Looking for suggestions on a rare/high end set to collect

[atk825]

Originally Posted by Big35Hurt

The 1994 Holoviews are one of my favorite insert sets from that era. Still can't believe Frank Thomas wasn't included but they are so sharp. Back in 1994, they were jaw dropping for me when I saw one.

The original couple years of SP were such amazing products. Between that and 93 Topps Finest, I think they were the two best products of the era.

[shanks25]

Originally Posted by jduds

Along the lines of the 500 HR cards, I've always liked the Fleer Club 3000 cards. The bat/hat/jersey of 25 would be challenging and pretty cool IMO.

Don't listen to this guy!!!

I only say that because it's a set I've been after for about 15 years. It's a ton of fun to chase but the triples (bat/hat/jersey) are really tough to come by and their price has absolutely skyrocketed in the past 3-4 years. I'm about 6 card shy of a complete set. Because the remaining cards come up so rarely, I went after auto cards of all players in the set. These are obviously all IP / Mail-in but I was able to get all autos (even the Gwynn)

[Raleigh504]

Some ideas, I am doing a Bob Feller auto Topps & Bowman of his playing day cards. Not super hard, not too many cards, and not a ton of money too.

Along those lines, if you have a favorite team, go for Auto RC of all the HOFs for that team (can do a min grade to make it more fun/difficult), Auto RC of 500+ HR club or 3k strikeout club.

Rainbow of a modern-day player you like or even rainbow team card of your favorite team. For 90s stuff, I am just finding some cool ones of the late 90s and early 2000s relic/auto stuff so not sure about those yet.

[Raleigh504]

Another one could be Topps Dynasty set. Not super expensive but could hold value depending on the year you choose.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by Big35Hurt

The 1994 Holoviews are one of my favorite insert sets from that era. Still can't believe Frank Thomas wasn't included but they are so sharp. Back in 1994, they were jaw dropping for me when I saw one.

and Bonds

but yea, with Michael AND Bo on the checklist it is an incredible set

[nikobaseball]

This thread really took off! Thank you all so much for the input, I appreciate all of you taking the time to contribute some ideas.

Originally Posted by Triple B

2013 Topps Museum Collection Autographs. All are beautiful with the big names all numbered to 20 (Trout numbered to 27) minus the parallels. Some rarely show up for sale.

This is a cool set and one I haven't seen before, thanks for the suggestion!

Originally Posted by Big35Hurt

Donruss Crusades from 1998...off the top of my head there are parallels numbered to 100 (green or purple, can't remember the specifics at the moment) and to 25 (red) with some pretty big names from that era.

The crusades are on my short list of things I was considering myself - the checklist is reasonably sized, and green and purple should both be quite attainable. I'm mostly concerned with values on the reds - sometimes they go nuts when two player collectors are interested, but randomly a red sale might disappoint (like the Thomas which I also thought was low).

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

If someone could put together the whole Crusade set, including Reds, it would be an accomplishment greater than a full T206 run. They would instantly become my hobby hero.

I think a full run of Greens would be a fun challenge, and reasonably doable. Purple would be tough and take many years and lots of money. But Reds would be insane. Many player collectors search for years for their guy to pop up. I know there have only ever been two Larkins seen on the public market, and neither is leaving the collections they are in any time soon (CGC has supposedly graded 2 others, but I'm not aware they've ever surfaced publicly).

I remember seeing the Larkin and sending you a PM, know you were after it for forever. I think the red is probably a touch too hard and too expensive but it's the sort of chase I'd be looking for / think it would be fun.

Originally Posted by dodgerfanjohn

Not what you asked for, but its a forum and I'm allowed an opinion right?

Depending on budget, I'd target a card of each major HOF player from the 50's through early 70's. Rookie in the case of lower end cards, and then just the nicest card in terms of centering and clarity/focus/color I could find of the rest.

