Sports Cards Mania

JoePoulson

Well-Known Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
Feb 28, 2006
2,755
Orlando, FL
You have my full support, as I consider 1956 Topps the pinnacle. I cannot wait to follow you on your adventure and to subscribe to the new thread you start when the journey officially begins. I'm talking pics of each and every one my dude, this is gonna be amazing!
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,055
Alamogordo
I think I am going to try to put together a 1956 set. Been thinking about that one for a long time and I just love the overall look. The fronts are awesome with the background picture and the backs are awesome too with the little factoids and cartoons. The only expensive rookie card is Luis Aparicio but there's a ton of HOFers, including Mantle and Campanella who had a few years away from Topps due to contractual obligations with Bowman. Not including variations there are 342 cards. Not ready to fully dive in but I think I'm about to put my toe in the water...

Was your intent to talk me into doing this?
 

NJ_Sox_Fan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 2, 2006
10,736
NJ
I think I am going to try to put together a 1956 set. Been thinking about that one for a long time and I just love the overall look. The fronts are awesome with the background picture and the backs are awesome too with the little factoids and cartoons. The only expensive rookie card is Luis Aparicio but there's a ton of HOFers, including Mantle and Campanella who had a few years away from Topps due to contractual obligations with Bowman. Not including variations there are 342 cards. Not ready to fully dive in but I think I'm about to put my toe in the water...

My favorite set of all time. Started doing this years ago with graded cards, realized I was way too poor to do it that way, and sold most off. Always wanted to go back and do a nice looking raw set.
 

Fishercat

Svelte and sexy!
SoSH Member
May 18, 2007
8,266
Manchester, N.H.
1956 was one I was mentally debating if I did a second 1950s set - probably at the top of the list. I think it is among the most even sets - consistently good looking cards across players with some absolute stunners. Lots of visual appeal between the large photo / landscape scene / rear comic. BIG fan and, not that any 1950s sets are affordable, 1956 doesn't seem particularly terrible compared to some of the huge hitters. earlier on or the shorter printed options. I picked up a Campanella at the suggestion of others here and I think when I get to Robinson it may be the one I go for as well. Big support from me on it.
 

Fishercat

Svelte and sexy!
SoSH Member
May 18, 2007
8,266
Manchester, N.H.
I think the Julio Auto from our Stadium Club break was supposed to be in today, but FedEx decided to just leave a note instead of ringing the bell, so I have to go pick it up.

In the meantime, I did have a fun mail day otherwise. Some goodies to show off at a later point, but one that feels perfect for this crew. I've said a bit about how I am an absolute sucker for the 1990s insert series. Luckily, the vast majority of them are quite cheap - a whole set Fleer Pro Visions or the 1999 HoloGrfx or a slew of other creative, bonkers cards won't run you much more than a twelve pack or like a tenth of a box of cards today. However, a small group of inserts from that era have maintained their popularity and price over the years. In some cases, like with Pinnacle Z-Team, I was fortunate enough to pull one as a kid that is still in my collection today. In other cases, such as the early SpX autos, I re-bought. In this third case, I never got one but as I got back into the hobby I looked back and lamented a bit on what I could never pull. I shared a Donruss Elite a few days back which was one of those. This was another.

The 1996 Pinnacle Skylines insert is a perfect storm of why some inserts from this era hold value. First, they were naturally hard to hit. 1:29 packs doesn't seem like much...except that it was Series 2 Pinnacle AND it was only in Magazine packs - not retail or hobby. So a unique insert to a specific format. Like, you can still get a box of Pinnacle Series 2 today for $50-$60 or so and have a fun throwback rip, but these particular inserts weren't in that format. Second, the checklist is pretty much a mid 90-s All-Star game - Raul Mondesi is likely the weakest name on the checklist and it is packed with stars. Third, it's one of the earliest acetate cards. These are both more common and better done (in terms of QA) today but this era was the first to really start using acetate as the base - this is one of the earliest examples I am aware of with Fleer and the technology was new and fresh. Fourth, it has that great city - player combo that many of the modern chase inserts (Topps Home Field Advantage, Panini Downtown).

