What would you do if you had these raw sets?

[JollyElm]

Are you asking whether or not you should get/buy graded star cards? I think that's what you're implying. If these sets are investments, I would highly encourage you to have the bigger names graded (either the cards you already have or filling in holes as you move ahead). When it comes to selling the sets in the future (especially if your grandkids don't know anything about cards), they will be able to do a heckuva lot better if the key cards are graded. Yes, PSA and other TPG's are seemingly a nightmare right now, but if they weather the storm that's brewing, I think more and more people will prefer to have graded, as opposed to non-graded, cards. Many of us have wandered into that camp, and I believe it's clearly the direction the hobby is moving in. Of course, there are a million collectors like you who don't like plastic, but I am simply looking at it from a sales perspective, nothing more. Good luck!

[Johnny630]

I’d be interested in the 59 Set If it becomes available.

Thanks

[bnorth]

Keep them as is. Grading now for sales in the distant future is the WORST thing you could do for several reasons.

Here are a couple of those reasons. The grading companies are smart and change their product. Then they tell everyone how much better it is than the older product. This means if your cards are not in the latest greatest version of their product it will not sell as good. Then the BIG one, who knows what company will be considered legit when the time comes to sell.

If selling soon send to PSA because the masses are still drinking the kool aid. If this is for long term DO NOT grade anything no matter what others may say, it would be like throwing cash out the window of a moving vehicle.

Your best bet would be type up something telling as much as possible about the sets like condition and more valuable players. Then if you are still around for the sale decide at that time what the newest greatest magic plastic holder is that brings the most cash and go with them.

[ALR-bishop]

My sets for those years are ungraded and will stay that way. But they are not an investment for me. If they were I agree with others grading of the top cards needs to be considered. Given grading issues being discussed in the hobby now, if your view is long term then waiting could be an option.

When you say master set are you meaning variations listed in a catalog or maybe the Regisrty ?

[avalanche2006]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

My sets for those years are ungraded and will stay that way. But they are not an investment for me. If they were I agree with others grading of the top cards needs to be considered. Given grading issues being discussed in the hobby now, if your view is long term then waiting could be an option.

When you say master set are you meaning variations listed in a catalog or maybe the Regisrty ?

Yes. I started with the registry and used the Beckett Vintage Almanac and Sports Collectors Digest.

1958 Topps --- 534 cards
1959 Topps --- 581 cards
1960 Topps --- 572 cards

[tschock]

Since you indicate you are considering this as an investment, I would hope you have left details on how to liquidate this asset should you not be able to do so yourself. That's more important than deciding to grade or not (IMO). FWIW, I would not get these graded prior to liquidation for reasons previously specified. If they are truly 7s and 8s, then I believe many reputable AHs will take care of that for your heirs on the valuable cards, should you not be able to do it yourself.

[avalanche2006]

Originally Posted by tschock

Since you indicate you are considering this as an investment, I would hope you have left details on how to liquidate this asset should you not be able to do so yourself. That's more important than deciding to grade or not (IMO). FWIW, I would not get these graded prior to liquidation for reasons previously specified. If they are truly 7s and 8s, then I believe many reputable AHs will take care of that for your heirs on the valuable cards, should you not be able to do it yourself.

Actually, I am going to sell them myself once completed. I am the one who can get the most out of them. I have been enjoying this fun way of trying to build something valuable. I just don't know if it is worth the extra cost of grading any of the cards or if the appeal of a raw collector built set in this condition will suffice.