3 best. 3 worst Topps issues

[onlyvintage62]

Originally Posted by bobsbbcards

I'll take a shot at the worst-to-first list (1951 to 1979). If there's a particular series of that year where the skill of the photographers/design department clearly stood out, it's shown in parenthesis:

1979
1978
1973
1975
1974
1962 (high numbers)
1958
1970 (semi highs)
1977
1959
1976
1951
1953
1971 (high numbers)
1964 (semi highs)
1952
1961 (high numbers)
1963
1960
1972 (semi highs and high numbers)
1955
1968 (first series)
1954
1965 (semi highs)
1957
1966 (semi highs and high numbers)
1969 (first and second series)
1956
1967 (semi highs and high numbers)

Thanks for the effort, that list is spot on IMO. Notice how the early / mid seventies cards are usually deemed the worst overall. The 73, 74 sets (also the FB sets of that year) were HORRIBLE from a paper stock standpoint and a C minus from a photo standpoint. It is my understanding that Topps was going thru some tough financial times then and cut back on the quality of the paper.

How about the fifth series of 1969, the one of the photos with the filter over the lens.

Disagree with you on the first series of 1968.. apparently it tested so bad that they had to change it.

For some reason in most cases the later series cards had better quality photos.

Just my two cents.

[Jayworld]

I find it somewhat interesting that in many cases, the year sets that rank high on lists are the ones that people first collected, which suggests more of a nostalgia feel in many respects regarding the rankings.

My first set to complete outright from packs was 1977, but I had been collecting since 1974. I think from pure design and photo quality (as well as backs), the 1976 set is a very clean set. Although the 1975 set gets a lot of love, from the unusual multi-color front designs, the Yount/Brett rookie cards, and the vertical backs, but I think the backs are very hard to read, especially in lower lighting conditions. Heck, I even have to get out a magnifying glass to see the numbers on the backs at times unless I put the card under direct light.

The 1969 and 1964 sets are beautiful sets and nice, clear backs, too. I thought the 1981 set was and unusual and distinct set with the team caps in the lower left corner; they even got the Pirates pillbox cap correct and the Padres "yellow mission bell" front panel on the caps. 1982 was a poor design, as was 1984, which in effect was a redesign of the 1983 cards with action shot and panel.

[Gr8Beldini]

Originally Posted by onlyvintage62

For some reason in most cases the later series cards had better quality photos.

Just my two cents.

Totally agree, particularly in 1969, 1971, and especially 1972.

[Rich Klein]

Best: 57, 67, 77

Worst: 58. 59. 73

Rich

[bobsbbcards]

Originally Posted by onlyvintage62

Disagree with you on the first series of 1968.. apparently it tested so bad that they had to change it.

[onlyvintage62]

Point Taken Those are gorgeous!! But always wondered why they changed design. Given the know fact that TOPPS was somewhat cost conscious to say the least why the change. I had heard that it tested poorly and had gotten a bad reaction.

Does anybody have any insight?

[ALR-bishop]

62--when you say change in design are you referring to differences in the burlap background ?

Those sure are great cards Bob

[bobsbbcards]

A lot of people aren't enamored by the "wide mesh" burlap in the first series and a half or so. I prefer the wide mesh, but that's not what I like best about the first series. It's just that the photos, lighting, and colors seem more vibrant. I'd have trouble choosing nine cards in the remaining series that catch my eye like these do. The poses also start repeating themselves in the later series (big head-no hat, just about to swing, just about to pitch, just about to stop squatting, I'm a manager and I like to shout, etc.). Exceptional cards:

[ALR-bishop]

Mesh differences in the same card within the separate Topps Milton Bradley Game set

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Mesh differences in the same card within the separate Topps Milton Bradley Game set

Different photo cropping on Frank also.

[33rd Street]

1953 topps- I realize sets from the fifties suffer from the bowman/topps mini war but in 53 topps got a great Mantle in there a high number mays and that great Paige! Top it off with the best card (my opinion) of Robinson to open the set and I can live with no Snider, Musial etc. these cards just scream nostalgia to me. Little pieces of art.

1956 Topps- I guess you can tell I'm a 50's guy by now. Now that bowman's gone topps gets to load up this issue with every great except Musial. For eye appeal and collectabilty this is topps best issue in my opinion it's lacking any rookie class at all that little go go sox SS doesn't excite many collectors but there are 33 HOF's in this classic.

1957 Topps- last year for New York Giants and the bums! Set has it all, legends of the sport and a great rookie class. Centered 57's are some of my favorite cards.

Worst

1968-1970- nothing about these three years excites me. The only good thing that happened was Mantle never had a 1970 card! Thank god I didn't have to see the mick on some of the goffy early seventy issues with huge sideburns and polyester uniforms!!

1958 Topps- very colorful but the worst of the fifties in my opinion.

1974- this is topps worst issue ever in my opinion. Just so happens its the year I was born. Yuck.

[glynparson]

Best
1. 1952
2. 1953
3. 1955

Worst

1. 1990
2. 1976
3. 1973

[glynparson]

I was born in 1972 these are far from the first sets I collected. 1980 topps was the first one I put together. 1979 was the first year I bought a pack of cards. 1981 would be my favorite from my youth.