Set Collectors - Is "except for" ever good enough?

[Vintagevault13]

Greetings from a fellow set collector. For me, there are no “except for” scenarios that are acceptable. I choose not to spend a tremendous amount on cards so this limits my choices. I have started the 1952 Topps Set three times, only to sell them because of the high #s. I knew that my OCD-tendencies would never allow me to be content. The last time, I had over 200 low series so I was making serious progress. All of this is just my opinion, of course, but I think I would struggle with incomplete sets.


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[Griffins]

2 and 3 for me. And for post war sets I have to have all the variations, an empty box, penny and nickel pack, and salesman sample (for sets '52-'67). Used to need to have an uncut sheet or panel as well, but I'm wavering on that.
Complete means complete.
I'm hoping some sort of medication is developed that doesn't have 4 pages of side effects.

[JTysver]

I have no problem with an exception.
I really don't expect to ever get a '52 Mantle, hence, no desire to complete the high numbers.
I have 54 Bowman without the Williams, but since there is already a #66, I'm not sure the Williams makes the set complete.
Probably won't go after the 72 High Footballs either unless I find some type of break on it. I'm fine with that.

Essentially, some of the cards in these sets are worth more than the rest of the set. Collect the sets if you want to. Having a bunch of sets and a couple near complete sets is pretty good if you ask me.

[commishbob]

Probably as many different answers as there are set collectors. I collect the sets I have the fondest memories of as a kid. Began with 1959 and am building around that. Currently working on 1962 and I'll attack 191 and 1963 one day and call it a day.

I don't concern myself with minor variations/small errors. For example, I'm not going to try for every green tint among the 1962 Topps, only the pose variations.

I don't have the 1959 Spahn DOB variations nor did I chase the other numerous 'transaction line' variation cards. I consider that set complete.

My general guideline is to put myself in my own nine-year-old shoes. The two '62 Wally Moon poses...I'd have wanted them both then so they are part of my current set. But the '58 yellow/white letter variations? I wouldn't have cared as a kid so I don't care now.

Having said that I do add 'type cards' to the back of my set binders which is where you'll find a couple of green tint '62s and a '58 Billy Pierce letter variation.

And finally, I won't begin any set I have no hope of completing. I do go after sub-sets though. I'd never dream of chasing the T206 but I did track down the Baltimore minor leaguers.