What does this all mean - a very easily damaged but great looking insert from a format that has long, long, long been out of circulation with a killer checklist with a pioneering card technology? Challenging market. However, two saving graces - the only Red Sox in the set is Mo Vaughn and while I LOVE Mo...he's relatively cheap in the hobby. Second, this copy has a spot on the acetate and some scratching on his name, which definitely caused a markdown. It's not being graded but it's a top tier personal collection item.

Also, the flavor text on the back? Just perfect.

1996 Pinnacle Skylines - Mo Vaughn.

View: https://imgur.com/a/c798MdD
 

NJ_Sox_Fan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 2, 2006
10,736
NJ
I think the Julio Auto from our Stadium Club break was supposed to be in today, but FedEx decided to just leave a note instead of ringing the bell, so I have to go pick it up.

In the meantime, I did have a fun mail day otherwise. Some goodies to show off at a later point, but one that feels perfect for this crew. I've said a bit about how I am an absolute sucker for the 1990s insert series. Luckily, the vast majority of them are quite cheap - a whole set Fleer Pro Visions or the 1999 HoloGrfx or a slew of other creative, bonkers cards won't run you much more than a twelve pack or like a tenth of a box of cards today. However, a small group of inserts from that era have maintained their popularity and price over the years. In some cases, like with Pinnacle Z-Team, I was fortunate enough to pull one as a kid that is still in my collection today. In other cases, such as the early SpX autos, I re-bought. In this third case, I never got one but as I got back into the hobby I looked back and lamented a bit on what I could never pull. I shared a Donruss Elite a few days back which was one of those. This was another.

The 1996 Pinnacle Skylines insert is a perfect storm of why some inserts from this era hold value. First, they were naturally hard to hit. 1:29 packs doesn't seem like much...except that it was Series 2 Pinnacle AND it was only in Magazine packs - not retail or hobby. So a unique insert to a specific format. Like, you can still get a box of Pinnacle Series 2 today for $50-$60 or so and have a fun throwback rip, but these particular inserts weren't in that format. Second, the checklist is pretty much a mid 90-s All-Star game - Raul Mondesi is likely the weakest name on the checklist and it is packed with stars. Third, it's one of the earliest acetate cards. These are both more common and better done (in terms of QA) today but this era was the first to really start using acetate as the base - this is one of the earliest examples I am aware of with Fleer and the technology was new and fresh. Fourth, it has that great city - player combo that many of the modern chase inserts (Topps Home Field Advantage, Panini Downtown).

What does this all mean - a very easily damaged but great looking insert from a format that has long, long, long been out of circulation with a killer checklist with a pioneering card technology? Challenging market. However, two saving graces - the only Red Sox in the set is Mo Vaughn and while I LOVE Mo...he's relatively cheap in the hobby. Second, this copy has a spot on the acetate and some scratching on his name, which definitely caused a markdown. It's not being graded but it's a top tier personal collection item.

Also, the flavor text on the back? Just perfect.

1996 Pinnacle Skylines - Mo Vaughn.

View: https://imgur.com/a/c798MdD
Love it - have that same card (the whole set actually)
 

YTF

Member
SoSH Member
This thread has sparked a semi renewed interest in cards. Other than a few odd cards picked up here and there, I basically gave up on the hobby in the early 90s when (for me) it was ruined by speculation on massively over produced cards and the introduction of the current grading system. I know, "collect what you like", but the quaintness of older card shops started disappearing, card shows became less enjoyable and I just lost the desire. I've been following along in the recent card threads here and reached out to a member who was looking to round out a certain part of his collection. I had a few older things that he was interested in and we came to an agreement. So the question the was, what to do with the money I made. I'm not interested in case breaks as I've no real desire to accumulate a bunch of cards I don't want or need while looking for a big hit. So with the "collect what you like" mindset, I decided to see what I might like. Right now I'm thinking Sox, authentic autographed (because the authenticating has already been done) and something that won't break the bank. I'm a bit leery of the value assigned to the color variation /5, /25, /50 type cards. I mean sincerely, it's the same card as the other variations, but purple. Anyhow, I bit and think I found a nice card at a good price. I got this in the mail yesterday, still had the black "Topps Now" sleeve that it originally came in. Love the card and think I did well at $45.

62325
 

JoePoulson

Well-Known Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
Feb 28, 2006
2,755
Orlando, FL
Welcome back! That is a perfect card to get you back into the hobby. What other Sox you interested in??

