Ultra Low Budget Vintage Set Collecting

[Chris-Counts]

About 10 years ago, I too got back into collecting after a 20-year break. At first, I was discouraged by the prices, but soon I came to the realization that graded cards are often way overpriced and I started collecting ungraded cards that simply looked good. Before long, I was doing ebay searches for "trimmed," "authentic," "back damage," "tape stain," etc. Now I have an extensive collection of perfectly flawed "low budget" cards, many of which I picked up at just a fraction of their slabbed value ...

[drc]

These cutout sets is an interesting concept. You could make them into a collage and frame them.

[Section103]

I can understand where you're coming from. Im not a set collector, but more of a player collector. My master collection list spans many sets from 1910 - 1980. When I find examples, I keep images of the cards on my list if, for no other reason, so I know how to identify those cards in the future.

[dabigyankeeman]

Originally Posted by Chris Counts

About 10 years ago, I too got back into collecting after a 20-year break. At first, I was discouraged by the prices, but soon I came to the realization that graded cards are often way overpriced and I started collecting ungraded cards that simply looked good. Before long, I was doing ebay searches for "trimmed," "authentic," "back damage," "tape stain," etc. Now I have an extensive collection of perfectly flawed "low budget" cards, many of which I picked up at just a fraction of their slabbed value ...

I love when i can find a good-looking card that grades low due to the things you mentioned like back-damage, tape stain, etc. Dont forget the infamous pin-hole, i love pin-hole cards, the price comes WAY down and the pin-hole is usually hardly seen.

I have put together a really big collection of Yankees from the early 1900's by being willing to take lessor condition cards. The day i hit the lotto i can start collecting graded cards with high grades. For now, i love my raw lessor condition cards, particularly when i find them in nice-looking condition (to me).

To the starter of this thread i say the whole thing comes down to enjoyment. If you enjoy having the cut-outs, then your collection is great. We all enjoy different things, and this hobby should totally be about enjoyment.