Upgrading is satisfying, don't you think?

[thescooper]

The trouble is as I upgrade I keep the lower grade cards then the few become 1/4 set then 1/2 set then I have another full set.Then I keep upgrading set 1 moving the lesser quality cards down to set 2.Them the few of upgraded upgraded(!!) cards become a 1/4 set then 1/2 set then I have 3 sets etc etc. That is the reason why I have 6 full sets and 3 "on the go" sets of Davy Crockett Orange backs. Hi my name is Tony and I am a CARDOHOLIC

[Exhibitman]

I do just the opposite: I am downgrading my postwar cards to low-cost cards I can put into a binder and enjoy without all the slabs and money worries. upgrade or down, it is all about what you find to be the most enjoyable way to collect, after all is said and done.

[hangman62]

I think upgrading is a waste of money and time, if you buy a set or assemble a set in an eye pleasing shape..that should be good enough, use your card money on stuff you dont have yet.
Ive actually downgrade many of my cards... if I have a VG set of 1962T...and I find a NM high value star card..I will look to sell it or trade a 2 for 1 if possible

[grundle20]

Even the small number of replies suggests that it's completely a matter of taste. I personally love upgrading. I ran after a 1948 Leaf set and completed it in just about 8-9 months, but as you can imagine, they're all not the same grade. Right now they're kind of all over the map, but for me, I got to 'pat myself on the back' along the way by having a complete set. Now I can go back and make the set more consistent.

Yup, it's more expensive that way, but then again, what's the point of just, say, going out and buying the entire Leaf set thru an REA auction? Might as well buy some municipal bonds!

[Volod]

You're absolutely right there: I can't imagine why any hobbyist, or anyone other than a dealer selling broken sets or a speculator, would want to buy a complete set. It goes against the basic concept of collecting.

[hcv123]

Interestingly I collect Roberto Clemente cards and memorabilia - I LOVE upgrading unusual or rare cards. Regular issues are far too plentiful for me to care. Even more exciting is uncovering variations or issues I never knew existed!

[cdn_collector]

While I agree with the basic principle of getting what you can to complete a set and then upgrading it later, I have never ever done it that way. All of my years collecting -- both as a kid and later as an adult -- I have never bought a single card to upgrade one I already own.

Regards,

Richard.