I have a 1970 OPC near-set in mid-grade condition. Is it a good way to store them in a binder (with 9-cards sheets) or should I place them individually in sleeves? Finally, is it worth a deal getting them graded?
I'm a newcomer and want to invest time in it.
Thanks for your opinion.
Phil.
This is a good question and I have wondered the same thing at times.
First, I would say that grading wouldn't be the best option in your case. The 1970-71 OPC set is rather large, so grading would be quite expensive. Since your set is mid grade, you would have a hard time ever making your money back when you did decide to resell it. There will always be a market for complete sets in mid-grade and better condition, but most people looking for graded cards from the 1970's are looking for NrMint or better.
I have a number of sets stored in binders, but I have never liked them that well. The pages tend to sag in the binder, which I can see being a problem for the cards.
Individual sleeves are a possibility, but I would lean toward sleeves inside toploaders. If you buy toploaders by the case, they aren't very expensive. (Get them at a show or local shop to avoid shipping them. A case is somewhat heavy and the shipping would add a lot to the cost.) The toploaders would protect each card and you can store them in a shoebox style box. Just be sure that you are buying a box that is wide enough to hold toploaders when they are stood up. You could store the entire set in one shoebox in toploaders, so it wouldn't take up much space and you could easily flip through the cards whenever you wanted.
This is just my opinion, but there may be better ways of storing cards. Hopefully you will get some more input on this question.
I have that whole 70-71 OPC set that would probably grade in the 6-7 range. I agree the set would not be worth grading. I have my star cards in top loaders inside plastic sleeves. The top loaders have a tendency to ding one corner when they are inserted, I believe that is why PSA won't guarantee the cost of a damaged card. The rest of the cards are in a binder set snugly on a shelf.
In order to not damage cards placed in sleeves and top loaders. First cut the top loader on 1 side about 1/2" with a sharp utility knife by inserting it and giving it a quick pull. This ensures the edges and corners do not catch on it hen inserting.
phil,i think the best way to go for storage and protection is to put all your cards in a soft sleeve and top loader. buy 4 pocket pages and then show of your set in a large binder which will show 4 cards per page in there soft sleeve and top loader.
it is a bit costly to do it this way but the end results are nice.
i have some of my best sets displayed like this and you can show anyone the set without them pushing or bending on the card.9 pocket pages are great but if you make someone handle your set with those pages they may accidently press on the card and make a crease.