I've thought about what set to collect and can never come up with an answer - so my next best idea is just centered HOF (or autographed HOF) rookies. I just know there would be a few that are unattainable and that would bother me but at least from a value perspective I'd be pretty safe.

Originally Posted by Skipscards

A couple of suggestions:

A complete Topps Flagship set of Black Border would be awesome. It'd just look great and I don't think a lot of people have done it. Yes, a lot of no names, but it'd be a fun mountain to climb. Bonus, you pick a year that has players you liked.

Several of the Heritage sets have mini inserts, each numbered to 100. I know a couple that have been completed over the years, but it is really hard.

If you want to go back in time, completing a 1933 Goudey set is very difficult because of the Lajoie being a mail-away. There are probably 100 graded examples in existence. The set is loaded with Hall of Famers, and is actually possible to complete.

Another that would be awesome is a 2001 Topps Heritage Real One Autograph set.

Not a fan of the minis, but I do keep coming back to the topps black set - it's doable, low numbered, but I'd have to buy a lot of garbage cards, especially with how insanely large the checklists are these days. 33 Goudey is a phenomenal idea and probably the best vintage idea

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

some great advice so far!

i will add another angle.... whatever set you decide on, make sure you obtain the
best players in the release first. Far too many people grab the low hanging fruit
and then when they run out of money/desire to continue, they are stuck with the
drek to either move or shelve. Good stuff is always good stuff and easy to move.

Think of how many times youve heard..... im working on the 1952 Topps set and
only need three more cards! They happen to be #311, 312 and 407 haha

I tried for the PSA 1955 set years ago and bailed, and had this exact problem - good advice and a good reminder, thank you!

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by nikobaseball

This thread really took off! Thank you all so much for the input, I appreciate all of you taking the time to contribute some ideas.







This is a cool set and one I haven't seen before, thanks for the suggestion!









The crusades are on my short list of things I was considering myself - the checklist is reasonably sized, and green and purple should both be quite attainable. I'm mostly concerned with values on the reds - sometimes they go nuts when two player collectors are interested, but randomly a red sale might disappoint (like the Thomas which I also thought was low).







I remember seeing the Larkin and sending you a PM, know you were after it for forever. I think the red is probably a touch too hard and too expensive but it's the sort of chase I'd be looking for / think it would be fun.







I've thought about what set to collect and can never come up with an answer - so my next best idea is just centered HOF (or autographed HOF) rookies. I just know there would be a few that are unattainable and that would bother me but at least from a value perspective I'd be pretty safe.









Not a fan of the minis, but I do keep coming back to the topps black set - it's doable, low numbered, but I'd have to buy a lot of garbage cards, especially with how insanely large the checklists are these days. 33 Goudey is a phenomenal idea and probably the best vintage idea







I tried for the PSA 1955 set years ago and bailed, and had this exact problem - good advice and a good reminder, thank you!

If the Crusades are up your alley, it gets my vote. It's my favorite set of all time. And I think the greens look best of the 3. I would love to see a complete Crusade Green set!

[mattglet]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

some great advice so far!

i will add another angle.... whatever set you decide on, make sure you obtain the
best players in the release first. Far too many people grab the low hanging fruit
and then when they run out of money/desire to continue, they are stuck with the
drek to either move or shelve. Good stuff is always good stuff and easy to move.

Think of how many times youve heard..... im working on the 1952 Topps set and
only need three more cards! They happen to be #311, 312 and 407 haha

This is so true, lol

[UncleFace]

I never post but had to on this one!

I have very slowly been building the 98 Crusade Green set over the past years, I have some purples too.

I think there are 130 cards which includes the 30 update ones.

- I have about 60 of them right now. 25 or so are graded all PSA 8-10.
- I have made it a bit harder as I only collect ones that do not have the print lines on them which seems to be somewhat common. I have even noticed some graded versions that are PSA 9's that have these lines, but I am trying not to have to get those examples.

I will have to post pics one day. It is really all I collect these days aside from Gunnar cards.

Good luck on what you decide!
TK

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by UncleFace

I never post but had to on this one!



