Set collection advice please

[Mike Roche]

I'm toying with the idea of trying to put together a 1954 Topps set. It has good eye appeal, a reasonable number of cards and a lot of stars.

However, I'm currently working on a 1951 Bowman set. While the '54 set is tempting, I'm hesitant about starting a new set. If I start a new set I don't want one of them to fall aside. Both would be long term projects as well.

Does anyone have experience with either set? I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks!


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[ALR-bishop]

I have put together both. The 54 is my favorite of the two. How far do you have to go on the 51 ? Just curious, why 54 now and why 51 originally ?

[Mike Roche]

I've always wanted to do a vintage set so I originally decided on 51. I like the cards and it's a fairly well known set. I'm at 71/324.

I got the idea for the 54 because I recently acquired the Ernie Banks RC. That set my mind going about the rest of the set to go with it


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[ALR-bishop]

Mike -- you are off to a good start on 54 . Good luck on both

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Mike I am about where you are on the 1951 Bowman and love just buying a few cards to add to it.

I am down to six on the 1954 Topps and it has been great fun, the biggest difference is that you can pick up groups of the 1954 commons at a good price on eBay, the '51 Bowman's don't seem to be in real good shape when you find groups of 10 or more offered. Other than Banks, Aaron and Kaline the 1954 set will not break your bank account.

With that said all the 1950's sets are great fun!

[bbcard1]

though of the same era, the two sets compliment each other fairly well...each having some key player that are not in the other.

[DBesse27]

While I admittedly don't know your budget, 54T seems more attainable. Easier to land Aaron and Kaline RCs than Mantle and Mays, I would think. Don't get me wrong though, 51 Bowman is a gorgeous set and that's my favorite Mick.

[Mike Roche]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'm going to make a run at the 54 set


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[Mike Roche]

For those of you who have done the 54 set, what did you use to store the cards? Since they're bigger than modern cards is there any place I can go to get vintage sized sleeves or pages?

[ALR-bishop]

My 54 set is in a binder in 8 pocket pages

[judgebuck]

I've put together both sets, and the 54T set is much more affordable. Love both sets, and 54T is probably more visually appealing. 51B is tougher.