If you were to invest in 1 vintage set, what would it be?

[jcardstore]

So before anyone says "do a Roth, 401k, etc.." I already max those out and I'm just trying to diversify a bit while also buying something that I enjoy.

I am coming around to the idea of cards as an investable asset but I'm really only interested in vintage stuff atm. I'll be honest, I know next to nothing about vintage basketball.

I know 61 Fleer is a good set but outside of that no clue.

Also not talking big bucks here, maybe a couple thousand a year?

Looking for some tips from you guys who know way more than me before I start buying.

[eastbayak]

Interesting thread, OP. I'll be following closely.

Also, how are you defining vintage (I've learned over the years that there's no standardized definition for vintage trading card)?

[Promethius88]

I put together a set of 1970-71 Topps PSA 8 and better. Probably took me 5+ years as some of the short prints were extremely difficult and I didn't have as much disposable income back then. Sadly, I sold it off about 7 years ago and still regret it.
Although it is a bigger set than the 69-70 Topps, it's probably still more affordable.

I love me some tall boys!

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by eastbayak

Interesting thread, OP. I'll be following closely.

Also, how are you defining vintage (I've learned over the years that there's no standardized definition for vintage trading card)?

I honestly, don't even know. I'm interested to see what people say.

Definitely not interested in the last 10 years unless it's an iconic set like 12-13 prizm, for example.

I do know I'd be more interested in grade sensitive sets since I'd be likely picking up psa stuff.

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by jcardstore

I honestly, don't even know. I'm interested to see what people say.

Definitely not interested in the last 10 years unless it's an iconic set like 12-13 prizm, for example.

I do know I'd be more interested in grade sensitive sets since I'd be likely picking up psa stuff.

Haha sounds good.

Looking forward to seeing what people contribute.

[sebreg]

Since I love base rookies and history of the game have to go with stock answer: 61 Fleer. Pick-up #1 would be Jerry West. Then Oscar.

[SteveToronto]

I feel like '88 fleer still has room to grow. It doesn't have the hype of '86 because of Jordan, but it still has numerous popular hall of famer rookies in it. It's still pretty affordable compared to a lot of other stuff.

In terms modern, I like 2015 Revolution.

[isles4life]

Forget vintage, get in on 1997-98 metal universe.

[burke23]

True vintage - love the look of 71-72 Topps, and has some good HOF vets and rc in it.

[rifleman69]

69-70 Topps
61 Fleer
70-71 Topps like a previous poster said
86-87 Fleer
88-89 Fleer
87-88 Fleer
80-81 Topps

[exclusively_nba]

This isn't really vintage, but the 96-97 Topps Chrome set was a fun/nostalgic one for me to put together a few years ago.

[glen87]

go with what started it all - '48 bowman

[MJGOAT23]

Originally Posted by rifleman69

69-70 Topps
61 Fleer
70-71 Topps like a previous poster said
86-87 Fleer
88-89 Fleer
87-88 Fleer
80-81 Topps

May as well throw the 57-58 Topps on there too

[slightlyrounded]

If we're doing vintage, gotta go with the very first from 1909. Williams number-on-fronts NOFs) if you can get em, otherwise any of the basketball cards in that series will do. They're available enough for relatively little $ and fantastic to look at.



Yah, 48 Bowmans should also get a nod.

[DajuanWagner]

18/19 Prizm silver set...…..

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by slightlyrounded

If we're doing vintage, gotta go with the very first from 1909. Williams number-on-fronts NOFs) if you can get em, otherwise any of the basketball cards in that series will do. They're available enough for relatively little $ and fantastic to look at.



Yah, 48 Bowmans should also get a nod.

Thank you everybody for all of the responses!! Keep em coming

I'm particularly interested in this. What is the name of this set? I did a 30 second search on ebay and couldn't find anything but postcards. Are these the murad cigarettes cards?

[Gary]

For the crazy rich go for the 1968 Topps test.

For a high priced set 61 fleer
for a mid price 73 topps
Best lower end (not really low end) but somewhat still affordable 87 Fleer.

[slightlyrounded]

Yes, Murad t51 college tobacco cards. Only 4 schools in the set, but technically 7 different card variations (Williams x 3, Northwestern x 2, Xavier and Luther each with 1). Williams card was issued first and is the most sought after, particularly the one with a little #14 in the bottom right corner. Can't go wrong with any of them and some in VG condition can be purchased for as little as $20-$50.

Topps did a meh tribute to these in 2008-09 (100 year anniversary).

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by slightlyrounded

Yes, Murad t51 college tobacco cards. Only 4 schools in the set, but technically 7 different card variations (Williams x 3, Northwestern x 2, Xavier and Luther each with 1). Williams card was issued first and is the most sought after, particularly the one with a little #14 in the bottom right corner. Can't go wrong with any of them and some in VG condition can be purchased for as little as $20-$50.

Topps did a meh tribute to these in 2008-09 (100 year anniversary).

Are these heavily counterfeit? Or am I fine buying raw?

[slightlyrounded]

Raw should be 100% ok. Only concern would be trimming if you want to go higher-end condition, but I haven't seen a lot of that.

[PKIPP]

Edit: 1972-73 topps.. Dr J RC year.. Cards really have that 1970's feel, very colorful

[drobfan8]

I agree about 97/98 Metal Universe. You could put together a PSA 9 set and probably be able to retire down the line.

Actually I've just convinced myself to do it. Gotta think it will be iconic.

Maybe no the best Rookie class though.

Do you have a lot of 86 Fleer?

[drobfan8]

Or 96/97 Flair Rows 0, 1 and 2.

[discodanman45]

I would say the best sets to collect are 1980-81 Topps, 1987-88 Fleer, and 1988-89 Fleer. The 1986 Fleer is out of control right now and even though I am trying to get all the rookies, I am buying raw and grading.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by discodanman45

I would say the best sets to collect are 1980-81 Topps, 1987-88 Fleer, and 1988-89 Fleer. The 1986 Fleer is out of control right now and even though I am trying to get all the rookies, I am buying raw and grading.

Yeah but what is 86 Fleer gonna be like in 5, 10 or 20 years?

Probably absolutely unobtainable unless you are very wealthy.

All of your pics are great options..