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I'm Not Built for Gambling (Larkin 1/1 Edition!)

A couple of weeks ago, I found out about the Topps Archives Signature Series Postseason Edition set.  Basically, the gimmick of the set is that each box contains exactly one slabbed card - and that card is an autographed buyback card of a postseason hero of yore.  Each card is also serially numbered, though the exact numbers of each card and each player seemed to range quite widely (and without any apparent rhyme or reason that I could discern).

This set is a gambler's dream in that while you know you are getting an autograph, you don't know which autograph you'll receive.  Furthermore, a lot of the so-called Postseason Heroes aren't exactly big names...and as such, there cards aren't going to be worth anywhere near the price of the box.

That's where the large eBay sellers come in handy.  In another first for me, I participated in a group break where you bid on only a single player.  The break I entered was for a 5 case break of the product (which means 100 boxes - aka 100 autographs).  You see, Barry Larkin has autographs in the set and I couldn't resist the chance to add some to my collection.

Unfortunately for me, there seem to be a lot of Larkin collectors active out there these days...and so bidding for the Larkin slot in the group break ended up going over $50...and yes, I won it using money that I probably didn't really have to spend on cards.

You can imagine my dismay as I watched the break live and through the first four boxes there hadn't been a single Larkin card pulled.  In the end, I only ended up with one Larkin...but given my bad luck through the first four boxes I was happy to see a Larkin show up in that final box.  I was even happier when the breaker announced that it was a 1/1 Barry Larkin - my first 1/1 in my collection in fact!

The card I ended up with was a 1999 Topps Finest card, numbered 1/1 with the on card autograph.  I don't know that it was worth $50 in the end...but since it was my first true 1/1 Larkin card, I think the novelty was worth the cost (even if the slight anxiety during the break was not).  Clearly I am not a fan of gambles where my chances aren't so great!

I would be remiss if I didn't give the seller some extra props because of the included goodies with the single Larkin card.

That's two full bags of card sleeves (always useful)...and a new pack of 2017 Topps Update (hobby edition) which I haven't opened up quite yet.

Now I'm curious.  Have any of you entered a similar player-centric group break?  I like the idea of only getting cards that I'll actually want/keep...but the risk/reward was almost too much for my blood pressure.  What do you say?  Is this a better option than team-based group breaks like I do on my blog?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Comments

  1. I've done a handful of these this year to pad my Dan Vogelbach collection. I've only been shut out once, and that was my own fault... the auction clearly said the breaker would not ship base cards... should have read the fine print.
    For the record, all the Vogelbach breaks I participated cost under the price of a blaster and in some cases under $10. I netted three autos this way, quite a few parallels and loads of base cards.

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  2. There are a bunch of Ron Ceys in this set, but I'd never do anything like this. Card looks good though!

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  3. Pretty sweet looking auto! Good get!

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  4. I've entered a number of individual-based breaks, mostly for UFC fighters or wrestlers, where there aren't really teams. Sometimes you get something, but a lot of the time you don't wind up with anything. In those formats I almost prefer a draft-style break where you at least go home with something.

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  5. Congratulations! Don't think I would've made that kind of gamble, but it sure paid off for you in the end.

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