53 Topps Collectors

perkdog · November 10, 2004 6:43AM

I am starting to dabble with 53 Topps cards, they are quickly turing into my new favorite Topps issue. (I got bored with 56)

Anyways I am wondering why the Short Prints? I dont know if the cards were issued in series? I know some years were issued in series with high numbers being tuffer than others, but I notice that the SP's were quit scattered about low, medium, and high #'s.

With the wealth of knowledge on these boards Im sure you guys can answer for me. Thanks

TWINRON · November 10, 2004 7:58AM

Perkdog- I have all the answers, but on two pages. Every time I try to post on this message board I mess up and erase my message.

E-mail me at Twinron40@aol.com and I can call you or fax the two pages, or both. Ron Hobbs, Tallahassee, Fla.

Love of the Game · November 10, 2004 10:32AM

I've been working on the 1953s. I haven't been able to find much on the history of the set, though, so TWINRON, if your info has some history, I'd love to see it as well.

I believe that the cards were issued in two series. Not sure what the short prints are all about, though.

Thanks,
-Al

jrdolan · November 10, 2004 11:09AM

I can't answer about the short prints, and it is odd how they're distributed through both series. (I'd love to see that info, too). But I adore the set. The '53s are the most beautiful Topps cards ever, in my opinion, even on a higher level than '52.

The53Kid · November 10, 2004 1:57PM

Guys,

This is the best article I've ever read about the subject of printing cards. It explains the series, single vs double prints, and number of cards per sheet. It is specific to 52 and 53 Topps. Check it out and try to follow their math!

52 and 53 Print Runs

Perkdog and JR,

53's are KING! I've noticed both of your sets on the registry, congratulations on joining the club. I've spent the last 2 1/2 years searching high and low for these great cards. But I must say, I'm starting to burn out. Not that I don't love the cards, but the final 10% is going to kill me. At the beginning of my quest I was able to find cards at shows, in dealer inventories and also on EBAY. But now I'm lucky to see one nice 53 at a show, dealers are basically tapped out and EBAY is a frenzy of deep pocket collectors(me not being one of them, although I bust out a win every now and then).

Sorry my set is currently hidden as I make the final push, I took great pride is scanning all of my cards for everyone to see. In fact, I'm not sure I will even keep it hidden...but as soon as it is open again, all scans will be posted.

Good luck in your searches. Remember, there are still a few nice raw cards out there. I just got a submission back with a bunch of 6's, 7's and a few 8's. Some were found at the National and some at local shows. Just beware of recolored cards with the black title blocks.

Bruce

perkdog · November 10, 2004 8:42PM

Thx guys, Twinron I will be in touch.

53 Kid, Great article. Also I just got back from a HUGE show (the Boston Shriners) A dealer Tony Collard (Cooperstown Cards)
tony@cooperstownsportscards.com Had a large selection of psa 6/7 grade ......very nice cards. I picked up a sweet Mathews and Spahn in 7 grade for a little less than book. I figured you might give him a shout and possibly find a card you might be looking for.

Thanks again guys

jrdolan · November 10, 2004 9:13PM

53kid, I've bought mine strictly from eBay except for the raw ones I had from way back that I graded. The competition is fierce for even the double prints and it almost has to be a "slider" for the grade if I am to stand a chance of getting it at book. My own set wouldn't look so forlorn (tied for 40th!) if I had been focusing on that instead of Bench, Koufax and HOF rookies.

I think 1953 Topps is a woman that needs her man to be faithful. Me, I'm still playing the field.

aconte · November 10, 2004 9:58PM

53kid,

I looked at your set when it was open. I don't collect 53's but since I sort of know you now I decided
to check out your main area of collecting. I must say I was very impressed with your set. The cards
seemed very high end overall for their grades. It showed a lot of effort for sure.

Good luck on the rest. I'll keep looking when I get bored. 53 Topps is a nice set too! I like the Mays
as one of my favorites.

aconte

The53Kid · November 10, 2004 11:03PM

Perkdog,

Thanks for the info, I sent them an email to see what they have.

JR,

Love that "Mick" in your set...NICE!

aconte,

Thanks for the compliment. I have tried to find the best examples of 8's I can. In fact, many times I'll go through 2-3 copies of a card to actually upgrade within the same grade level. Once you get two copies side by side, that's where you can really see the flaws, especially those related to focus and clarity.

This ones for you

perkdog · November 11, 2004 12:54AM

Wow! That card is a SCORCHER. IMOP that cards is definately top 5 alltime favorite. Good for You

perkdog · November 13, 2004 9:06AM

Hey I just wanted to post a Thank You to Ron Hobbs (TWINRON). The guy returns my calls twice in an effort to get in touch with me and answer my questions, and offers to mail me more information. A really nice guy and Proffesional Collector. Its good to know people like you are out there and are more interested about talking cards and sharing info than making a sale.

jrdolan · November 13, 2004 10:42AM

<< <i>JR, Love that "Mick" in your set...NICE! >>

Thanks. I love your Mays, even more so because you have the scarce "no cert. number" variation.

sixdart · November 13, 2004 11:13AM

What are the PSA 6, PSA 7 and PSA 8s common prices currently going for ... on average?

The53Kid · November 13, 2004 1:52PM

8's - Are still running in excess of SMR. On average I would say 125-150% of SMR. With the lower pops going for much more.

7's - I don't follow as much but I think they are in line with SMR. There was one bidder who was running up crazy prices for 7's if it was a card he needed.

6's - Last time I checked, these were running below SMR, and seemed the best bargain grade. Neil Downey would be the one to ask, he is building a set in 6.

Also, if anyone cares my set is opened back up again. I just hated having it closed...I won't do that again. It's fun to flip through some scans when I'm having a bad day at work.

Thanks and keep hunting boys, I just got this back from grading...bought it raw at the National!

Wabittwax · November 13, 2004 2:29PM

Fascinating article, thanks for sharing it. So, if I read it correctly, in the 1953 set, #'s 10, 44, 61, 72 and 81 and actually part of the second series, right?

aconte · November 13, 2004 4:51PM

53kid,

Incredible Mays card! I am drolling. I also noticed the Willie Jones in your set. That is nice.
Not sure if that was new or an upgrade. Congrats either way. My mother-in-law dated
Puddin Head a couple times a long long time ago.

aconte

jrdolan · November 13, 2004 10:29PM

53kid -- I know you erase the cert. number to combat the scan thieves, but wouldn't they still steal your scans and simply paste another card's number into that white space? Also, I assume you must have other proofs of ownership for insurance purposes.

The53Kid · November 14, 2004 10:29AM

Well, I guess they could fill in another cert number, but they would have to steal it from another Mays 8 and not just make it up. Anyone buying it that double checked the cert would find an issue immediately. And if they had access to another scan with the cert, why not just use that one?

As for proof of ownership, there's no better proof than me holding it in my hand! One time I did have an issue with another collector stating they owned a card in my possesion. I scanned the card next to my watch(with date and time), I don't think PSA ever saw better proof!

sixdart · November 14, 2004 11:01AM

Thanks for the pricing summary!

perkdog · November 14, 2004 11:04AM

Just a bunch of good guys into those 53's

53 Topps Collectors

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