The 1956 Topps baseball card set is among one of the most iconic and desirable vintage issues in the hobby. Even 65 years after they were originally produced and distributed, 1956 Topps baseball cards remain extremely popular with collectors and command high prices on the secondary market on eBay and elsewhere. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key things to know about these classic cards.
The 1956 Topps set was the third baseball card release from Topps after starting their baseball card line in 1951. It contained a total of 382 cards and included players from both the American and National Leagues. Some of the biggest stars featured included Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Ted Williams. Rookies included future Hall of Famers like Luis Aparicio and Richie Ashburn.
Design-wise, the 1956 Topps cards continued with a similar look to the previous two years with a team logo across the top and the player’s photo and stats below. There were some notable changes. For the first time, Topps incorporated color into the borders and team logos rather than having everything in a single color (usually gray). They also added the position of the player under their photo.
In terms of production, the 1956 Topps baseball cards came in two series. Series 1 was released in March of 1956 and contained 250 cards numbered from 1-250. Series 2 followed in August and contained the remaining 132 cards numbered from 251-382. The cards within each series were not sequentially numbered, further adding to the allure and mystery for collectors seeking to complete the renowned set.
When it comes to the condition and grades of 1956 Topps baseball cards that trade hands on eBay today, generally anything graded NM-MT 7 or above by services like PSA or BGS are considered very desirable and can command enormous sums. Even well-loved copies in lower grades often sell for thousands as diehard collectors simply want any example they can get their hands on.
Naturally, the biggest stars and most iconic rookie cards carry the highest prices. On any given day you can find Mint 9+ examples of Mickey Mantle’s legendary card listed well into the five-figure range or higher. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Robinson, Luis Aparicio, and Richie Ashburn typically sell for multiple thousands in top condition as well.
There are certain short-print and error cards within the 1956 Topps set that bring astronomical sums due to their extreme scarcity. For example, the “bat” back variation of Hank Aaron’s primary card (#76), which was mistakenly printed on the backs of 45 other cards instead of the normal back design, is considered the rarest error card in baseball history. In Mint condition, it would undoubtedly sell for well over $100,000 online today.
Though expensive for most collectors to acquire individually, some seek to complete the sprawling 1956 Topps baseball set via group breaks hosted on eBay. In these, a sealed original wax box or case is broken open live with participants randomly receiving predetermined cards or hitting big chase cards included as bonuses. It adds an exciting element of the original pack-breaking experience.
Whether chasing individual keys, building a set, or hoping for hits in breaks – there is no denying the universal appeal and significance of the 1956 Topps baseball card release remains as strong as ever 65 years after their creation. Their classic design, inclusion of the era’s greatest players, and low original print numbers have cemented these cards’ place as some of the true crown jewels in the entire trading card collecting hobby. As interest continues to grow each new generation, their place in sports collectibles history is assured.
The 1956 Topps baseball card set holds a legendary status with collectors and consistently achieves amazing prices in the competitive marketplace of eBay. Even well-loved low-grade examples still trade hands for thousands due to the set’s mass popularity and status as a cornerstone release in the early years of modern trading cards. For the serious vintage baseball card collector, owning a piece of the 1956 Topps puzzle is considered a must.