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Originally Posted by novakjr
A quick question. Given that some areas got them is series, and others all at once. Does anyone have the release dates? Did the "all 660" areas get a later initial release than the "series" cities?
Also, some things to consider. What role did Topps going public in '72 play in the elimination of the series? I'd think it makes sense to eliminate the less profitable "later series", under that scenario.. Or at the very least, I think it might explain why they marketed differently, in different areas, to test the profitability of each..
And I remember something about the MLBPA offering exclusive rights to Fleer in '73. I know, that the player contracts doubled as a result, and Topps was now to pay a percentage to the players also. I'm thinking that had it's hand in shortening the set to 660, but did it also play a role in the end of the "series"?
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David I think both of your observations are spot on and they both contributed to the 660 card series and the "all at once" issuance. Also, the pack inserts essentially stopped after 1971 as they were preparing to go public and in '73 they tried to sell some ancillary sets without the logos or even team names (Comics, Pin-Ups, Action Emblems). Going public definitely changed their economic model.