I'm a HUGE fan of official one touch cases with their stickers, and Topps Now, Archives, and Clearly Authentic are my jams.
 

Traut

lost his degree
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2005
12,750
My Desk
Right now I'm thinking Sox, authentic autographed (because the authenticating has already been done) and something that won't break the bank. I'm a bit leery of the value assigned to the color variation /5, /25, /50 type cards. I mean sincerely, it's the same card as the other variations, but purple. Anyhow, I bit and think I found a nice card at a good price. I got this in the mail yesterday, still had the black "Topps Now" sleeve that it originally came in. Love the card and think I did well at $45.

View attachment 62325
That's a great card. And you are right to be suspect of all of it. The overwhelming number of numbered rookie parallels is mind blowing.

What is of value in the future is anyone's guess. Though if I had to guess, rainbows (completing all color variants) of a single card are likely to be worth more than any one card. Rainbows are so hard to complete for a variety of reasons not the least of which is the most limited cards are 1/1 and /5. But yeah the difference in value between a /100 Devers and a /250 Devers is negligible.

And people do love rainbows of their favorite players. And if the 1/1 gets opened by some 8 year old and thrown in the trash then it is gone forever.
 

YTF

Member
SoSH Member
Welcome back! That is a perfect card to get you back into the hobby. What other Sox you interested in??

I'm a HUGE fan of official one touch cases with their stickers, and Topps Now, Archives, and Clearly Authentic are my jams.
Honestly it's just going to be a matter of seeing something that strikes my fancy. I'll poke around on ebay occasionally. If something interests me and it seems reasonable (whatever that might be), I'll do a little comparison shopping. If I like it well enough for the offered price I'll grab it. Everything that I've ordered so far has been an authentic autograph. Got a 2021 GQ Bogaerts today (SSP Script font?) and a 2021 Bowman's Best Whitlock. I have a 2021 Leaf Trinity Red /50 auto Mayer on the way, a 2021 Leaf Trinity Purple/25 auto Casas and a 2021 Heritage Houck auto (1972 inspired border).
 
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staz

Intangible
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2004
20,659
The cradle of the game.
I think I am going to try to put together a 1956 set. Been thinking about that one for a long time and I just love the overall look. The fronts are awesome with the background picture and the backs are awesome too with the little factoids and cartoons. The only expensive rookie card is Luis Aparicio but there's a ton of HOFers, including Mantle and Campanella who had a few years away from Topps due to contractual obligations with Bowman. Not including variations there are 342 cards. Not ready to fully dive in but I think I'm about to put my toe in the water...
Awesome, best of luck! I recently picked up a dozen raw VG 1952 commons and am toying with the idea of diving in that deep end. I've heard, 'get your Mantle first' because it has been appreciating at such a high rate. (Mine will likely be fair/poor, raw and creased, but hopefully some eye appeal will remain.) Plan B might be 1957, which were the first to feature color photography and be sized to sized to 2.5 x 3.5.
 

JoePoulson

Well-Known Member
Gold Supporter
SoSH Member
Feb 28, 2006
2,755
Orlando, FL
Nice dude! Yea they rule so hard. I upgraded just about all one touches as well as a horizontal booklet and am some larger items from PSA.
 

Bergs

funky and cold
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2005
21,613
I think the Julio Auto from our Stadium Club break was supposed to be in today, but FedEx decided to just leave a note instead of ringing the bell, so I have to go pick it up.

In the meantime, I did have a fun mail day otherwise. Some goodies to show off at a later point, but one that feels perfect for this crew. I've said a bit about how I am an absolute sucker for the 1990s insert series. Luckily, the vast majority of them are quite cheap - a whole set Fleer Pro Visions or the 1999 HoloGrfx or a slew of other creative, bonkers cards won't run you much more than a twelve pack or like a tenth of a box of cards today. However, a small group of inserts from that era have maintained their popularity and price over the years. In some cases, like with Pinnacle Z-Team, I was fortunate enough to pull one as a kid that is still in my collection today. In other cases, such as the early SpX autos, I re-bought. In this third case, I never got one but as I got back into the hobby I looked back and lamented a bit on what I could never pull. I shared a Donruss Elite a few days back which was one of those. This was another.

