1954 Bowman baseball questions

arex

Hey all,
Im really digging the 1954 baseball set and I wanted some general information on them.
Im not a common collector, so I would love to have any info on the HoFers in the set. Is there any card that is extremely tough to find? How common are they in the 7-8 grade range? Are the cards popular and therefore desirable?
Also, from looking at the cards they appear to be of a larger format than say a 1960 Topps. Is this the case?

Any other general observations about this set?

Thanks!
Arex

SDSportsFan

1954 Bowman is the same size as 1953 and 1955 Bowman, and just a bit narrower than 1952-56 Topps.....2 1/2" x 3 3/4". Cards since 1957 are a uniform 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".

The set is dominated by portrait and close-up posed "action" shots. There are no real-action cards to speak of.

As far as tough cards, it has what many collectors have considered the toughest post-war card to find; the Ted Williams #66. Bowman initially included Ted in the set as card #66. Topps however, filed a lawsuit against Bowman, since Topps had Ted under an "exclusive" contract. Bowman was therefore forced to remove Ted from the set. The Williams card was replaced by a card of Jimmy Pearsall (who is also on card #210). No other cards in the set can be considered as tough to find.

The set also has around 40 variations, mostly in regards to the statistics on the backs. None of the variations carry a premium value.

The 1954 Bowman is probably the least expensive Bowman set to obtain, as the artwork is rather subdued compared to their other issues. It is still a popular issue, as it does arguably provide more "bang for the buck" compared to the other issues of the same period.

The only rookie cards in the set are those of Don Larsen and Ernie Johnson (the Braves' announcer on WTBS).

Steve

WinPitcher

<< <i> None of the variations carry a premium value. >>




Graded, some lower pop ones do.


Or at least that has been my experience.


Steve

ChrisStufflestreet

Here's some basic info about the set, with front/back images, a set checklist and photos of a 5-cent wax pack and display box.

1954 Bowman Set

arex

Thanks for the info fellas.
And Chris, im perusing your site now and am loving the info that is there to be gleamed.