What would be cooler?

[softballa04]

I have always thought the 1997 Top 50 basketball players is a cool concept.

Now that I have a job where I'm actually making money, I have decided that I don't want to collect like I was any longer. It's all cards $20.00 and up for me. No more base rookies or putting together base sets.

I thought putting together a set of one card of each of the Top 50 would be cool.

My question, which would be cooler, a rookie of each one or an auto of each one?

Of course, players like MJ would have to be on the tail end of it.

[realreodeal]

You would have a very hard time getting RC's of all the top 50 players. I would say go after the Auto's. You have more options that way.

[Jay520]

Hey softballao4 I found a price guide that has done just what you are thinking of doing. It is an October 04 issue of "bk" where a Top 50 players lithograph was sold at auction for $51,519 from a private owner. Said to be roughly $35,000 at auction (in 04). A collector went in search of collecting their auto cards and did it at a cost of $2,045.00(47/50). He could not find Kevin Mchale, Dave Bing, and Pete Maravich(obviously). Many of the auto prices have come down since then so it is achievable. The rookie cards would be an unbelievable task to try.

[softballa04]

Thanks for the input guys. I agree, the autos would be easier overall because of the variations, but I think rookies could maybe be cheaper?

[realreodeal]

Thanks for the input guys. I agree, the autos would be easier overall because of the variations, but I think rookies could maybe be cheaper?

No way. Most of the players only had 1 real RC.

Kareem, Archibald, Baylor, Bird, Chamberlain, Cousy, Frazier, Magic, Jordan, Moses Malone, Maravich, Mikan, Olajuwan, Pettit, Oscar, Bill Russell, Sharman, Jerry West---These guys alone would cost you $15K-$20K, then you still have 32 to go. Very tough task in my opinion. Good luck either way and keep us updated.

[seattlefantillidi]

OUCH! Wow, that would be a costly project, but man, if money wasn't a problem, that would be a very FUN project!
Why not start cheaper and just go for like G/U of the top 50 players and then go for the autos and then maybe last go for their true RC's?

[softballa04]

Yeah, I thought about that Seattle. I don't know if I could get gu's though of some of those way older guys.

Your completely right real. I didn't think about anyone other than jordan and magic/bird.