I have very slowly been building the 98 Crusade Green set over the past years, I have some purples too.



I think there are 130 cards which includes the 30 update ones.



- I have about 60 of them right now. 25 or so are graded all PSA 8-10.

- I have made it a bit harder as I only collect ones that do not have the print lines on them which seems to be somewhat common. I have even noticed some graded versions that are PSA 9's that have these lines, but I am trying not to have to get those examples.



I will have to post pics one day. It is really all I collect these days aside from Gunnar cards.



Good luck on what you decide!

TK

Can't wait to see them!

[Tom Oates]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

and Bonds

but yea, with Michael AND Bo on the checklist it is an incredible set

Agreed, maybe go after the red die cut version to make it at least challenging. The blue would be too easy for the OP.

[corockies]

Originally Posted by Big35Hurt

The 1994 Holoviews are one of my favorite insert sets from that era. Still can't believe Frank Thomas wasn't included but they are so sharp. Back in 1994, they were jaw dropping for me when I saw one.

The reason why Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds aren't in the '94 Holoview set is because Upper Deck at the time hadn't signed either athlete for the head turn hologram.

[Big35Hurt]

Originally Posted by corockies

The reason why Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds aren't in the '94 Holoview set is because Upper Deck at the time hadn't signed either athlete for the head turn hologram.

What a bummer. Those two as much as any player should've made the set. But even without them, these are such stunning cards.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by corockies

The reason why Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds aren't in the '94 Holoview set is because Upper Deck at the time hadn't signed either athlete for the head turn hologram.

ahhhh!

[ScooterD]

1999 Fleer Mystique Established (/100)

[msink28]

-Heritage Throwbacks (if you want a challenge, pick an early year)
-2009 UD Ultimate Patch
-2008 UD Masterpieces Framed Gold or Silver
-I would not do Topps Black, death by 1000 PWEs.

[BiggNuttz]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

some great advice so far!

i will add another angle.... whatever set you decide on, make sure you obtain the
best players in the release first. Far too many people grab the low hanging fruit
and then when they run out of money/desire to continue, they are stuck with the
drek to either move or shelve. Good stuff is always good stuff and easy to move.

Think of how many times youve heard..... im working on the 1952 Topps set and
only need three more cards! They happen to be #311, 312 and 407 haha

I really like everything TBP has to say above, and although I completely agree with what he says, I do have a slight caveat. Depending on the set, and what grade you are trying to get it completed in, you might find that the stoppers are often common or obscure players in the set. Look at something like the 1986 Fleer Basketball set in PSA 10. Of course the Michael Jordan is the key card for this set in PSA 10 and will set you back ~$250,000, but there are numerous commons that are pop 1/2/3 that bring big money and are locked away.

My suggestion would be the 2018 Sapphire set in either base form in PSA 10, or in one of the limited colour parallels. An amazing set, some great veterans, but also the Acuna and Ohtani rookie cards. This set is also aesthetically, a very iconic and beautiful design. As it ages, it just looks better and better.

Regards

[Archangel1775]

I'd recommend an insert set or similar in 2022. You got Witt Jr Rookies, then all the current legends of the game. Ohtani, Soto, Acuna, Pujols is in there still, Trout, Harper, Judge and all those guys. If you go 90's, just do the 1993 Finest Refractor set. Sure there are less than 250 but it's highly collected and iconic. No rookies but 30ish HOF's and the steroid era legends. Start with Nolan Ryan and Ken Griffey Jr though. Those are the most expensive.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by ScooterD

1999 Fleer Mystique Established (/100)

Good one.

Oh how I wish Larkin was in that set.

[Cardsareus84]

2011 Topps Update - specifically the Hope Diamond set

[NYBBFAN]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

some great advice so far!

i will add another angle.... whatever set you decide on, make sure you obtain the
best players in the release first. Far too many people grab the low hanging fruit
and then when they run out of money/desire to continue, they are stuck with the
drek to either move or shelve. Good stuff is always good stuff and easy to move.

