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Info/opinions on US/World History sets

joker73joker73 Posts: 497 ✭
in PSA Set Registry Forum
I've been thinking about collecting a non-sports issue that has some connection to US and/or world history, and have the following 3 possibilities in mind:

1) 1911 T68 Heroes of History (100 cards)
2) 1956 Topps US Presidents (36 cards)
3) 1972 Topps US Presidents (43 cards)

I'd love to hear opinions about which set(s) would be most feasible, given scarcity in high condition and the like. I've tracked down a little information about the latter two issues, but am having trouble finding anything about the T68 set. If anyone could point me towards some books (or even websites) that could tell me more about any of these sets, I would appreciate it!

Thanks!
Robert

P.S. If anyone has suggestions for other sets that are similar in spirit, I'm all ears image

Comments

  • dbj77dbj77 Posts: 499
    I would also suggest the Red Man Tobacco Indian Chiefs set from the 1950's. They look ok and have historical information on them.

    You could also collect the Dessert Storm Cards from the early 1990's. Not vintage buy have lots of interesting information as well as great photos. I suggest the Proset rather than Topps.
  • dbj77dbj77 Posts: 499
    Also look at these:
    1917 John Player and Sons tobacco Colonial and Indian Badges
    1880's Kickapoo Tobacco American Indian Chiefs
    1938 W.D. and H.O. Wills Tobacco Railroad


    There are tons of sets that are very inexpensive on Ebay. Just search through the ones with pictures and find what interests you.
    Good Luck
  • 1420sports1420sports Posts: 3,473 ✭✭✭
    Robert, I have been in touch with a member named Matt (invader73) who seems to know alot about these type issues. I was looking for a nonsports card and he was able to find out what it is.

    Sounds like a nice break from baseball cards ... good luck and keep in touch.

    collecting various PSA and SGC cards
  • zardoz51zardoz51 Posts: 1,168
    While we're on the subject of Indian sets, Fleer put out an 80 card set in 1959. Quite artistic, Vintage, and not too difficult to locate.
    THE FLOGGINGS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MORALE IMPROVES
  • WabittwaxWabittwax Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭
    I always liked the little tobacco cards with the different countries flags on them. I think one of the sets is from the 1880's but I'm not sure. I've debate pursuing them myself.
  • jvineyardjvineyard Posts: 256 ✭
    I had the same urge a few months ago, and I've picked up about half of each of the Topps Presidents sets - 1956 and 1972. They are generally available on ebay, and I've also found a few in Yahoo and Bidville auctions. Most of what I've found will grade no better than 7, and probably lower. I haven't seen any high grade examples at all, but I haven't been looking that hard. I'm considering taking advantage of the current special on non sports cards and having these graded.
    John Vineyard

  • invader73invader73 Posts: 105
    Hi,

    1420sports, thanks for the mention. I have always been a big fan of non-sports Tobacco issues mainly the UK and European stuff because i live in the UK. I have a shelf full of tobacco catalogs and stuff if I can be of help.

    This site is full of non-sports checklists including some tobacco sets.

    Checklists

    Matt

    UK based collector.
  • joker73joker73 Posts: 497 ✭
    Thanks to everyone for all the helpful information and suggestions!

    I've had the urge to do a PSA-graded complete set for a while, and the historical non-sports angle always interested me (esp. as a politics/history buff). The sets are smaller than many sport-related counterparts (how you guys complete 800 card graded sets is beyond me!). I've been tracking some lots on eBay, and will decide on what to do soon. A big problem seems to be lack of already graded material out there. My fear is being one of the first ones to grade a certain issue (like '72 Presidents), only to find out they're fairly common and have no following. I guess that means I'm leaning towards the '56 set or the T68 set ...

    Robert
  • thejamthejam Posts: 164 ✭
    i have complete set of fishes ... willing to depart with for right bait
  • golddog57golddog57 Posts: 3
    Howdy.....a very nice set along American history lines is the 1962 Topps Civil War News. This 88 card set is just visually gorgeous and has a spirited following. The art work was done by world reknowned Norm Saunders. There comes up a nice amount of PSA graded material on eBay and bidding is good. IF you want to see an 80% set with photos, check out the current #3 set on the registry under KRS Civil War Tribute Set. The set is listed under the miscellaneous section. If you are interested, I could get you onto a dealer who has a horde of nice raw material...........if you are an enthusiast of the war between the states, you owe yourself a look........visually graphic and colorfully stunning. I guess you all realize I am hooked by now..........just another of y'all with a slightly different genre.
    Looking for well centered 1962 Topps Civil War News in PSA 8 or better! Thanks, KRS
  • FuzzFuzz Posts: 903
    There have been may great sets already listed here. I think you will find that anything "vintage" will not be too common and will hold some value. But acquiring the cards may cause you to have to travel in a completely different circle.
    Have always been attracted to the 33 Goudey Indians from the Indian gum issue. Not to high priced compared to sports though it may contain the Geronimo and Sitting Bull rookie cards. Still should provide a challenge in even 7 or better.
    The Civil War news set mentionede earlier had an unopened find a few years ago and should be somewhat available in high grades. It is also long been one of the most popular sets in non-sports.
    Fuzz
    Wanted: Bell Brands FB and BB, Chiefs regionals especially those ugly milk cards, Coke caps, Topps and Fleer inserts and test issues from the 60's. 1981 FB Rack pack w/ Jan Stenerud on top.
  • RedHeart54RedHeart54 Posts: 2,279 ✭✭✭
    In general, how tough is the 1963 Topps astronaut set. I didn't even know this set existed until about a year ago and it seems they are quite tough to locate in decent shape. What's the current pop like on these?
  • jvineyardjvineyard Posts: 256 ✭
    I looked at them as well, but they are tough to find in decent condition. As fo the graded population, with a set of 55 cards, there have been 334 graded, about 5-7 of each card in the set. 200 or so of those are 7s and 8s, with another 50+ at 8Q.
    John Vineyard

  • MantlefanMantlefan Posts: 1,079 ✭✭
    I've always liked the 1956 Topps U.S. Presidents set. Unfortunately, there are only 133 cards graded form the set..most of them PSA 7 or less. If you could find a nice mint set raw, they'd probably be worth submitting with the new N-S special.
    Frank

    Always looking for 1957 Topps BB in PSA 9!
  • joker73joker73 Posts: 497 ✭
    That's what I was hoping to do (take advantage of this month's special). I ended up going for the T68 set, starting with this lot of 35 cards. At about $5 a piece, I figured I really couldn't go wrong. I'm still keeping an eye on the '56 Presidents, but for now will focus on the T68s. They're nearly 100 years old, and I like the fact that they include world figures rather than just U.S. leaders. It'll be interesting to see what condition they are in once I get to inspect them up close ...

    Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions!

    Robert
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