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

[nikobaseball]

I'm considering starting a new project to collect and looking for some ideas on a baseball set to collect. I'm looking for something that meets this criteria:

- every card is limited to a max of ~100, doesn't have to be SN but that's probably better. I want it to be hard to complete, but not impossible
- set either has key rookies or HOF
- something that should have some sort of stability on the value (not just a gimmicky modern insert set)
- fine with inserts, autos or game used (would probably only do older sets for game used, like 05 sweet spot jumbo patch or 09 ultimate patch)

The types of sets I keep coming back to are along the lines of a full topps black set (but I'd end up buying 1000 cards of random no-names, which is unappealing). My favorite set is the Upper Deck 500 POH Bat Auto set, but those are slightly too hard to find and some of them are numbered to <10 which would probably make it impossible. I definitely know that the fun part will be the chase, so I don't want to just pick a set where I can go on ebay and buy the full thing within a week or two.

Appreciate any suggestions!

[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.

[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.

[OhioLawyerF5]

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.

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).

[Big35Hurt]

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).

Yep....doing the reds will be nearly impossible unless one has a sizeable bankroll to spend on cards. Purples would be tough but is doable but still end up costing thousands and thousands. I think greens are numbered to 250 so it's outside his criteria but still would be a cool accomplishment to complete.

There was an auction for a Frank Thomas purple and red. The purple finished at $930 and the red around $4500 I think.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by Big35Hurt

Yep....doing the reds will be nearly impossible unless one has a sizeable bankroll to spend on cards. Purples would be tough but is doable but still end up costing thousands and thousands. I think greens are numbered to 250 so it's outside his criteria but still would be a cool accomplishment to complete.

There was an auction for a Frank Thomas purple and red. The purple finished at $930 and the red around $4500 I think.

Not gonna lie, that seems like a steal for the Red Frank. I would expect it to get closer to $10k.

[hermanotarjeta]

The most wanted insert sets of the 90’s started out as modern gimmicky insert sets.

Go after what you like and what fits your criteria.

If it’s a 90’s set you want, consider the 1999 sp signature gold set/50. That will keep you adequately challenged.

[Big35Hurt]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

Not gonna lie, that seems like a steal for the Red Frank. I would expect it to get closer to $10k.

The hobby must be dying.

In all seriousness, I was surprised as well. It was a PSA 8 so maybe that kept the price depressed a bit. There's a red PSA 9 with BIN for $9999.99 at the moment. The seller sent me an offer of $7999.99 a few weeks ago and I have to say it was tempting but just couldn't justify in my mind spending that much on one card.

[StateEx]

Do an all gold/gold lava/green run of 2021 Bowman's Best.

[LittleJimmies]

Frozenfractors all the way! Timeless classics right there.

[mfw13]

Topps Heritage Mini #/100 or Black Refractor #/year sets.....

[theshowandme]

1903 Breisch Williams (E107)

[dodgerfanjohn]

Originally Posted by nikobaseball

I'm considering starting a new project to collect and looking for some ideas on a baseball set to collect. I'm looking for something that meets this criteria:

- every card is limited to a max of ~100, doesn't have to be SN but that's probably better. I want it to be hard to complete, but not impossible
- set either has key rookies or HOF
- something that should have some sort of stability on the value (not just a gimmicky modern insert set)
- fine with inserts, autos or game used (would probably only do older sets for game used, like 05 sweet spot jumbo patch or 09 ultimate patch)

The types of sets I keep coming back to are along the lines of a full topps black set (but I'd end up buying 1000 cards of random no-names, which is unappealing). My favorite set is the Upper Deck 500 POH Bat Auto set, but those are slightly too hard to find and some of them are numbered to <10 which would probably make it impossible. I definitely know that the fun part will be the chase, so I don't want to just pick a set where I can go on ebay and buy the full thing within a week or two.

Appreciate any suggestions!

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.

[SleepyWill]

1998 Bowman's Best Complete set up to /100 Atomic Refractors.

https://www.baseballcardpedia.com/in...owman%27s_Best

[kingofsnake]

As far as recent products, I really like 2021 Topps Platinum Anniversary. Maybe try doing the Gold Refractor set - all numbered to 50. The cards look nice, the checklist is massive, and it wouldn't be too too expensive.

[Skipscards]

Originally Posted by nikobaseball

I'm considering starting a new project to collect and looking for some ideas on a baseball set to collect. I'm looking for something that meets this criteria:

- every card is limited to a max of ~100, doesn't have to be SN but that's probably better. I want it to be hard to complete, but not impossible
- set either has key rookies or HOF
- something that should have some sort of stability on the value (not just a gimmicky modern insert set)
- fine with inserts, autos or game used (would probably only do older sets for game used, like 05 sweet spot jumbo patch or 09 ultimate patch)

The types of sets I keep coming back to are along the lines of a full topps black set (but I'd end up buying 1000 cards of random no-names, which is unappealing). My favorite set is the Upper Deck 500 POH Bat Auto set, but those are slightly too hard to find and some of them are numbered to <10 which would probably make it impossible. I definitely know that the fun part will be the chase, so I don't want to just pick a set where I can go on ebay and buy the full thing within a week or two.

Appreciate any suggestions!

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.

[Rooftop]

1951 Bowman PSA 8's

[atk825]

This set was quite satisfying. All /60 and as key of a rookie year as there has been this century.

[maddux31]

I recently did the 2023 Topps Gilded set /99 (with the Cast in Golds to /199). Fun and surprisingly challenging set to put together, even for something released very recently. Nice mix of stars, legends, and rookies.

[corockies]

Not extremely rare, but still rare are the 1994 SP Holoview Reds. Many greats of the game from that time are in that set, and it has Michael Jordan's best baseball card. The 1995 SP Holoview set and 1996 SP Holoview Red sets are great compliments to the 1994 set as well.

[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.

[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

[atk825]

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

Funny because with the Sepia set above, the last card for me was the Ohtani which at that point, I was happy just paying whatever the comp was on it. But I figured that low numbered Ohtani rookie stuff shouldn't age too poorly in the long run.

[hermanotarjeta]

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

That’s good advice!

[Big35Hurt]

Originally Posted by corockies

Not extremely rare, but still rare are the 1994 SP Holoview Reds. Many greats of the game from that time are in that set, and it has Michael Jordan's best baseball card. The 1995 SP Holoview set and 1996 SP Holoview Red sets are great compliments to the 1994 set as well.

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.