What would you do if you had these raw sets?

[avalanche2006]

1958 Topps Master set
1959 Topps Master set
1960 Topps set

All centered with sharp corners.
I have cracked many PSA 7's and 8's for these.

I have been building these sets over the past few years as an investment for the future of my granddaughters and I am getting close to completion.

I have always wanted all of the cards raw, thinking that might make the sets more attractive and been aware of the consensus that many people say you should get the best cards graded.

What would you do?

I would really appreciate any input!

[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