Tag Archives: 1956

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the history of the hobby as one of the most iconic issues ever produced. Featuring designs that helped define the aesthetic of 1950s cardboard, the ’56 Topps set – when complete and in the finest condition – can be worth a considerable investment today.

Released in the spring of 1956 as Topps continued their dominance of the baseball card market, the design featured large player photos on a colored bordered backing. For the first time, Topps added team logos along the bottom, which became a standard visual element for decades. The set totaled 204 cards and was sold primarily in wax pack form at stores for just a penny per pack, containing one or two random cards inside the colorful foil-wrapped bundle.

While production numbers for specific 1950s Topps issues are not precisely known, baseball card historians estimate around 75 million cards were printed in the ’56 set based on sales figures. This high print run impacts overall condition and scarcity today. As one of the most popular and iconic Topps releases that helped popularize the modern baseball card format, demand remains high – especially for pristine examples.

In terms of condition, the 1956 Topps set is considered solidly in the ‘mid-range’ of collectibility and value when accounting for the large original print run. An ‘excellent’ or ‘near mint’ graded example in independent third-party authentication might fetch $5,000-$8,000 as a complete set, while a well-kept ‘very good’ condition run could sell for $3,000-$$5,000. This valuation applies if the set is 100% complete with all 204 cards and in displays notable eye appeal without extensive flaws or damage.

Examples of ‘near mint’ 1956 Topps sets have broken the $10,000 sales threshold in recent years, especially if key rookie or star cards grade exceptionally well above the others. The highest price ever paid publicly for a 1956 Topps set in one of the ‘near mint’ designation categories was just under $15,000. Sets at this lofty condition level suitable for that price are exceedingly rare to find intact over 60 years after production. Experts estimate less than 10 such sets still exist in collectors’ hands today.

Key individual cards that can significantly boost the value of a ’56 set include the iconic rookie of Mickey Mantle, which has sold for over $100,000 in pristine condition. The rookie card of future Hall of Famer Willie Mays from the same year is also highly desired and can reach five-figure valuations. Other notable rookie cards include future 300-game winner Jim Bunning and all-star outfielder Al Kaline. Star players like Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Whitey Ford are also popular highlights that increase demand.

Factors like the centering, corners and edges of high-value cards like the Mantle and Mays rookies could see upgrades that add tens of thousands to the set price alone. Owner autographs, which occasionally show up, are also tremendously valuable – often boosting prices exponentially higher. Signed pre-production proofs or sample cards seem to be the only way an ‘authorized’ signature would exist on a mid-1950s Topps issue.

While pricing fluctuates based on current market conditions, the 1956 Topps baseball card set stands tall as a blue-chip collectible investment when complete and preserved exceptionally well straight out of the pack. Even a mid-range graded set still has a four-figure minimum value after 65+ years. For collectors seeking a classic and iconic piece of cardboard history, owning an exemplary ’56 Topps run remains an enviable and valuable goal. With rarity increasing every year as sets disperse or degrade further, finding top condition examples will only become more challenging with time.

The 1956 Topps baseball card set enjoys as highly collectible a status as any vintage issue due both to its pivotal role in the growth of the hobby as well its iconic aesthetic designs still familiar today. When complete and pristine, examples can reach the top of the four-figure threshold into low five-figures or above. With only diminishing numbers of high-grade sets believed to remain, those premium examples will likely continue increasing substantially in value for the foreseeable future.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set is a highly valuable and sought after collection by card collectors and enthusiasts due to the rookie cards it features of future Hall of Fame players. Issued over 65 years ago, cards from the 1956 Topps set in top condition can be worth thousands of dollars individually.

Some key aspects that make the 1956 Topps set so valuable include that it was the first year Topps had the exclusive license to produce mainstream baseball cards. Previously, there were competing brands on the market. Having the monopoly allowed Topps to really focus on production and the quality of the cards was excellent. The photos and design aspects hold up remarkably well even now.

