1981 Topps Traded Baseball Forum

I didn't collect traded sets in the 1980's.  The reasoning mostly had to do with not knowing rather than any opinion either way.  These days, I don't consider my sets complete without the traded/update sets.  They're integrated into my team-separated binders like part of the base sets.  What's unique about the 1981 Topps Traded set is that it's numbering is a continuation of the 1981 Topps base set, which makes it hard to ignore.  Often considered one of the first Topps Traded sets, many people are familiar with the much smaller '74T and '76T Traded sets.  An even smaller traded set was included as part of the high-series base set for 1972.  The 1969 Topps set has two variation cards that can be considered a Traded Set.  So does the 1951 Topps set.  What are your thoughts on the Traded/Update sets?

I have all the Topps sets (and several of other companies) from 1973 to present day - and that includes all update/Traded sets. (One exception, either 01 or 02 - where the first 100 or so cards are short printed, I own the chrome version instead.)

A huge part of my collection. I missed out on getting the 1981 when they came out, I was young and didn't understand. Thankfully, I got 2 traded sets in 1982. :) And I just recently obtained the 1984 Fleer Update. That was difficult to get at a decent price. But, essential to my collection. But that's just me. :)

That's funny.  I was considering doing the same thing with the 2002 Topps Traded set.  I have the high numbers 111-275, and was holding out for the low numbers to come down in price (14 years now).  I'll be adding the low number chrome cards to my "To Do" list this year.

Not really a set collector, per se, but by my personal standards, the traded sets are a separate entity.  Except the 1981 set, and those in the 1970s that used the regular card number with a "T" (I consider those a variation of the base card).  I think Upper Deck did their early update sets as a numbering continuation.  That being said, I love traded sets and do collect the cards.  I just don't consider the base set or the traded set as incomplete without the other.

I didn't collect the traded or update sets in the past but once I have all the base sets I want, I can see myself adding the traded/update sets. 2015 is the first update set I've collected. I do have all the update/traded cards for my Tiger team sets. I had to spend a little extra for 02 traded Tigers since many fell in that first 100 SP runs.  Now I'm going to need to do some convincing with the wife to add the traded sets.

Sets aren't complete without the traded/update sets in my opinion.  For me, it would be like having an older set from the 60's without the final series and considering it complete since those tend to be harder to find.  I prefer sets to singles so I'm biased. 

Dan,  I like your new logo!

For my Phillies set, I have a separte binder for; traded, updates and highlights and whatever the new name Topps chooses to use next. For my Yankees collection, I just put them at the back of the year the cards were issued, as I keep my Yankees in boxes.

I will say this.....I really wish Topps would come up with a formulia or " standard" and stick to it. I like the traded sets, and they make sense. I will go with the time change and use the word " updates", my problem is adding "highlights"......To me it just dilutes the set......MY opinion.

I agree with Switzr1. The traded sets are a different thing. I've got 1974 and 1979 traded because they came in packs with the base sets. But now each year I buy the "Factory Complete Set." Note the word "complete." The other stuff is something else. I'm not opposed to them, but they're not part of the base set. Which is why I'm about to slip out of the top 100 baseball collections on this site. Unless someone creates a separate vintage list, l never catch the people who can buy thousands of new cards each year, with the traded and updates, and rookie and foil. Sigh. 

V3

I thought it might give a clue as to my screen name(s), e-mail addresses, etc. I also figured it's a nice blending of my two biggest hobbies - music and sports cards.

NJDevils wrote: Dan,  I like your new logo!