ADVICE NEEDED - Pros and cons of 1955 Topps and 1956 Topps

NeilDowney

Hi Gang, My name is Neil B. Downey. I am currently ranked 4th on the 1972 Topps baseball registry (100% - 8.01 GPA). I need some advice. I wanted to start a new PSA graded set. I really like both the 1955 Topps and 1956 Topps sets. Does anyone out there have some advice on the pros and cons of each set? I'd really like to get a few of each in my hand so that I can get that warm and fuzzy feeling for one of them (or both - lol). If anyone has any in a PSA 6 or 7 collecting dust, let me know. Also, I would like to see scans of the backs. Not too many people show the backs of these great looking cards. Any help would be nice. Thanks, Neil

7orbetter

1955 is much, much easier to complete than 1956 and many of the poses/pictures are similiar if not the same.

CW

I think the biggest difference between the two sets is the size.
Depending on what you're looking for, the size of the set can be a
pro or a con. '55 Topps has 206 cards while the '56 has 340. Both sets
seem to suffer the same centering issues, so that's a tie.

1955 Topps:
-----------
PROS -- 3 great rookie cards of Clemente, Koufax, & Killebrew. Offers
a nice challenge in the high series cards, which can be hard to find.
Set has outstanding colors. An incredible Duke Snider card closes the
set.
CONS -- No Mickey Mantle card. Cards with the light colored backgrounds
can expose print defects. The reverses of these cards can often have
major toning.

1956 Topps:
-----------
PROS -- Mickey Mantle included! Multiple cartoons on the back. White
backs & grey backs add a nice twist to the 1-180 sequence. The action
photos in the background can help to hide print defects. Team cards
for the first time in a regular set by Topps.
CONS -- Only two HOF rookies (Aparicio & Alston). Some cards can have
some very rough edges, which can detract from the visual appeal.

When it all comes down to it, just follow the simple credo, "Collect
what you like." Regardless, the '55 & '56 sets are two of the most
beautiful baseball card sets ever created! Let us know what you decide
and why...

Chuck

jaxxr

Both sets ( as almost any from the 50s ) are quite attractive and valuable. They are also both completely done, except # 1 and 2 in the 56 set, in the non-traditional horizontal format.

I guess I enjoy the 56 set a bit more, the backgrounds contain action shots which are very interesting. Check out Rocky Bridges diving, see Minnie Minoso sliding into Phil Rizzuto, Willie Mays running ( on Hank Aarons' card !!! ), Willie sliding into home on his card, Etc. With all possible variations this set can be more than twice the size of the 55. Grey backs and white backs exist on 180 of the cards, six team cards come in three different forms, Teddy Ballgame has four or five " line color " variations.

The 56 set marks the end of odd sizes for BB cards ( 57 began the standard, still used today ) as well as the beginning of the "Topps only" era which lasted up to the 1981 issues which started the glut of multiple rookie cards, traded/update sets, glossy inserts and so on. The threesome of cartoons on the reverse also increases the output of the 55s' solo cartoons, which are a real read into that time peroids' values, perspectives, and sense of humor.

Tipem

Neil,

I posted my answer on the Vintage trading board. Please see it there as I am lazy and do not want to repost here.


Vic

NeilDowney

Thanks guys for all of your input. I suppose that once I get a few in my hands that it will hit me which one is for me. Can anyone send me a scan of the back of a 1955 card? Also, any other info would be helpful. Neil

brumbach

1955 Topps



1956 Topps (white back)



1956 Topps (gray back)



I'm only good for posting some scans, I can't really offer anything else informative that hasn't already been said. I like the look of the '56 set better myself.

Mantlefan

Another factor is the cost of the big three rookies in the 55 set. In PSA 8 they'll run $7-8K. The 56 Mickey can be had for $2K in PSA 8.

NeilDowney

Thanks brumbach, Those scans were just what I was looking for. I had no idea that the 1955 Topps backs were so nice. I also like the 1956 backs. However, when you compare the white vs gray - the whites are so much nicer and the grays look kinda dirty. Neil

BobS

Neil -

I went through the same decision making process a few months ago - 55 vs. 56, although right now I'm only collecting sets in strict NM raw.

I decided on 56. The two really are very similar, in fact at one time or another I think I thought they WERE from the same set (hangs head, looks away).

Anyway, I'm at 22% complete on the 56 set and only one or two cards would not grade out 7 or better. The only stars I have so far are Clemente, a pack fresh Minoso (didn't know that was Rizzuto) and the Yankees team card (just got this one Saturday at a regional show here in OH - lock "7" FOR ONLY $75 BUCKS). I imagine some day I will send them all in, and will likely then begin to search for new examples of the cards that don't grade over 7 or don't grade at all (crosses fingers over buying raw for all these sets).

I agree, the white backs are really nice, although the toning on them often results in rather blah looking cards. Whatever you decide, you can't make a "wrong" choice here. Many in the hobby consider one or both of these sets the greatest looking baseball cards of all time. Good Luck!