Info on '68 Topps #454 variant chain/nochain please?

MarkAaronKY

I just got back from PSA grading a graded NM7 Topps 1968 checklist (458-533) featuring Frank Robinson and became of a variation I didn't know about. Apparently there are versions of this card that show a chain around his neck, and those that don't. I can't find enough reference material either on Google, in sports forums, or sales records on eBay to let me know whether the chain or no-chain variant commands any type of premium. It's not listed in the PSA SMR as a better-known variation would be (such as the '69 WL variations) I'm going to be putting it up for sale and the going price on NM-7 for this card on eBay seems to be around $15 but those DO NOT show the chain. I just want to make sure I'm not throwing away variant that might command a bit of a premium here out of ignorance.

Anybody have any helpful info to pass along on this one? Seems like every time I turn around, there's another variation to know about. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

jmmiller777

Well then there appears to be three different prints of this card because there are the "hat touching top of circle" and "hat lower than the circle" variants I have seen. In either case, none show a chain. You can view the slight differences of these on Dean's Cards and possibly on Mickey's Sports Cards. Note similar condition of these cards brings only a small premium, but the chain may be a little more. I say a little more research before you post to sell on ebay.

MarkAaronKY

Thank you for that reply jmmiler. It appears that are more variants than meet the eye. There is most definitely a chain visible in my version. I had to pull out an 8x loupe to see it, but it is there, plain as day. What's interesting is that the psa graders, who are quite adept at the variations, noted it on the label even though I had left it off the submission form out of ignorance. In viewing the other cards for sale on eBay, this was NOT noted, making me think it is not common. When you look at the card, it's easy to see why. The chain is literally the last few bottom pixels of Robinson's photo and would easily slip of the bottom border. Again, probably not a significant error, but one I plan to research before putting up for sale. I did find a PSA 8 and PSA 9 version that seemed to sell a bit above the SMR for that grade, but that could just be supply and demand.

Regardless, I appreciate your quick reply an wish you and yours all the best.

Mark

bishop

Hard to see but chained one on left. Cropping difference on photo insert. Mesh difference as well

Stone193

Hey there Al/Bishop

Do you have any idea how such a cropping variant can occur?

I'm gonna guess that the plate wore out and they made new ones - resulting in a variation?

Hope you are well - had a good Thanksgiving!

bobsbbcards

The "hat touches top of circle" and "has chain" are the same card. There are only two versions.

MarkAaronKY

Ah yes, but now, the question remains: which is the more valuable variant? Ideas, anyone? I've been scouring the web and I cannot get a definitive answer. Normally with variants you can find a nice page or two that explain the history and talk about which are more rare, but even eBay is proving useless on this one...

HoofHearted

Stone,

I can't speak for the '68T set, but it seems to be well documented that the '62T green-tint variation, which also includes differently cropped photos, was due to a different printer being used.

The '68T set was the last one I collected as a kid. Loved it!

Stone193

<< <i>Stone,

I can't speak for the '68T set, but it seems to be well documented that the '62T green-tint variation, which also includes differently cropped photos, was due to a different printer being used.

The '68T set was the last one I collected as a kid. Loved it! >>

Mike - are you saying that 2 different printers did the set - right?

bishop

Things good here Mike. I sent a contribution direct to your cause for Jay. My guess is that this card was a DP, like the 311-313 52s and the 11 different 63s with similar cropping and other differences. There are several from 56 as well

Stone193

<< <i>Things good here Mike. I sent a contribution direct to your cause for Jay. My guess is that this card was a DP, like the 311-313 52s and the 11 different 63s with similar cropping and other differences. There are several from 56 as well >>

I think I got it Al.

If a card is a DP - it'll have 2 separate card plates - and a variation will occur when making them - correct?

bishop

Yes Sir

fkw

and if DP, the population would be the same ....ie the DP '52 Mantle, or R319 Ruth #144

bishop

If it is a DP, I agree with fkw.

As for Bob saying there are only 2 , he is just hoping he is right so he does not have to look for another one

parkerj

Guys,

I believe that the reason for the difference in most of the checklists in the cards of the 60s and early 70s is that Topps typically employed a "look-ahead" marketing ploy....for example 6th series checklists were printed on 5th series sheets and distributed with the 5th series. That way kids buying 5th series cards had an idea of who to look forward to getting when the next series came out. Then when the actual 6th series came out, the 6th series checklist was printed again....usually with minor variations or corrections. So, yes, in a way the checklists were double printed, because they were printed across different series.

Really good articles and description of this practice (dubbed the "series preview theory" or "bonus checklist theory" ) are posted by Dave Harnish (ToppCat) here

Another really good link

Hope this helps.
Jim

Edited to correct link