My 1974 Topps Approach

egri · #1 01-18-2022, 04:06 PM

I haven't tried the building a whole set in low grade, but I have found as a rule that I have a lot more fun collecting low grade cards than high grade. Aside from being cheaper, I don't have to worry about things like accidentally dinging a corner, because someone else did that for me way back when.

G1911 · #2 01-19-2022, 02:13 AM

This is how I do all my sets - no attention paid to condition, not a graded card in sight. Anything slabbed gets cracked out upon acquisition, and 95% of my cards are not even kept sleeved at all, just loose in boxes. It's more fun this way, and when every corner is dinged there's not much point in penny sleeves and top loaders.

steve B · #3 01-24-2022, 01:31 PM

Sort of how I did mine, late 73 and 74 were my first years buying any good number of packs. Had 74-76 mostly complete and just never really stopped. I also didn't put much effort into finding the missing ones in 77-8 once I moved to a place with a card store.

So I didn't finish the 74 set until sometime in the late 90's,

Still not done with 75, or 75 mini
Something like 9 or 11 cards from 76.

77-83 I completed.

vintagebaseballcardguy · #4 01-24-2022, 02:54 PM

It's only January 24, but this could be the thread of the year! I am starting down this very road. I used to fret about condition of all my cards and then one day it hit me that it really doesn't matter all that much. Outside of a friend or two, no one but me sees my cards and binder sets anyway. This is supposed to be about FUN and not stress and worry about what someone else may think about the condition of my cards. I am working my way through '73 (my birth year). So far, most cards are vgex ish, and that is probably better than what I even intended. I plan on moving through '73-'75 in like fashion. I already have '76 so I may move on to the later 70s after that. Good memories and low cost!

Tere1071 · #5 01-24-2022, 10:21 PM

I need the 73 and 74 sets to fill the gap in my span of collecting from the packs 1970-1975. I am looking at vg-ex sets for those years. I am working a deal to finish my 70 set which will range from vg-ex to ex-mint first. If anyone is looking for mid-grade 1971 and 1972 cards which include quite a few semi-high and high numbers, I have quite a few that I'd like to offer for trade towards either the 73s or 74s.

Phil aka Tere1071

thechefs2003 · #6 04-06-2022, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

It's only January 24, but this could be the thread of the year! I am starting down this very road. I used to fret about condition of all my cards and then one day it hit me that it really doesn't matter all that much. Outside of a friend or two, no one but me sees my cards and binder sets anyway. This is supposed to be about FUN and not stress and worry about what someone else may think about the condition of my cards. I am working my way through '73 (my birth year). So far, most cards are vgex ish, and that is probably better than what I even intended. I plan on moving through '73-'75 in like fashion. I already have '76 so I may move on to the later 70s after that. Good memories and low cost!

Exactly how I feel! It's a fun hobby for me, not a business.

ALR-bishop · #7 04-06-2022, 01:22 PM

Welcome aboard. What do you like to collect ?

Kutcher55 · #8 04-06-2022, 03:47 PM

I have been building sets from this era as well, just for the hey of it. My tactic has been to buy entire sets and then upgrade with the goal of getting to Ex+ using tough grading standards. This means I have a lot of replacement needs because when you buy a set no matter what the guy says inevitably dozens of cards will have wrinkles and need replacing. I suppose it�s different if you pay premium money but anyway.

Just bought a 77 and need to replace 60 cards. Did a 78 really cheaply and need to replace 100 cards or so. Will be hoping to find a dealer that sells decent commons for cheap. Also just got a 76 and need to look through that one. Hoping the big Rich Altman show this weekend has a dealer dumping cards from this era. I just can�t stand creases and junkers even if nobody is ever going to look through my nice binders.

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