@PeterGu80738592@KenCageRepo the talent pool was drastically worse in 1968 and that is not even debatable. i can't believe you are seriously trying to state otherwise.
Without knowing your budget i am guessing you are already priced out. All of these boxes are out of reach with many selling for more than 1999 Base Set. Maybe you can target Sun and Moon? If that is too expensive, all of Sword and Shield is out of print but I don't know anyone who considers SM or SwSh 'mid vintage.' All of the early Scarlet and Violet sets just went out of print and the boxes are 250-500 dollars.
IMO there are better investments than everything I mention above.