Putting together a 1968 Topps set...

I've been a huge fan of this set since I was a kid. Growing up in the late 80's the card to have was the Ryan/Koosman RC. After years of thinking about it, I've finally decided to take the plunge and put this set together. Started off picking up about 30 commons and 8 HOFers in EX/NM this past month.

What should I expect collecting this set? Are the high numbers real tough? Any advice is appreciated.

I'm already aware that centering is going to be an issue.

[Harliduck]

I love the 68 set! After you get the Ryan, Mantle, and Bench rookie...it's a relatively easy set compared to the other 60's offerings. The high numbers, for me anyhow, were relatively plentiful at shows and there was not much premium above regular commons. One exception is the #528 Tiger Team card...hard to find and carries a healthy premium. You have Jim Palmer and Lou Brock in the last series, but both cards are relatively inexpensive and plentiful.

Probably the coolest card in the set, and to me one of the top cards of the 60's, the Super Stars #490 with Mantle, Mays, and Killebrew, is a tough card to find in great shape...I am sure it was well handled by many kids back in the day.

I also really like the All Star cards, the horizontal style really worked. Anyhow...love the set, you'll have fun! Again, my opinion it is the easiest of the 60s...

[stlcardsfan]

John, don't forget about Lee May all star rookie card. Not sure of the number but I was surprised what this card went for. Must be short printed!

[bobsbbcards]

High numbers are easy. All of the Tigers are tough, in any condition. Larry Fritsch sold complete series of these cards until......well, he still might, but the condition has been going downhill on his stock for years. I purchased a few series from him about five years ago, and EVERY card was miscut or at least severely off center. Oh well.

Have fun!

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by stlcardsfan

John, don't forget about Lee May all star rookie card. Not sure of the number but I was surprised what this card went for. Must be short printed!

wow, that one went right by me...I had no idea. I must have picked up #487 Lee in one of my lots. Not only that, I looked through the 150 or so doubles I have and sure enough, I have a nice EX+ double. Go figure. A quick Ebay search and wow, that is a pricey card for a 68 common. Thanks for the info!

[savedfrommyspokes]

A well centered Lee May card is even more challenging to find. For me, it was one of the toughest 6th series cards to find well centered. The 506, 544, and 583 cards (all Tigers) also seem to command a modest premium, just not as much of a premium as the May card. Most of lower series Tiger cards, at least recently, do not seem to be commanding the premiums that they once did. For me, the McLain card was probably the toughest Tigers card from the first 5 series.