1953, 1955 or 1956 Topps - Which do you like better and why?

NeilDowney · February 16, 2004 1:40PM

Hi Guys, I'm in a strange bind here. I am over 50% on my PSA 6/7 1956 Topps set. I really like the detail on the fronts but the gray backs aren't that nice (I prefer the white backs). Also the 1956s have an incredible array of legends and stars. I am also now over 13% on my PSA 6 1955 Topps set. I like the fronts because of the pics (just like the 1956s) and bright colors in the background (plainer than the 1956 Topps). I also like the layout and colors on the white vintage backs. The array of stars is not as good as 1956 because they were split with Bowman. I have also been looking at the 1953 Topps lately and they are really great too. I really love the painted portraits on the fronts. The backs are real nice too. I would do this set in maybe PSA 5/6. I don't think that I can affort to do all of them at these levels but maybe two of them I could handle. Which do you like better and why? Also which grade level on these sets is the best to do at this time. Neil

spacktrack · February 16, 2004 1:58PM

I absolutely love the 1953 Topps set for the artwork that it has. It's purely visual for me. I like the Mantle card in the '53 set more than the '56, and '55 just doesn't have one. I think if I could do one graded set it would be '53.

Basilone · February 16, 2004 2:07PM

Plus with the 1953's you will not have the duplication of pictures that you have with 55/56.

Of course...with every year you go backwards with Topps...the $$$$ increase.

John

Machodoc · February 16, 2004 2:12PM

1953 hands down. The 1955 set design is a great set, but lesser imaginations prevailed in 1956 which produced an essential carbon copy of the '55 set. I have been collecting since 1965 and still have to do a serious double-take to tell the difference between the 1955 and 1956 sets. Maybe it's just my changing eyesight... it still takes a moment to tell the difference.

As for the 1953's, can you identify the steel structure behind Jackie Robinson?

Steve

1954 · February 16, 2004 10:42PM

1953. All PSA 7's and 8's. Upgrade when you can, but buy the PSA 6's when they are on sale. Great trade value, with possible profit potential.

1954

BobS · February 16, 2004 10:56PM

I'm a 56 guy myself, although only collecting the set raw in ex-nm. I agree with the others that it's basically a carbon copy of the 55 design, but you 1) get more stars than the 55, and 2) don't have to shell out the big $$ for the 55 rookies. You should dump the 55's, start a 5/6 set of 53's, and continue to work toward completion on the 56's.

theBobs · February 16, 2004 11:05PM

1953 for me...

NeilDowney · February 16, 2004 11:15PM

Hi Guys, Thanks for some good insight into these three sets. I have not received any of the 26 1955 Topps cards that I have won yet. Once I get them in I will be able to compare them to the 1956 Topps two side-by-side. As for the 1953 Topps cards, I don't yet own any. Do any of you have any high pop/low priced PSA 5/6 cards for sale so I can see if I get that "warm and fuzzy" feeling while looking at them? You can PM me or email me at NBDOWNEY@MSN.COM anytime. Thanks, Neil

duner · February 17, 2004 1:45AM

Neil, Send me a pm...

My uncle had a slew of 53's he upgraded. I know he sold a bunch in the 5/6 range a couple months back, but he continues to upgrade his set and probably has a bunch building up again. if you're interested i'll contact him and see what's left. v/r duner

purelyPSA · February 17, 2004 3:34AM

I love the 56s. The "in action" shots in the background are great. That Mantle is the best looking card he has if you ask me.

NickM · February 17, 2004 3:58AM

I don't like horizontal cards, so for that reason, I prefer 1953.

Nick

goodriddance189 · February 17, 2004 4:17AM

1955

onegaucho · February 17, 2004 4:22AM

Though I love the artwork of the 1953 set, I love the 55s b/c they're horizontal. From a collecting standpoint, they're also generally easier to find in higher grade b/c the borders aren't red and black like the 53s.

Tipem · February 17, 2004 4:36AM

Hi Neil,

I am presently doing the 56 set in PSA 8-9,(25% complete).Set is listed as Tipem on the registry.My set is currently 24th,I think,with a GPA of 8.10.I am also very slowly putting together a 55 set in the same grade(remember I said "very slowly").Sounds like you and I have similiar interests as far as cards are concerned.I have also started the 53 Bowman set in the same grade.You might consider the 53 Bowman Color set as well.It is a really awesome set with great eye appeal.I may have some 56's in PSA 5-6 within the next month or two as I am going to submit a 100 or so.I bought them raw and they are not quite up to where I want them to be.Still,all in all, nice cards.I will keep you in mind.

Vic

brumbach · February 17, 2004 7:10AM

The 1956 set was my first foray into vintage and I've always like the layout and colored boxes for the names. Having focused more on '56 than '55, the idea of headshot duplication is less bothersome to me. In the last year I've started picking up signed '53s. There is something clever about the artwork in that set. Many cards have something to look for on them. Most of the time it's on the billboards in the backround with letters matching that player's initials or parts of their name. Another one is Hank Edwards whose facial expression is made to resemble the Browns mascot. Both are nice sets, why pick only one?

RayBShotz · February 17, 2004 8:44AM

Hey Neil, I hear the dealers at Fort Washington will be waiting at the doors all ready to take your money! Best of luck with those 56's......err......55's........err...I mean 53's!
RayB69Topps

To answer the question....FiftyFives!!!

CW · February 17, 2004 8:56AM

I think they're all great sets. It's like picking between
a vintage Ferrari, Porsche, or Jaguar -- you can't go wrong.
You might want to consider that the 53's in low grade may
not present as well with their colored borders, compared to
the other 2 sets. Your appreciation for the painted artwork
on the '53's might help you look past the chipped borders, though.

<< <i>As for the 1953's, can you identify the steel structure behind Jackie Robinson? >>

I would guess the Brooklyn Bridge, but it can't be that easy.

Lothar52 · February 17, 2004 9:29AM

Neil is a wooly wild fellow... i think before its over he will have asked all of us for our vintage cards to give him a warm fuzzy feeler of sorts. If someone sent him a 52 mantle he would burst into flames!!!

loth

Buccaneer · February 17, 2004 10:22AM

<< <i>I don't like horizontal cards, so for that reason, I prefer 1953.

Nick >>

Same here plus I too have to do a double take to tell the difference between 55 and 56 Topps. In comparing with the 53s, I think it's like choosing between a Rolls, a a white Camry and a white Accord.

jaxxr · February 17, 2004 10:54PM

CW and others have put it well, the "better" set is a matter of taste.

What's better, steak, lobster, or pheasant ? vodka, scotch, or bourbon ?? 53, 55, or 56 Topps ???

The 53 set is better because it has portraits, a tough high no. series, and Satchell Paige.

The 55 set is better because it contains several great RCs, a cleaner front, and is small enough to complete compared to the others.

The 56 set is better because it has the most HOFers, more cartoons on the back and is the most comprehensive set via size and variations.

NeilDowney · February 18, 2004 1:20PM

Hi Guys, Thanks for all of your comments. I should be getting that 22 card 1955 Topps lot in soon. That will give me a chance to compare 1955 and 1956 side-by-side. I still don't have any 1953 Topps cards yet. Perhaps someone will step forward and sell me two or three in a PSA 5 or 6 grade. Then I can compare all of the horses together. No matter which two I ultimately decide to collect, this has been great fun. I'll keep you posted with my opinions on these three great sets. Neil

1953, 1955 or 1956 Topps - Which do you like better and why?

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