Think of how many times youve heard..... im working on the 1952 Topps set and
only need three more cards! They happen to be #311, 312 and 407 haha

This was a hard lesson learned for me as I built the Topps Heritage refractor run from 2003-2012. Oh, that Barry Bonds from 2003? I can get that any time. I can buy 10 cards from that set for the price of the Bonds! I’ll grab it later. It also cost 10x as much later too. Whoops.

As for a suggestion, the 2001 Topps Tribute Franchise Figures set seems to meet your criteria.

[NYBBFAN]

Originally Posted by ScooterD

1999 Fleer Mystique Established (/100)

Also a great suggestion.

[DaveTaplin]

Moments & Milestones

[nikobaseball]

Thanks again for all the input!

Originally Posted by UncleFace

I never post but had to on this one!

I have very slowly been building the 98 Crusade Green set over the past years, I have some purples too.

I think there are 130 cards which includes the 30 update ones.

- I have about 60 of them right now. 25 or so are graded all PSA 8-10.
- I have made it a bit harder as I only collect ones that do not have the print lines on them which seems to be somewhat common. I have even noticed some graded versions that are PSA 9's that have these lines, but I am trying not to have to get those examples.

I will have to post pics one day. It is really all I collect these days aside from Gunnar cards.

Good luck on what you decide!
TK

This is awesome, feel free to share any group shots you have already

Originally Posted by ScooterD

1999 Fleer Mystique Established (/100)

Never seen this before - but this is exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for, checklist looks tiny though, only 10!

Originally Posted by msink28

-Heritage Throwbacks (if you want a challenge, pick an early year)
-2009 UD Ultimate Patch
-2008 UD Masterpieces Framed Gold or Silver
-I would not do Topps Black, death by 1000 PWEs.

Yeah, i worry a lot about the death by 1000 PWE part too

Originally Posted by BiggNuttz

I really like everything TBP has to say above, and although I completely agree with what he says, I do have a slight caveat. Depending on the set, and what grade you are trying to get it completed in, you might find that the stoppers are often common or obscure players in the set. Look at something like the 1986 Fleer Basketball set in PSA 10. Of course the Michael Jordan is the key card for this set in PSA 10 and will set you back ~$250,000, but there are numerous commons that are pop 1/2/3 that bring big money and are locked away.

My suggestion would be the 2018 Sapphire set in either base form in PSA 10, or in one of the limited colour parallels. An amazing set, some great veterans, but also the Acuna and Ohtani rookie cards. This set is also aesthetically, a very iconic and beautiful design. As it ages, it just looks better and better.

Regards

Don't love a lot of the modern stuff but agree Sapphire is one of the better ones - it's just similar to the topps black, so so large (death by 1000 PWE)

Originally Posted by Archangel1775

I'd recommend an insert set or similar in 2022. You got Witt Jr Rookies, then all the current legends of the game. Ohtani, Soto, Acuna, Pujols is in there still, Trout, Harper, Judge and all those guys. If you go 90's, just do the 1993 Finest Refractor set. Sure there are less than 250 but it's highly collected and iconic. No rookies but 30ish HOF's and the steroid era legends. Start with Nolan Ryan and Ken Griffey Jr though. Those are the most expensive.

93 finest is a classic of course - I just think it's a little too attainable (although expensive for sure)

Originally Posted by Cardsareus84

2011 Topps Update - specifically the Hope Diamond set

Similar issue to the blacks but probably my top choice for a modern-ish set that I think will have long term value

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by nikobaseball

Never seen this before - but this is exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for, checklist looks tiny though, only 10!

Don't let the small checklist fool you. It will be quite a challenge to get all 10. The Established are collected hard by player collectors who have a player in the set. With only 100, and many already locked up in collections, it will be no easy task.

Also, that picture doesn't do them justice. They have an insanely colorful refractor finish on both the front and the back. Stunning cards.