Another major factor is the Hall of Fame rookie cards the 1956 set contains. Some of the rookies featured include Duke Snider, Hoyt Wilhelm, Don Drysdale, and Hall of Famer Ron Santo. The most coveted and valuable rookie card in the entire set is that of future all-time hits leader Pete Rose, who was just starting his career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1956. In pristine mint condition, the Pete Rose rookie card can be worth over $100,000 on its own due to his legendary career and status.

In terms of condition, the cards were rather fragile when first produced and many suffered wear and tear over the decades. To help determine the value of the cards, they are ranked on the 10-point Sheets scale. The top grade a card can achieve is mint condition or Gem Mint 10. These pristinely preserved specimens in top-notch shape fetch the highest prices. Even a grade of Good 6 can still carry value in the hundreds for a key card. Of course, demand also plays into pricing. Rookies of all-time great players have the most demand, which is why the Pete Rose, Snider, and others mentioned hold 5 and 6 figure values.

Some other noteworthy and valuable cards from the 1956 Topps set include the Yankees team card featuring Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra (#22). High graded examples can reach $2,000-$3,000. The Willie Mays card (#217) typically sells for $1,000-$2,000 in top condition as well due to his iconic career and status as one of the best to ever play. Veteran stars like Hank Aaron (#253), Roberto Clemente (#285), and Sandy Koufax (#360) tend to command $500-$1,000 for their cards in top grades as well due to their Hall of Fame careers and popularity.

Beyond the high-dollar rookie cards and stars, there is value to be found elsewhere in the set if complete or near-complete. A common complete 1956 Topps baseball card set in lower graded condition still carries value of $3,000-$5,000 depending on overall quality. Such a set is highly desirable to collectors seeking to own a full vintage release. In higher grades of Very Fine or higher, a complete set can reach $10,000 or more depending on the condition of the keys cards within.

Therefore, whether you possess a single key rookie from the 1956 Topps set or have managed to hold onto a complete collection in some condition over the decades, there is lasting value embedded in these vintage cardboard relics from the earliest days of modern cardboard collecting craze. The history, star power, and nostalgia factor inherent to the 1956 set makes it an incredibly important release that retains strong collector demand even after 65+ years. With the rise of the sports memorabilia market and continued mainstreaming of cards as an investment asset class, the pricing on 1956 Topps is very likely to keep appreciating over the long run for treasured examples.

What helps make the 1956 Topps baseball card set so valuable and coveted among collectors is the high-caliber rookie cards it contains of future Hall of Fame players who went on to have legendary careers. Being the first year of the Topps monopoly also increased production quality and collector interest. With desirability boosted by vintage charm, star power, and nostalgia and values supported by sports market trends, the 1956 Topps cards, especially elite examples like the Pete Rose rookie, will surely continue their ascendance in price and prestige among the most prized collectibles in the hobby.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set was the fourth series of baseball cards produced by Topps and featured all players from the American and National Leagues. Some interesting aspects of the 1956 set include that it contained 520 cards with varying player photographs on the front and stats/career highlights on the back. At the time it was the largest and most complete baseball card set released.

One unique aspect of the 1956 Topps set was the addition of limited color for the first time. While most cards featured the standard team color backgrounds, 20 catcher cards included photos with a brightly colored catcher’s mitt overlaid on a white background to help them stand out in the set. It’s believed this was an experimental run by Topps to see if adding more color could boost sales going forward.

From a player roster standpoint, the 1956 Topps set was one of the last to feature both the players that broke into the majors in the 1950s alongside the tail end of some legends from the 1940s. For example, players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax all had their rookie cards in the 1956 set alongside veterans like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Enos Slaughter.

The rookie cards from the 1956 Topps set today fetch some of the highest premiums in the vintage baseball card market. PSA 10 graded examples of rookie cards like Mays, Koufax, and Don Drysdale regularly sell for well over $10,000 each due to their significance and relative scarcity compared to production numbers in later decades. Even common players from the 1956 Topps set in high grades can sell for over $100 due to the popularity of the set and demand from collectors.

