Old Topps Baseball Cards: A Brief History of the Iconic Card Brand
Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. burst onto the baseball card scene in 1950 with the introduction of their first series of gum-backed baseball cards. Known simply as Topps, the brand would come to dominate the baseball card industry for decades and create cards that are still prized by collectors to this day. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the early history of Topps baseball cards and some of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1950s and 1960s.
In the late 1940s, Topps founder Sid Jacobson recognized the potential crossover appeal of baseball player photos and decided to insert them into packs of his company’s chewing gum. The first Topps baseball cards debuted inlate 1950, with each pack containing an assortment of gum and five cardboard trading cards featuring photos of major league players. These original Topps cards were printed on thin, grainy paper and measured approximately 2 1/8 inches by 2 5/8 inches – smaller than modern cards. They featured no team logos or stats on the front, only the player’s name and photo.
The first Topps sets were issued annually from 1951 to 1969 without exception. Throughout the 1950s, the cards featured very basic designs with the player’s name and photo on the fronts and American Tobacco ads on the backs. Some keys sets and standout cards from this early “golden era” period include:
1951 Topps: The true “rookie card” set that launched the entire baseball card industry. Some coveted ’51s include Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hoyt Wilhelm, and Woodie Held. Graded mint PSA 10 examples of Mantle and Mays can sell for over $100,000.
1952 Topps: Featured the first team logos on the front of the cards. This set is perhaps most famous for Roberto Clemente’s only true rookie card.
1954 Topps: Considered by many to be the high point of simple, classic 1950s set designs. Graded examples of the Frank Robinson and Hank Aaron rookies can reach $10,000+.
1955 Topps: Introduced the modern “sandbox” style photo on the front. Willie Mays’ iconic jumping catch card has sold for over $200,000 in top grade.
1958 Topps: The last set of the “basic” 1950s era before more advanced stats and designs appeared. Features rookie cards of Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale, and Nellie Fox.
As the 1960s arrived, Topps cards started incorporating more statistics and information on the fronts and backs compared to the spartan 1950s issues. Popular designs and sets from this “golden age” period include:
1961 Topps: The first Topps issue of the ’60s added basic stats to the back. Felipe Alou and Billy Pierce rookie stars.
1962 Topps: Considered a classic set with its fun poses and clean design. Features rookie “stamp” cards including Tommy Davis and Tim Harkness.
1964 Topps: Known as the “Player of the Month” set for its fun variations. Includes the final Topps rookie card for Sandy Koufax.
1965 Topps: Highlighted by one of the most iconic cards in the hobby – the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Also led to a major lawsuit for Topps.
1968 Topps: Last of the classic rectangular topps cards before the transition to “large” format. Bob Gibson’s 1967 stats on the back make it an explosive card.
1969 Topps: The final basic issue before drastic upcoming changes. Ended the classic run of annual sets from 1951-1969 without commercial interruption.
As the 1960s drew to a close, Topps baseball cards remained unmatched in quality, popularity, and scope. While other competitors like Fleer would emerge and Topps sets went through several design transitions, the early 1950s and 1960s issues dominated the heyday of the classic baseball card era. Their simple yet stylish designs, connection to the biggest stars and games of the time period, and now legendary rookie cards secure Topps’ place as the most storied brand in the entire industry. And over 70 years later, their vintage cards from before 1970 remain the most sought-after and widely collected in the entire hobby.
