1954 Topps thoughts

[exitmusicgreen]

What are everyone's thoughts on this set?

I was drawn in to a great extent, funny as this sounds, by the detail in many of the cartoons... reminded me of that period's big strips, Warhol, etc. I collect art, so this actually makes a difference for me.

Also very interesting how there is no top border, for better or for worse.

I really admire Hank Aaron, which is a plus since it's his RC year. Though his RC costs a pretty penny.

[Econteachert205]

Obviously not having mantle is a major issue. But aaron banks and kaline rookies along with what I think is the best back design on a topps card make a great set. Also numbers wise it's not overwhelming or super expensive.

[campyfan39]

I love the design of the set and there are some beautiful cards in there like Ford, Berra, Snider, spahn, Mathews, and Kaline. I also love the novelty of the O'Brien brother's card.
Great set.

[kamikidEFFL]

54 topps set well what isn't to like about this set. Huge names like Robinson,Williams,mays. Rookie cards of kaline,banks and lets not forget about the big name Aaron. It's a great set and probably one of the nicest sets from the 50's. I myself rank that as the third best set in the 50's. I put the 52 set n 53 set above this but both the 53 n 54 are right next to each other. If topps only had the rights to mantle in 54 that set would be so much better. But still great looking set and def one worth building.

[Shoebox]

The missing top border can give them almost a miscut look when you first see an example. For some guys the no Mantle can be a positive as his card can be an expensive necessity to compete the set. My favorite set og that era is the 56 but 52-56 are all great sets and each has some unique offerings.

[exitmusicgreen]

Thank you for your thoughts, all. Good to hear ! : )

[laughlinfan]

Hey Steve! I agree with you on the artwork from '54 - we had a little discussion about it in another thread. I believe Dave Hornish referenced an article that said the artwork for 1955 was done by Irwin Hasen (who was the cartoonist who drew the Dondi comic strip and did artwork for DC), and we thought that he likely did the artwork for 1954 as well. I think the bigger sized cards really lent themselves to comic strip style back artwork.

The seller that was offering a few of the back artworks from 54 had put some fairly high prices on the pieces - other than the Aaron that I picked up, I don't believe any of the others sold.

Happy collecting!

[exitmusicgreen]

Very interesting, Marty ! : ) I will check out that thread, thank you, sir

Edit: Here it is - http://net54baseball.com/showthread....ght=1954+topps

[jt16]

Putting the set together now. I am about 60 cards deep. I got Hank Aaron rc in a great deal. It was BVG 6.5. The rest of the cards are PSA 3-6. Trying to upgrade the 3s and I am trying to get the best centering as possible. I really like the look of the cards.

[autograf]

Originally Posted by jt16

Putting the set together now. I am about 60 cards deep. I got Hank Aaron rc in a great deal. It was BVG 6.5. The rest of the cards are PSA 3-6. Trying to upgrade the 3s and I am trying to get the best centering as possible. I really like the look of the cards.

Working on the set myself, although not that hard. Really working on 1953 and 1956 more after mostly finishing my 1952 low number run. Really like the 1954's with the rookies, the two Ted Williams cards and one of my favorites--the Jackie Robinson card. I also like the O'Briens as the first multi-player card of many that Topps would issue over the years. Almost half way through with 123/250 in the set. No Mantle isn't that big of a deal because the rookies pick that up. The Aaron is a tough card to find in nice shape for a decent price just due to the popularity of the card. I really love the 1952-1956 Topps stuff. Good luck on your set!

[jt16]

Here is my Hank Aaron Rc. I rather have a PSA rookie but I am afraid to cross it over. Not sure is PSA will drop the grade. My whole set will be PSA but this card.

[toppcat]

Steve, the 1954 cartoons were likely done by Irwin Hasen of Dondi fame. There is more here: http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...ht=irwin+hasen

[Shoebox]

When you submit a card to crossover you can designate that you want a minimum 6.5 grade on the form. If they don't think it will cross over at that grade they won't crack it so you can give it a shot at getting the same grade for fairly inexpensive considering the value of that card.

Unless you are really want the PSA registry points or the one missmatched slab plays havoc on your OCD I wouldn't worry about the one card being BVG.

[exitmusicgreen]

Thank you all for the encouragement + interesting insights ! Dondi, I'd heard of the comic despite it being before my time, very cool. : ) I received last week my first eleven 1954 Topps cards via a modern-for-vintage trade and am hooked. So hooked I picked up 2003 Heritage of my favorite A's players, as it uses the same design.

These 1954 cards front and back evoke for me the same feelings you get walking into the perfect vintage style diner. Also, just remembered we used to have a local Wendy's that featured beneath the table glass reprints of old 1950s ads. The olden days, those good days...

[bradmar48]

Steve what grade of cards are you trying to put together for your 54 set?

[exitmusicgreen]

Originally Posted by bradmar48

Steve what grade of cards are you trying to put together for your 54 set?

Low-grade for the time being, though I do have some PSA/BVG mid-grades from a trade. Not looking to buy at the moment unless given a super deal.

My modern cards available F/T - http://net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=196034

Thank you !

[1963Topps Set]

The 1954 Topps set is the oldest set I have completed. If you can get past the Aaron card, you are basically home free. I have two, one is VG but clean, the other is ex but has a number 5 written on the front of the card, cleanly, doesn't interfere with the graphics. So go figure!

[brightair]

Originally Posted by 1963Topps Set

The 1954 Topps set is the oldest set I have completed. If you can get past the Aaron card, you are basically home free. I have two, one is VG but clean, the other is ex but has a number 5 written on the front of the card, cleanly, doesn't interfere with the graphics. So go figure!

Tom,
Lucky you!
I just need the Aaron rookie to complete my 1950s Topps run (not counting 1952 high #s). Looking for a low grade for under $100.
Richard

[1963Topps Set]

Here are the two Aarons I was writing about. A tough call, but the "clean one" went into the collection and the number 5 is in the double box!

[1963Topps Set]

Almost forgot, don't forget the Tom Lasorda card.. his only one as a player!

Richard, how many 1952 Topps high numbers do you have?

[brightair]

Originally Posted by 1963Topps Set

Almost forgot, don't forget the Tom Lasorda card.. his only one as a player!

Richard, how many 1952 Topps high numbers do you have?

Tom,
Not a one. I decided early on it was either my family or the high #s. After some serious thought, I picked my family, so I never went after the '52 highs. But if my wife ever wins the lottery ....
Richard

[1963Topps Set]

Going after the 1952 highs depends in condition you want to collect, your patience, and budget. You could pick up fair high commons for around $50.00 to $75.00. If you but buy one a month, that is 12 in one year.

[brightair]

And then there are the non-commons. Let me see, a '52 mantle or the wife, a '52 mantle or the wife, ... hmmm ...
Ok, not really that hard a decision, but then on the way to the auction, my friends talked me out of it, so I am still married!