Determining what is vintage

[wdwfan]

Yes, I put together a 1974 Topps set in probably Ex to NM condition for the most part. After I completed it, I checked to see what I could get a set for in the same condition. They were selling for $90-$110. I spent $80 to get all the cards but 3 in 2 big lots. Then I traded for the Ryan, Winfield and Aaron. So, I spent $80 and a couple of months putting it together when I could've spent $15 more and just bought it outright.

After I saw the values, I decided to break it up because I thought it just wouldn't hold value over time. I've the stars put away (for now) and am trading all the other HOFers, commons, teams, rookies, whatever for late 1950s-early 1960s stuff. That's where I think I"m going to concentrate my collection on and not so much into the early 1970s.

Originally Posted by rats60

They are common players. I find it odd your cutoff. I always found 1964 and 1965 much easier than 1966 and 1967. 1968-73 seemed even more plentiful. By the time you get to 1974, you can buy nice sets under 200.00 and I don't ever see much appreciation.

[seanofjapan]

You should compare this with other collecting hobbies.

In the coin collecting world, the Roman emperor Constantine produced a ton of debased coins of himself which survive to this day and you can buy them in bulk for a couple of bucks each.

They are kind of the coin collecting world's version of "junk wax". But they are 1700 years old.

So time is relative! 1700 years from now if our civilization still exists, 1988 Donruss cards still won't be considered vintage!

[ALR-bishop]

That one was easy If a year does not define it, what does ?

What defines it for coins ?