1953 Topps or 1953 Bowman

darkhorse9 · September 14, 2009 6:46AM

I am steady progressing through the years and my goal of getting one major set from each year. I'll do either Topps or Bowman (I have 1954 Topps and 1955 Bowman)

When I start on the 1953 set my question is, which should I do, Topps or Bowman.

Understand that I'm not doing this for investment purposes. More for my own enjoyment. I collect raw and usually cards that would grade VG-EX or so. I am on a budget so I can't throw huge sums of money on one card. It's much easier for me to by three $200 cards than one $600 card.

So my question is...which would be easiest and more satisfying? I would combine both the color and B&W set for Bowman. With that in mind the two sets are both fairly equal in final cost. Topps seems to have more high dollar single cards. Topps also has more cards. That also means the common cards are cheaper and, from what I've seen easier to find. That's important.

Your input?

okposo21 · September 14, 2009 6:50AM

The 1953 Bowman set is one of the best done sets ever, in my opinion.

The first graded card I bought was a Mantle from that set. I love the design of the cards. So simple, yet perfect.

Good luck!

bbcemporium · September 14, 2009 6:52AM

Both are great classic sets with good eye appeal. Complete sets in VG/EX range both sell in the $2500 range, so you are correct in assuming that the Topps set will be cheaper per card. I don't think either set will be very difficult to complete as the cards are fairly readily available. I personally like the Bowmans a little better, but it is a win-win in my opinion. Good luck with the endeavor.

Morgoth · September 14, 2009 6:57AM

To me it depends on the grade you are collecting.

The 1953 Topps cards in EX-MT or better are truly works of art. Every card is a painting. The Mantle alone is worth doing the set. The Paige, Mays and Jackie are also awesome cards. But in EX or below the colored bottom borders really show wear and they start to look ugly and worn.

The 1953 Bowman set is a awesome set as well but it lacks a Mays or Paige card, that is offset somewhat by the cool Pee Wee Reese card and the Yankees combo card but they don't make up for Mays and Paige. In EX or lower shape they look much nicer if centered than 53 topps.

Value wise in lower condition it's a wash but in higher grades I think the 53 Topps set is much more valuable and hard to get.

justmichael · September 14, 2009 7:07AM

<< <i>The 1953 Bowman set is one of the best done sets ever, in my opinion.

The first graded card I bought was a Mantle from that set. I love the design of the cards. So simple, yet perfect.

Good luck! >>

I completely agree.The entire set is just pure class.

Nathaniel1960 · September 14, 2009 8:35AM

I am going to say that the 53 Bowman set is just a lot tougher to put together. Sure, the bottom borders on 53 Topps are tuff, but there is a ton of that stuff out there. You can't find 53 Bowmans anywhere. And the centering, forget about it.

One of the five all time best bb card sets IMO.

There may be four or five standout cards in 53 Topps, Mick, Mays, Robinson, Campy (forgot about Paige)?. Bowman has the Mick, Reese, Yankee multi-players, Musial, on and on....

akuracy503 · September 14, 2009 9:50AM

Topic starter...that is a ridiculous looking football helmet you have in your picture.

Pre72 · September 14, 2009 9:57AM

I think it's a great looking helmet, looking better every week.

sayheykid54 · September 14, 2009 10:05AM

I absolutely love the classic 1953 Bowman color set. IMO one of the best sets ever made.

1953 Topps or 1953 Bowman

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