted by bnorth

...I am almost done with a 55 Bowman. I received at least 1/3 of the cards for free including most of the star players. With what I have into the rest of the set including shipping I could have bought a complete set in better condition.

I will say the experience of putting a set together is well worth the price.

Hey Ben - I finished a '55 Bowman set myself recently. All ungraded cards about VG/EX. The umps are surprisingly tough, but reading their backs was more informative than the players. I had purchased twenty EX commons for five bucks from an ad in the back of a sports mag nearly forty years ago, and came upon them while looking for something else in my musty files. Have to admit that it was almost as enjoyable picking the cards up a few at a time as the work I did on all the other 50's sets back in the 80's. The economic value of it never crossed my mind.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Worth it for the money -no

Worth it for time and fun -yes

Almost all card collecting is not worth it for the money so not sure money really matters