Top five cards from the 20th century from an aesthetic standpoint

[brian1961]

1. Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle (any year, but to pin me down, I would say the '53)

2. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

3. 1910 Washington Times Ty Cobb

4. 1966 Philadelphia Football Gale Sayers

5. 1961-62 Topps Hockey Bobby Hull

6. T-3 Ty Cobb

7. 1960 Post Cereal Mickey Mantle

8. 1933 DeLong Pepper Martin

9. 1970 - 71 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Champions team issue photo -- Derek Sanderson

10. 1954 Topps Ted Williams #1

Yes, I am well aware the OP said "Top five cards". I couldn't select five, and I could continue to 50. I love the 1954 Red Heart Mickey Mantle, or both of the 1934 Goudey Gehrigs. I would also add the 1988 Pacific Legends Mickey Mantle, or the fantasy 1915 Cracker Jack Babe Ruth they gave out at the National several years ago, or my own fantasy 1954 Wilson Franks Mickey Mantle and Jackie Robinson (both versions!). and finally, the 1987 Perez-Steele Great Moments Mickey Mantle (created in the same style as the renown T-3s). If you say, you love a lot a cards, Brian, you'd be right.

Then there's the early 60s Bee-Hive hockey premiums of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, or the 1964 Topps Giants Dean Chance, or his 1967 Coca-Cola premium. For that matter, the '67 Coke premiums of Ernie Banks, Mel Stottlemyre, and again, Mickey Mantle. Or Mick's full-length batting pose Exhibit card, showing him as a rookie!