The 1996 Pinnacle Skylines insert is a perfect storm of why some inserts from this era hold value. First, they were naturally hard to hit. 1:29 packs doesn't seem like much...except that it was Series 2 Pinnacle AND it was only in Magazine packs - not retail or hobby. So a unique insert to a specific format. Like, you can still get a box of Pinnacle Series 2 today for $50-$60 or so and have a fun throwback rip, but these particular inserts weren't in that format. Second, the checklist is pretty much a mid 90-s All-Star game - Raul Mondesi is likely the weakest name on the checklist and it is packed with stars. Third, it's one of the earliest acetate cards. These are both more common and better done (in terms of QA) today but this era was the first to really start using acetate as the base - this is one of the earliest examples I am aware of with Fleer and the technology was new and fresh. Fourth, it has that great city - player combo that many of the modern chase inserts (Topps Home Field Advantage, Panini Downtown).

What does this all mean - a very easily damaged but great looking insert from a format that has long, long, long been out of circulation with a killer checklist with a pioneering card technology? Challenging market. However, two saving graces - the only Red Sox in the set is Mo Vaughn and while I LOVE Mo...he's relatively cheap in the hobby. Second, this copy has a spot on the acetate and some scratching on his name, which definitely caused a markdown. It's not being graded but it's a top tier personal collection item.

Also, the flavor text on the back? Just perfect.

1996 Pinnacle Skylines - Mo Vaughn.

View: https://imgur.com/a/c798MdD
I checked my 96 binder and was disappointed to discover I didn't have that. I have a different 96 Pinnacle Mo acetate insert, but it's nowhere near as sweet as that one ("Essence of the Game")
 
Last edited:

Fishercat

Svelte and sexy!
SoSH Member
May 18, 2007
8,266
Manchester, N.H.
I hadn't seen the Favorites for Fenway set til recently when I saw a cheap A-Rod on there as part of a different card buy and grabbed it - it's a very slick looking card I wish modern cards stole design elements of (as opposed to the generic ASG '22 stuff, it's layered and of the moment). That gem mint Skylines card POPS.
 

Fishercat

Svelte and sexy!
SoSH Member
May 18, 2007
8,266
Manchester, N.H.
I love the oddball formats of past eras - coins in particular are a ton of fun, and the Monarch cards are great too.

Speaking of fun, I don't really collect hockey in any substantial fashion, but Upper Deck is easily my favorite of the three big US card companies. Flawed of course but pricing seems more in what I would expect, they are much more transparent with the odds to the specific player (so you know a Brad Marchand auto is much tougher to pull than a Jack Ahcan auto), QA is reasonably good, the designs are more whole and less lazy to me, etc. I couldn't resist buying into a handful of cheaper player slots in a few breaks and the cards are that nice combination of great looking (IMO) but not bank breaking. No huge value items in there (the players are mostly lower end guys) but if Topps ever went in this direction for a baseball product I'd spend so much money on it. I love the rainbow build element, the bright colors, variance in patterns that make parallels feel more special, and the reasonableish price point and box size that goes between junk wax city and insane high end.

More recently 20-21 (yeah) SP Legends Authentic came out which is a blast down the 50s-2000s memory lane of retired stars, semi-stars, and the like. I didn't go into breaks too much on those because the checklist was so daunting but there's some great looking cards in there that I might end up grabbing a few Bruins off of the Bay.

View: https://imgur.com/a/RA9RUVq
 

Deathofthebambino

Drive Carefully
SoSH Member
Apr 12, 2005
41,948
I should really start a thread called "Cards I wish I hadn't sold a couple years before a pandemic" so you guys can really feel bad. This is literally a miniscule sampling of what's on my phone alone that is no longer in my collection:

62527
 

NJ_Sox_Fan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 2, 2006
10,736
NJ
Haha, I feel your pain. I sold a 2009 Bowman Draft Blue Chrome Refractor Auto of Mike Trout for roughly $30,000 less than what they go for now.
 

Deathofthebambino

Drive Carefully
SoSH Member
Apr 12, 2005
41,948
So for reals these all *used* to be yours???
Every single one of them. And honestly, this is probably 1% of what I sold. It is some of the best stuff, but I don't even know where to look for the stuff that isn't on this phone, etc. I was deep into breaks and buying cases, etc.