Is Set Collecting Still A Thing?

5280Cards · 01-05-2026, 10:31 PM

Apologies for the long message beforehand, but I'm wondering if anyone is still set building in vintage?

I had an uncle pass away 30+ years ago and my family recently uncovered a small binder of old trading cards. Primarily 55 Bowman Football, but also some 52 and 54 Topps Baseball. I only need ~ 40 cards to finish the football set, but a seemingly daunting task is to try to build the 54 and 52 (for obvious Mantle price reasons). Regardless, I have thought about trying to build out the 52 and 54 as much as possible knowing that it will take me the better part of the rest of my life, LOL, but wondered if anyone even still really builds sets anymore.

I haven't built any sets since being a kid in the 80's/90's and don't have much knowledge of vintage in general. So basic question -- is this just a waste of time, effort, and money? Or if it's a viable thought, is there a better way to tackle it? Such as hit the big cards first (maybe one a year) and pick up some of the lesser value cards along the way or would it be better to build quantity first and try to fill in the big names later? My initial thought is the former than the latter, but looking for any guidance from the folks who have experience here.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

01-05-2026, 10:31 PM	#1
5280Cards Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Denver Posts: 59	Is Set Collecting Still A Thing? Apologies for the long message beforehand, but I'm wondering if anyone is still set building in vintage? I had an uncle pass away 30+ years ago and my family recently uncovered a small binder of old trading cards. Primarily 55 Bowman Football, but also some 52 and 54 Topps Baseball. I only need ~ 40 cards to finish the football set, but a seemingly daunting task is to try to build the 54 and 52 (for obvious Mantle price reasons). Regardless, I have thought about trying to build out the 52 and 54 as much as possible knowing that it will take me the better part of the rest of my life, LOL, but wondered if anyone even still really builds sets anymore. I haven't built any sets since being a kid in the 80's/90's and don't have much knowledge of vintage in general. So basic question -- is this just a waste of time, effort, and money? Or if it's a viable thought, is there a better way to tackle it? Such as hit the big cards first (maybe one a year) and pick up some of the lesser value cards along the way or would it be better to build quantity first and try to fill in the big names later? My initial thought is the former than the latter, but looking for any guidance from the folks who have experience here. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!