Advice Appreciated: 1953 Topps & Bowman BB

Machodoc

I would really appreciate some advice on the feasibility of collecting either of these sets in PSA 7 or PSA 8. I'm thinking about a set that will end up between 7.25 and 7.50. For each set I already have about 10 of the pricier HOF'er cards, but that's it. I'm leaning toward the Topps set, but am concerned about the general availability of PSA 7 or PSA 8 cards from either set because the flow of each on eBay seems to be quite small.

I would appreciate hearing the views of those who have experience with either set. Thanks in advance!

Steve

Tipem

Steve,

I have just started the 53 Bowman color set and I am finding the commons are going for around 100-125 each with strong buying interest in them.I presently only have the Reese and the Campy cards.I am going to very slowly build this set in PSA 8.I was surprised as to how high the commons were going for.If you decide to build the Topps set and have any Bowman cards in "8's",let me know.


Vic

NickM

Both of these sets have plenty of cards in the desired grades appearing in almost every major auction. That may end up being the best way to pick up commons (especially high numbers).

Nick

chrisrenaud

I just finished my 1953 Bowman Color in 8 and it is very easy to complete (or rather, to find) excepting about 10 cards from the mid and high series. Throw out SMR in 7 or 8 for cards like Bridewiser, Lockman, Cal Abrams, etc.

WinPitcher

congrats Chris on the completion of your 53 bowman set


edited to say: now if only I knew what Mars attacks you have.....

chrisrenaud

That is the only set I hide, if you have some cards to sell lmk

The53Kid

Seems like you got some good advice on the Bowman side, so I'll chime in on the 53 Topps.

I've been building my set for about a year and a half, and I just crossed the 50% mark. I'm shooting for a straight 8 set, but willing to buy 7's of the low pops. I've used all the sources, Ebay, auction houses, dealers and my own submissions. Basically Ebay has a steady flow of 7's and 8's, but I wouldn't expect to see anymore than a page worth at a time(25-50). Quite a departure from the 70's cards. The auction houses are hit and miss. Currently the Superior auction has a number of low pops, but only about 10 cards in total from the set(but check out the Mays in 8...sweet). I have seen 50-100 card lots in Mastro before, but don't expect to pay under SMR. And finding raw 53 Topps at shows, is an effort in futility. You can find a few 6's, but watchout for recolored and trimmed ones, there's a bunch out there.....I know. My personal tip is this, if you are searching through someones 53's and they all look like 3's and 4's except for one card...it not a find, it has issues.

The stars are fairly easy to obtain, and run in line with SMR. Campy, Paige, Mathews, Reese are the easiest, Spahn, Mays, and Robinson harder, and Mantle in 8 is an infrequent mover. I think the combination of 53 collectors and Mantle collectors dries up the supply. For semi-stars the prices start to inflate, with Burgess, Sain and Wilhelm bringing in very healthy bids. The commons have become a real pain lately, running at about 1.5xSMR for the 8's. It seems there a number of deep pocket or binge buyers right now and the competition in tough. And if you really want to drive yourself crazy, go after some low pops, which can run in the thousands. Or go after a 9, minimum cost $500, average lately $1200. Ouch!

Wow, that's starting to sound negative. But believe me, I love the 53 Topps set. If I had to keep only one year, I would gladly sell off everything else I have to keep my 53's. And although it might take me 5 years to build this set, I'm lovin' every minute.

If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot them my way.....and good luck.

Bruce
The53Kid

LJB17

Per SMR it looks like your overall investment will be pretty much the same, but the Bowman set will be a little more per card. If it were me, I would go after the 53 Bowman as you will get more familiar with the set (smaller) and thus be more knowledgeable as you move toward completion.

For you guys putting the Topps set together, I am looking for a midgrade 53 Mays. If you have one and want to upgrade please keep me in mind for your rejects.

Luke