I've decided to sell my 1955 Topps set and instead collect a 1953 Topps set

NeilDowney

Hi Guys, After a lot of thought and research, I've decided to sell my 1955 Topps set and instead collect a 1953 Topps set. I have been able to collect 60 different PSA 6 NQ 1955 Topps (just shy of 30%) before deciding this change. I already collect the 1956 Topps set (64% complete) that is very similar to the 1955 set. I did find the 1955 set to be a beautiful looking and strongly priced set. However, I believe that the 1956 Topps set has too many things that are important to me above the 1955 set (see my other thread). Therefore, the 1956 Topps set is my primary set. Like most collector, I like to have a secondary set to work on along with the 1956 set. I decided on the 1953 Topps set as that set. I like that they are totally different than the 1956 (or 1955) sets. Perhaps if I had discovered the 1953 Topps set first, it would have been my primary set instead. I recently received my first 3 1953 Topps cards from Bruce (THE53KID). They were incredible to say the least, I was hooked. I hope to someday complete the 1956 set in all PSA 7 and the 1953 set in all PSA 6. Being a regular guy who doesn't have deep pockets, this is a wonderful dream that I am willing to work on for many years to come. Neil

WinPitcher

Good luck Neil, but why not just hold off and one day go back and do the 55's as well? I assume your gonna take the dough invested in the 55's and put that into 53's? in any event best of luck to you.

win

CW

Good luck with your '53 set! They are definitely beautiful cards,
especially if you like portraits. BTW, if you have a nicely centered
Duke Snider from your '55 set for sale, I might be interested. Feel
free to drop me an email.

Lothar52

Neil...be forewarned...it is alot more difficult and more expensive set to collect....ive heard from many who collect 56 topps that 53 topps is one of the toughest

loth

koby

The 1953 set is one of the all-time classics. If I were to collect the set, (and if money were not an issue) I think I would try to collect PSA 8 and up. Unlike white border 56s and 55s, I feel that any wear on the bottom right red and black corners might be very distracting. JMHO

Lothar52

I agree with koby..it is super sweet...however in 8 this set would send me to my grave...allbeit with a SMILE ON MY FACE!! WHOOOOWAH!!!

koby

Loth, Just a matter of time for you bro. Once you get out of your residency, you can buy up all the PSA 8s and 9s in all the auctions.

For the rest of us with more modest incomes, the 1953 set is only something we could dream of.

NeilDowney

Hi Guys, Thanks for the advice. Due to the fact that I don't have deep pockets, money is an issue. I do plan on using the proceeds from the sale of the 1955s to help pay for 1953s. However, as long as I am trying to collect my 1956 set in all 7s, PSA 8 for the 1953s is totally out of the question. I was hoping to get the 1953s in PSA 5s and 6s and then perhaps upgrade from there. I believe that even in these grades the set will still be a very sweet looking set. Surely one to be proud of for many years to come. Neil

1420sports

The 53 Satchell Paige PSA 5 I own is one of my favorite cards. Collecting a PSA 5-6 set is not that difficult, but there are PSA 5's and then there are NICE PSA 5's. Just like high end cards, it takes patience (believe it or not) to find above average PSA 5 excellent material. I also am a firm believer that the difference in price is well worth it. Buying mid grade is best done at shows. That is just one man's opinion.

And the patience is well worth it ....

jaybyrd

I have seen PSA 5's that graded near mint ten years ago. I recently received a five on a 54 Topps Berra, I thought it had an outside shot at a seven. No creases or paper wrinkles, centered 65/35 at the worst with just a little corner wear.

I think a 53 set in PSA 5 or 6 is a great way to get nice cards without having to spend a fortune. Good luck on your pursuit Neil.

NeilDowney

Hi Guys, Thanks for all of your valuable input. It is clear that all three sets (1953, 1955 and 1956) have many avid collectors. I believe that I will always be a 1956 collector. Also, I am glad that I was once an active colector of the 1955 set and I look forward to being an active collector of the 1953 set as well. If there are any collectors that would like to share 1956 or 1953 advice with me, post it here or PM me anytime (email is nbdowney@msn.com). Neil

The53Kid

Neil,

Glad to have you onboard full time with the 53 crowd!

I do have some advice, even though it doesn't relate directly to Neil, because he prefers to buy already graded material versus buying raw. Beware of recolored 53's. As of late, I have seen an increasing amount of 53's with the color block touched up. This is usually done with the black colors versus the reds. It is fairly easy to spot with a loupe, and sometimes you can pick it out with the naked eye. It really depends on the amount of touchup performed. I have seen some with just a dot on the corner to help sharpen it. But others have had the whole bottom and side area touched.

The telltale signs are less gloss then the rest of the block, almost a dull finish. With a loupe you can usually see the ridge were the top layer used to be, and see it drop down slightly to the recolored area. If in doubt, pass on the card.

I'm also thinking about buying a small handheld UV pen light, to remove any doubt.

Perhaps someone with experience on the 71 Topps issue can also pass on some knowledge of how to spot these cards.