1966 Topps High Series Proof Sheet

ShootyBabitt

I have an opportunity to purchase what I am told is a 1966 Topps proof sheet. It contains 16 cards (4x4) and includes (going from memory) Billy Williams (#580), Robin Roberts (#530), and Cardinals Rookies (#544). The cards were not in sequential order - is that normal? The back is blank.

Does anyone have any info on proof sheets? How are they different from normal uncut sheets - is it just the blank back? Since it is 16 cards, is this a full example or a partial one?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

theczar

Who are the other cards? I know Williams and 544 are definitely SPs. I am wondering if these are the SPs from the set. Is 591, Perranoski or Mel Queen part of that as well. Off the top of my head I believe those are short prints as well.

Thanks

ShootyBabitt

I can't remember off the top of my head. I will see it again later today and might pull the trigger on purchasing it. If that's the case, I will have a scan up later today.

Griffins

I"ve got a couple of '66 blank back panels. They aren't uncommon.

First off, it's not a complete sheet but rather a partial panel. Complete sheets are 132 cards, although it seems the full press size was actually 264. I've never seen a sheet with 264 cards, but have many that are the full 132 from various years including '66.

In regards to it being a proof sheet, I"m not sure I'd consider this as such. To me a proof sheet is one that the client (Topps) was handed off the press for approval. It would be signed off or marked up with corrections. This (and other blank back sheets) is more likely what is called a "make ready" sheet, that is the first few sheets that are run thru the press to get it going and make sure they are literally up to speed. Hence the blank back, and often deeper color.
A full production sheet would have printing on both sides, and be more desirable.
There is also printers scrap- sheets that may have been run thru the press twice, double printed, etc. Maybe a mistake, or to check mechanics and save paper, etc. There seem to be a lot of those from '48, '49 and '52 Bowman, and occasionally '56 Topps.

What you are being offered sounds like it will make a great display piece.

Griffins

Also it's normal for the cards not to be in sequential order- this way they could be cut and put in packs without having to shuffle them in order to get a pack with random cards.

ShootyBabitt

Wow, thanks Griffin, that was some great information. I ended up not purchasing it since the asking price nearly doubled from Friday to Sunday. If I had a decent camera on hand, I would have snapped a photo.

theczar - Perranoski was on there but no Mel Queen. Again, I wish I would have snapped a photo or jotted down the cards.