In addition to player cards, the 1956 Topps set included 12 team cards highlighting American and National League rosters from the 1955 season. There was also a Walter Alston manager card and an “All-Star” group card featuring 14 of the players voted onto the 1955 Major League Baseball All-Star team. With a mixture of Hall of Fame talents and rising young players, the roster captured on these special cards provide an interesting snapshot of the time period.

When it came to design and production values, the 1956 Topps set expanded upon the innovations begun just a few years prior. Cardboard stock was still relatively thin and images could be prone to damage from bending or creasing over time compared to modern card materials. The black and white player photos featured a distinctive 1950s vibe with uniforms that seem dated by today’s standards.

Nevertheless, the quality was a marked improvement over earlier 1950s issues and showed Topps’ growing experience and investment in the baseball card market. The backs provided statistical bios of players with season recaps, career stats to date, information like batting handedness and date of birth. All of these attributes are what attract modern collectors to the vintage appeal and historical significance of the 1956 Topps set.

In terms of rarity, surviving 1956 Topps cards today in high grades are scarce, but more obtainable than 1950s Bowman or 1951 leaf issues. PSA and BGS collectively have likely graded over 10,000 cards from the set in modern holder slabs for protection over the decades. Cards still enter the marketplace steadily as collections are broken up, making fresh condition early examples available with diligent searching by today’s collectors.

For both casual fans of the era and serious vintage baseball card investors, the 1956 Topps release is revered as one of the most Iconic in the hobby. It provides a snapshot in time as the 1950s came to a close and ushered in baseball’s modern era. Six decades later, the historical and collectible aspects that made it a groundbreaking set upon issue keep it highly regarded among all who appreciate the origins of the captivating hobby.

SIZE OF 1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set is considered by many to be the most iconic and desirable vintage set from the 1950s. What also stands out about the 1956 cards is their unique size, which is larger than most other cards produced during that era.

Most standard size baseball cards from the 1950s measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. The 1956 Topps issues took on larger dimensions of approximately 2.75 inches wide by 3.75 inches high. So compared to cards from brands like Bowman or 1952-1955 Topps, the 1956 set featured cards with roughly an extra quarter inch added to both the width and height.

There has been some speculation over the years as to why Topps decided to make their 1956 cards larger. Some experts believe it may have been a strategic marketing move by Topps to make their new cards stand out on store shelves amongst competing brands that were sticking with the standard size. By enlarging the cards, Topps was grabbing more visual attention from young collectors browsing trading card displays.

Another theory as to the size change is that Topps may have wanted to take advantage of new photographic techniques they were using on the 1956 cards. With nicer larger portrait photos on the fronts compared to earlier issues, going bigger allowed Topps to showcase these photos in a more impactful way instead of having them appear small and cramped on a 2.5 by 3.5 inch canvas.

Regardless of the exact motivation, the larger dimensions of the 1956 Topps cards became very collectible traits over the decades. As the set developed its reputation for visual quality and historical significance due to future Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle being depicted, the unique larger size only added to its appeal. Card show dealers and auction houses take note of the subtle size difference when grading and pricing 1956 Topps compared to other vintage issues.

In terms of production details, the larger 1956 Topps size did not actually require new printing plates to be made. Topps was still utilizing a multi-color lithograph process similar to prior years, so the card stock was simply fed through existing presses but with a larger blank sheet size. This allowed Topps to crank out the cards very cost efficiently despite the increased dimensions.

Manufacturing the larger cards did have some drawbacks. Storage and distribution of the 1956s presented more challenges with the bigger individual card profiles taking up more space in boxes and racks. There is also debate amongst historians if the slight increase led to some quality control issues, as the larger pieces of cardboard may have been more prone to production flaws or less flexibility during the printing process.

