Are Base sets a thing of the past?

[michael_a_l]

Its seems to me that noboby seems to have much interest in the base set anymore.

Not that im complaining(because ive always been a base set fan) but Why do they go so cheaply...Are the cards so mass produced that a set is too easy to obtain.

I dont personally have any NRL base sets but will be keen to change that in the future

Do people not think that if enough people don't care about them at present and throw unwanted base in the bin.....they may become wanted in the future??

Would love to see people opinions

 

[hsv006]

No
They make great drink coasters

 

[BLADE]

I love common cards due to the fact that I would rather try to get a whole set of common cards hand signed than chase the full sets of inserts.

 

[mischap123]

Some like the thrill of the chase hence the term "chase cards"

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Without common cards, chase cards would then be mass produced, thus becoming common cards.....

 

[footypugs2011]

I'm having trouble getting base sets. Missing 2 sets of base cards and everyone wants a arm and leg for them.

 

[1967Sharks]

Look harder, They are everywhere.
Personally i think there are too many sets and not enough collectors to get decent prices. It takes 7 or 8 years to get $20 for a set.
I have thrown plenty of base in the bin.

 

[Muzza]

It's a function of the era. Back in the 60's, 70's & 80's there were no inserts and the only way to get the full set was to keep buying packets. At school we used to swap with others for the cards we each needed. I was always a stickler for mint(ish) cards so that made it harder, but there was no ebay, no Select, no card shops. Today's collector needs the base set & album, otherwise what's the point of going after the inserts ?

 

[footypugs2011]

I need 2004 and 2005 base sets

 

[footypugs2011]

I noticed now i'm chasing a base set and the rooster inserts. If i get other players i work out weather i want them or just use them for trade or sale.

 

[Muzza]

I noticed now i'm chasing a base set and the rooster inserts. If i get other players i work out weather i want them or just use them for trade or sale.

I used to do the same but got a bit more serious in recent years, regretting selling some pretty good Signatures, Double Troubles etc in the past. Now go after as much of any set as I can and try to nab bargains on old inserts as well. Got to say though, I only buy the authenticated signatures, I don't like commons with the scrawl all over 'em. Is that anyone elses preference.

 

[1967Sharks]

I don't like commons with the scrawl all over 'em. Is that anyone elses preference.

I do see the appeal in it but its not for me.

 

[MJD]

The base set is still really important to me, but as others have mentioned, the modern nature and environment of collecting has reduced the sense of accomplishment on completing a common set.
These days, you buy a box, base set taken care of. It took me about five years to complete the Regina 93 set by swaps and pack purchases, and I only did it then when I found a comic book store selling the packs for 50c each in 1998. I almost had 3 complete sets by the time I finally got those last ellusive cards (I recall the Simon Gillies being the last to reach my hand) - and the feeling was better than any sweet inserts I've pulled since the 'box-buying' years.

As for signed cards, I have a small collection in-person sigs for touring Kangeroos and the two or three NRL players who have graced the training paddock or book signings of Porirua, but the idea of sending cards off to get signed and sent back doesn't really have any appeal or value to me.

 

[footypugs2011]

I used to do it alot when i was a kid and gave up after a number of years getting them back not signed. But i'm back into my rugby league cards again and having trouble getting base sets.

 

[Muzza]

I'm hearing ya Matt. I only started buying boxes from the 2008 Centenary set. All prior sets I'd buy pack after pack, fill up at collectors fairs or on ebay years later. Good feeling finally filling the last space in the album.
By the way, where exactly is Porirua? Got NZ connections so I was interested to know.

 

[thenamesgould]

I'm hearing ya Matt. I only started buying boxes from the 2008 Centenary set. All prior sets I'd buy pack after pack, fill up at collectors fairs or on ebay years later. Good feeling finally filling the last space in the album.
By the way, where exactly is Porirua? Got NZ connections so I was interested to know.

Just over the hill from Wellington!

 

[MJD]

Yeah, 15 minutes north of Wellington. In the 12 years I've worked here we've been graced by Benji Marshall (book signing, not long ago) Steve Price (book) and Ricky Stuart, Daryl Halligan (Bulldogs promo/training thing back in 2000 when they used to play the Warrirors in Wgtn once a year).

Cards by the pack haven't been available in NZ since about 1996/97 (and that was just comic book shops). I don't think there's ever been a real Kiwi distributor for Select product - besides someone bringing over a case and charging NZ$300+ for a box.

Worst series to collect pack-by-pack was Dynamic 1996. So many cards and that starter/booser split. It wasn't until I finally got to Melbourne around 2005 and made a beeline for Cardzone that I finally picked up the 20 or so cards I needed.

Another point on the importance of base cards is rookie cards. I know they don't generate the same interest down under as they do in the States but I'm always aware of what card is a player's first and value a collection more if it's got a few key rookies. And it kind of irks me when players get an insert card before their first base card - rookie cards should be base cards.