General Forum

So I'm sorting my newly completed 1972 Topps baseball card set, getting them all out of numerical order, putting them into teams.  This involves taking them all out of their plastic sheets and looking at every single card, which I greatly enjoy and is really what I collect for. 

Overall, this set is probably Ex+ or better on average, and most of it was acquired when I was an adult.  But in looking at each card outside of its plastic protection, I'm discovering a small percentage of VG or, heaven forbid, G cards.  Some creases, some very soft corners, one checklist very neatly and lightly checked.  

And you know what?  I love those cards.  Because those are ones I'm sure I've owned for 42 years, cards little seven year old Vytas bought in a pack with his allowance money four decades ago.  Cards my dad probably helped me sort and organize and understand.  Cards that went into the 24 drawer screw and nail holder that I used for years. And those are the ones with meaning.  So while I'll keep looking for mid-grade or better cards from here on out as I keep collecting, I don't think I'll even bother trying to replace the "lesser" cards from this set.  Because they were truly collected.

Ok.  Off my soapbox now.  

Enjoy collecting!

v3 

 As I have been going through my cards again for the first time in a couple of years, I have seen my marks on checklist cards too. I like how it was an innocent way for younger me to keep track of what cards I had before this wonderful database or before I bought price guides just to keep track of my sets. It is wonderful to look at those cards and think of how far I've come not only as a collector but in general from that day in third grade. 

Also, congratulations on completely the 72 set. That's an accomplishment. 

I know what you mean about some of those lower grade cards. Aside from nostalgia, they have character in them. I would feel the same about my 87 Topps cards (the 1st set I collected as a kid), except that they're so cheap, I threw all the old ones out and bought a couple boxes and started all over again!

1972 is a different story though....congrats on completing the set!

 

 

 

Aaron

I know exactly what you mean. I can always tell which cards I had when I started collecting, especially the NBA, because they are all beat up. I was taking them in and out of the pages I used at the time so often all the bottom corners in particular are in bad shape. I've got one card that has bad corners, scratched all to heck and even some dents in it, but it was the very first card I ever traded for, so I keep it with my set even though I've since gotten a mint condition replacement. Brings me back to what I posted a few days ago in one of my own threads- I'd rather have a damaged card than no card at all. (I have a couple of cards with holes in them in my collection, even)

I agree. Some people forget that a card is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. My collection is priceless for me. I wouldn't sell it or trade it. It's mine and worth every penny that I've ever spent on it.

If I don't have one at all, I'll take it it. Condition is important on some levels but if you just love the fact you have one less slot to fill, condition is an after thought