Gap between available '55 and '56-later

Ripken

In looking at the PSA Population Report, there's a very large gap in the number of cards graded in 1956 as opposed to the year before--almost three times as many. In no other two-year period is there such a huge gap. It's also interesting to note that over 22% of the cards graded 8 or better. Does anyone know of a reason why there are so many more '56s than 55?

scoutsout47

Right off the bat, there were an extra 136 cards included in the '56 set (total 342), compared to only 206 in '55. Personally, I prefer the '55s over the latter year, and while collectors may be drawn to the '55 set because of the Koufax and Clemente RCs, it's the '56 set that has the Mantle. I think that's a huge draw for collectors.

mealeworm

Also, the 55s have some of the worst paper stock of any cards from the fifties.
This alone might cause many people to pass on getting cards graded in fear of lower grades.
The total number of cards in each set is probably the number one reason.

Dave

gameusedhoop

No more Bowman issues & much larger set, both leading to more cards being printed, would be my two main guesses.

PowderedH2O

PSA has had a number of specials for cards 1956 to present. This means that it is frequently much cheaper for collectors to get their 56's graded as opposed to the prior years. So, a borderline card that can get graded for $5 will get submitted, whereas that same card won't get submitted without the special.