So I'm sorting my newly completed 1972 Topps baseball card set, getting them all out of numerical order, putting them into teams. This involves taking them all out of their plastic sheets and looking at every single card, which I greatly enjoy and is really what I collect for.
Overall, this set is probably Ex+ or better on average, and most of it was acquired when I was an adult. But in looking at each card outside of its plastic protection, I'm discovering a small percentage of VG or, heaven forbid, G cards. Some creases, some very soft corners, one checklist very neatly and lightly checked.
And you know what? I love those cards. Because those are ones I'm sure I've owned for 42 years, cards little seven year old Vytas bought in a pack with his allowance money four decades ago. Cards my dad probably helped me sort and organize and understand. Cards that went into the 24 drawer screw and nail holder that I used for years. And those are the ones with meaning. So while I'll keep looking for mid-grade or better cards from here on out as I keep collecting, I don't think I'll even bother trying to replace the "lesser" cards from this set. Because they were truly collected.
Ok. Off my soapbox now.
Enjoy collecting!
v3