What rules do you have for your collection(s)?

[WoundedDuck]

I know most probably do this. Everyone collects a certain way. Maybe you only want on card autos, maybe it's HoF patches. I know for me and most likely others, there are even more rules to follow as the collection expands. Here's what I do.

Ohio State Collection - 1 rookie auto of every player that comes out of school as well as past OSU sport greats. If no auto is available, then I try for a low numbered insert/parallel from the rookie year. I greatly prefer an auto that features the player in their professional uniform and not OSU scarlet and gray.

Star auto Collection - 1 auto from stars/HoFs that I saw play from the late 80s to the present. It doesn't matter if it's pack pulled and certified or PSA/DNA authenticated, but I don't want unauthenticated IP autos, even if the auto looks good. I may try to pick up an uncertified example, but only to submit for authentication. There are many star/HoF autos of players from the 50s - early 80s that are affordable, but if it happened before I started watching, I don't want an auto. I haven't started yet, but I eventually plan to pick up post-war vintage cards of these stars. Having been a name I recognize and watched play when I started collecting is the line I draw for picking up autos.

Pre-war vintage - not as many strict rules. Somewhat trying for a type collection, but I also want to try to pick up a card from as many HoFs as possible.

Justin Upton PC - 1 of every card I can get a hold of. Generally when targeting cards, I try for things that will be tough to come by that I can still get for a reasonable price. I make an effort not to go for low end base/inserts, but only try to pick these up through trades or a COMC binge.


What rules do you place on your personal collections?

 

[alexs64]

Justin Upton PC - 1 of every card I can get a hold of. Generally when targeting cards, I try for things that will be tough to come by that I can still get for a reasonable price. I make an effort not to go for low end base/inserts, but only try to pick these up through trades or a COMC binge.


What rules do you place on your personal collections?

This right here for my Ethier PC. I like that there are a ton of cards I can pick up from COMC when I feel like it. I also mainly look for stuff that pops when I am buying. 1/1's and low numbered stuff. I am trying to build it without going broke some I have to skip some of the ones I really want.

 

[phillyfan0417]

My rule is if i like it, i buy it.


thats why i buy so much and probably need more rules.

 

[JackLondon]

My rule is if i like it, i buy it.


thats why i buy so much and probably need more rules.

Exactly my problem, at times.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Phillies only. Go with what you know.

 

[WoundedDuck]

My rule is if i like it, i buy it.


thats why i buy so much and probably need more rules.

haha been there (see my short prosecting stint). I was burning out so the type A in me started setting up regulations

 

[1st4040]

The only rule I follow is remember its just a hobby and to enjoy it for what it is. I buy what I want when I want and I'm patient because if its numbered higher than /1 it will probably find its way for sale eventually. I don't let others influence the way I collect and don't care about others opinion of who I collect or my collection because it is for me and me only.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

With all the stuff out there its definitely important to have rules :shock:

I'm a 1/1 type collector but am much more picky about player selection of non-Topps (Topps/Topps Chrome) brands.

 

[VandyDan]

With Vandy guys, i go for unique/interesting cards over resale value or 'growth potential'. I actually steer clear of low #d bowman autos for my guys, as I actually don't like them much as cards (heresy, I know). Also, any prewar vandy memorabilia, i buy if i can.

For prospecting, I only ever allow myself to prospect with 4-5 players at a given time. If a new guy comes along that i think has some value, i sell off one player and buy the new. that helps me keep disciplined in the crack epidemic that is prospecting.

I also try reallllllly hard to not buy retail wax.

 

[AK11]

Rule 1. No base cards

Rule 2. Must be a player I like prospect or current major leaguer or retired


When I bust boxes at the lcs, I now donate anything that I don't like player-wise to the shop even if it includes jerseys, patches, and autographs. I have no room to accumulate extras anymore.

 

[Ghumbs]

It's a work in progress, but for now:

Jay Buhner
Edgar Martinez
Ken Griffey Jr.
Randy Johnson
Dan Wilson
Felix Hernandez

All of the above must be in Mariners uniform.
No autos or game used.

 

[James52411]

1. My Cubs collection only includes autographs and game used cards of players in their Cubs uniform. Keeps me away from all the multi-player goodness that would get so expensive. Rule does not apply to a rookie card, base cards or inserts.

2. I don't hoard multiples of the same card.

3. I only actively collect players who made a significant impact towards the team.

 

[MOFNY]

This is from my site: I take the Beckett recognized totals and alter them slightly. I don't collect minor league, certain over-sized (example: 2002 Absolute Memorabilia Signing Bonuses), and after-market show stamped cards (example: Hawaii and Chicago).

 

[jay1065]

Ellis Burks:

- only 1 example of every item issued (not including GU bats)
- be patient

1910 T210 Old Mill:

- stay away from BINs as much as possible
- be patient

Pre-WWII Type Cards:

- if a wanted type card and T210 pop up at the same time, the T210 takes preference
- be patient

 

[rymflaherty]

My only big rule is that it has to be a team card. I.e - For Red Sox players if it does not say Boston (Like the Elite cards) or Boston Red Sox I do not count it as a PC card.

With the way players can switch teams, that at least limits things some. It also helps if I sell a player that later winds up with the Sox (Since it wouldn't be considered a "Red Sox Card" anyway so no loss).....and if a player leaves I can keep the cards and have them be PC because they represent the time he was there.

That's really the main "Qualifier" I have.....If it fits in that range I will collect Base, Inserts, Auto's, odd-ball, whatever I can get my hands on.

 

[JoshHamilton]

Phillies only. Go with what you know.

You should expand to buying UFC boxes so you can pay up on a bet you owe, loser

 

[TBTwinsFan]

Glen Perkins
-As many autographs, jerseys, and #'d cards as possible
-It used to be anything at all, but I have too many base, so now it's one of each.

Mike Kingery
-1 of each base card and standard parallels
-Multiples of each numbered, rare, and his autographed card
-As many game used items as I can get


Leaf Levi Michael
-Only Leaf cards (THANKS TOPPS!)
-Attempt at getting all 25 Metal Player editions
-Attempt at completing rainbows for each product he is in

Granted, this will all change over the next month as I step away from cards, but that's what it is now.

 

[KLARNOLD]

My collection consists mainly of Albert Pujols oddball cards (stadium giveaways, regional, restaurant, food, endorsement, stamp, sticker, board game, toy issued, store exclusives, Target/Wal-Mart, box toppers, box bottoms, magazine inserts, samples, previews, tests, panels, sheets, promos, limited editions, redemptions, online only exclusives, mail-in, convention issued, show issued, All Star Fan-fest, foreign issued, hobby/retail only issued, team issued, charity issued, jumbos, minis, 2001 rookies, 2000-01 minor league, variations, parallels, short-prints, low numbered and errors). In other words, cards that are not normally found in regular packs of cards with a few exceptions.

 

[MansGame]

My rule is if i like it, i buy it.


thats why i buy so much and probably need more rules.

x2! I go after any Albert Belle I don't already have and really follow the beckett checklist as my guide. I will never go after "valut proofs" ever again and I am not really intrigued by "executive proofs" or the like (unless on beckett checklist). I am a sucker to get my PC % as high as possible :benson:

 

[rickeyfanatic]

1 of each Rickey Henderson card ever produced. Some oddballs depending on eye appeal and price. Autographs, jerseys, game worn memorabilia. I know I can never own them all, but I have a long time to try and make the most out of it, and that's what I intend to do. Or if I hit the Powerball, offer everyone in the Henderson thread 200k each to sell out, and see what happens! :twisted: :twisted: