1956 or 1957 Topps? Which would you choose?

[arexcrooke]

I'll weigh in with my opinion. Personally I love both sets. My preference is for the 1956. I really like cards that are horizontal. I'm currently working on a HOF set from 1956 and am loving it. However I will also be working on a 1957 HOF set when j get done with the 56s.
Let me give you another way of looking at which set to chose:
If you are actually looking to collect (I don't know if you do or are going to start) and the 56s are you favorite then take the 57s and then build your own 1956 set. If you enjoy the thrill of collecting this could be an option as you get both sets eventually and you get to build the set you have admitted to liking more.
Just my .02

[Filthy]

Well, I just wanted to update the thread, as I have now actually gone through everything, and made my decision. (Which was pretty easy actually, after seeing what all was there.)

This wasn't just the 2 sets...but an entire collection. so last night, I had a chance to look over everything. Ill post it below, as I don't think it needs its own thread.

1956 Topps- Complete set I chose this set, mainly because I just love the overall look, but more importantly it was my Uncle that was putting together this set about 30 years ago, and he would take me to card shows as a kid..to find these cards. (As it was pre internet days) So, there is sentimental value here more than anything. What I didn't know, previous to now was that he also had a shoebox full of duplicates/triples of a lot of the cards. When I found the box, I assumed that it would be doubles/triples of commons. There were 220 extra 1956 cards in the shoebox including (2) Hank Aarons, (2) Ted Williams, (2) Ernie Banks (3) Sandy Koufax and one extra card #135..Mickey Mantle!

I'm not well versed in graded cards, so don't want to assume on condition..but it looks like, he was putting together a set, and then upgrading as he found nicer examples. (I would guess most of them to be between 3-5, with a few that might be able to pull a 6 or 7) but fortunetly for me, it looks like when he was upgrading.....without selling/trading the previous lower grade card. (Just moving them to the final resting place...the shoe box) But pics are provided.....

[Filthy]

As far as "all the other stuff.....

-Stack of 1953 singles (14 cards all "commons" except for Roy Campanella)
- 1955 Double Headers
-The other complete set of 57' Topps set
-Stack of 58' Topps (20-30 cards)
-6 pages of 1959 Topps, including several duplicates of no name Rookies
-Tons and Tons of 1950s Movie cards. Probably 1,000+ cards.
-Cowboy Western cards (25 or so)
-President Cards
-Elvis Presley Movie cards (12-15 cards)
-Complete Set of some Movie Star/rock star from the 50s. (Elvis, James Dean)
-Some kind f 1950s War cards, with planes, guns, military etc... (100+)

Either way, just thought I would share. It was cool just to go thru a lot of this stuff.. (Feel free to comment, or share any info that you might have on some of the non sports stuff as well) I didn't think it warranted its own thread.

[arexcrooke]

Holy smokes!

[MCoxon]

This probably only opens the can of worms more, but it might help to compare player-by-player and which set has the best cards of your favorites:

My choice of 1956 or 1957 for selected players:

- M. Mantle: 1956 (seems to be a hobby icon, not that others don't like 57)
- R. Clemente: 1956
- S. Koufax: 1957
- H. Aaron: 1957
- W. Mays: 1956
- T. Williams: 1956
- R. Campanella: 1956

Also:
- Only in 1956 set: Jackie Robinson, Bob Feller, Monte Irvin, Al Rosen
- Only in 1957 set: Brooks, Frank Robinson, Don Drysdale, Rocky Colavito

[irv]

Beautiful collection, Filthy!

I never knew movie star/music star cards existed, but I do know a lady who would love to have that Elvis card.

[arexcrooke]

Any of the cards for sale or trade?
I could use some of them for my personal collection!