The 1968 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of the hobby. It was the year that hugely popular stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente were featured in their baseball card primes. For collectors seeking unopened packs of cards from this beloved set, here’s an in-depth look at what they might expect.
1968 was a year of change and upheaval for America with civil rights movements, Vietnam War protests, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Topps addressed the changing social and political landscape by including inspirational sayings on many of the card backs in their 1968 baseball set. “They said it could not be done” was printed on Denny McClain’s card reflecting the determination of underdog Detroit Tigers who went on to win the World Series. Willie Mays’ card carried the message “A lifetime in baseball is never too long if you love the game.” These thoughtful sayings resonated with collectors of the era and have added to the nostalgia surrounding this Topps issue.
The 1968 Topps set contained 792 total cards including 760 individual player and manager cards as well as special inclusion cards like the franchise leaders, team checklists and special insets. The design featured stylized lettering and black borders with team logo cut-outs. At the time, Topps baseball cards were sold in wax paper wrapped tins containing approximately 20 or 22 cards per pack. The cost of a pack was 12 cents for young collectors hoping to pull stars of the day. Unopened tins have survived in remarkably high quality with bright colorful fronts and crisp paper wrapping. Near mint unopened packs still command premium prices at auctions and sports collectibles shops.
Some key stars and investment grades included Roberto Clemente’s Pittsburgh Pirates in the midst of his 12-time Gold Glove right field career year. His card is among the most valuable in the entire set graded high. Mickey Mantle’s New York Yankees card remains iconic as does the cards of fellow legends like Willie Mays of the San Francisco Giants and Hank Aaron’s Milwaukee Braves. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson’s Kansas City Athletics also appear. Other notable rookie cards include Bill Freehan of the Detroit Tigers and Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds, foreshadowing their eventual Cooperstown enshrinement.
Grading is especially important for unopened 1968 Topps packs considering their age. Near mint packs will potentially contain mint to gem mint cards protected from circulation within. Lightly wrinkled paper or small indentations do not significantly impact grade at this level. Packs graded higher have maintained exceptional visual appeal often with sharp corners and bright color. Owners of unopened vintage product realize condition determines premium worth. Topps Gum Company introduced bubble gum as an incentive in packs starting in 1952 so 1968 packs would contain small gum pieces which have held up remarkably well sealed inside original paper.
When searching out unopened 1968 Topps packs, factors beyond grade also influence desirability and price. Complete unbroken wax seals are optimal indicating true mint status without previous handling. Connected wrappers with front and back intact together maintain highest integrity. Original cartons or larger assembled lots with factory edges provide context of completely unsearched inventory. Of course packs containing extremely valuable rookie cards like Bench or superstars like Mantle command a premium but condition remains the primary driver of value at auction. Knowledgeable collectors understand condition census numbers when considering high-dollar vintage wax purchases.
Unopened 1968 Topps baseball cards packs represent an iconic piece of both the vintage collecting hobby and nostalgia for the era itself. Exceptional examples still sealed in near mint to gem mint condition with all original packaging materials intact are highly prized but also premium priced at over 50 years of age. For informed collectors, condition is king when it comes to evaluating and making offers on wax packs holding the possibility of gem mint cards from this set chronicling the “Summer of Love” MLB season. Top graded unsearched examples can sell for thousands validating long-term demand and investment potential of protected vintage cardboard. With care, such prized possessions can stay preserved for enjoyment by hobbyists today and future generations.