Regardless, the 1956 Topps size created a unique aesthetic legacy that stood the test of time. While they went back to a standard 2.5 by 3.5 inch formula starting in 1957, the larger 1956s remain the most visually identifiable set from the 1950s due to their dimensions. In the collector marketplace today, high grade 1956 World Series highlights and rookie cards still command tremendous sums, and their iconic oversized presence enhances the already immense historical value and significance for hobbyists. Thus, the simple but impactful size change Topps implemented proved to be a marvelous marketing stroke that still captivates card aficionados over 65 years later.

While its exact reasoning remains debated, Topps’ decision to enlarge the physical footprint of its 1956 baseball card release through a subtle yet noticeable increase to both width and height became a truly memorable aspect of the landmark 50s issue. Collectors to this day appreciate and covet the cards’ unique dimensions that help them stand out memorably as one of the golden eras of vintage cardboard. The larger size was a key attribute that drove the 1956 set’s iconic status and enduring popularity unmatched by other cards of the period.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set is one of the most historically significant issues in the entire hobby. It was the first year Topps held the exclusive license to produce baseball cards, and the designs and players featured make it a highly desirable set for collectors. With its links to some of the game’s all-time greats and iconic visuals, 1956 Topps cards retain significant monetary and nostalgic value even over half a century later.

The 1956 set contains a total of 520 cards featuring players, managers, and owners from that season. Some key storylines and players that increase the set’s appeal include Mickey Mantle’s stunning 1956 season where he set single-season records for home runs and RBI that still stand today. Mantle’s iconic pose and powerful swing captured on his ’56 Topps card is one of the most recognizable and sought-after in the hobby. That season was also the last for legends like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Enos Slaughter in their playing careers, immortalizing them for collectors. Rookies like Willie Mays, Don Drysdale, and Jim Bunning also made their Topps debut.

In terms of condition and grade, the values of 1956 Topps cards can vary tremendously. In low-grade Poor-1 or Good-2 condition, most common players can be found for $5-15. As the condition improves the prices escalate quickly. In Near Mint-Mint (NM-M) 7-8 condition, most Hall of Famers will cost $100-500. Top rookies like Mays and multiple star cards can reach $500-1,000. Then, jumping to high-grade pristine GEM MT-MT 10 status, there is no limit on the escalating prices. Top-graded examples of iconic cards like the Mantle or Mays rookie could sell for $10,000-50,000 or more.

The condition and centering of 1956s presents a unique challenge. The fragile high-gloss paper stock used for the cards scuffed and scratched easily. Poor centering was also common right from the packs. As a result, perfectly centered and cornered GEM MT 10 specimens are incredibly rare. This scarcity drives values up drastically. Another scarcity factor is the condition census – records of the highest-graded examples verified by grading services like PSA and SGC. Fewer than 50 cards have reached MT 10 status in the entire set. Top cards ranked #1 on the census frequently eclipse $100,000 at auction.

Rookie and star rookies of future legends command huge dollars in top grades. A PSA GEM MT 10 Willie Mays rookie sold for $657,250 in January 2021. That set a new record for any vintage card, rookies included. Slightly lower graded examples still bring six-figure sums. Don Drysdale and Frank Robinson rookies can reach $15,000-30,000 in top grades as well. Jim Bunning and Bill Virdon rookie MT 10s have sold for $40,000-60,000. Beyond rookies, any Hall of Famer in pristine condition is valued extremely highly. Mickey Mantle tops the list – a PSA 10 recently sold at auction for $372,000.

There are also many stars and key players that remain affordable even in top shape for most collectors. Complete sets in NM-MT 7-8 can be found for $2,000-5,000. Individually, Whitey Ford, Nellie Fox, Warren Spahn, and Duke Snider MT 10s rarely exceed $1,500. Juan Marichal, Early Wynn, and Roy Campanella top out under $3,000. Highly sought veterans like Robin Roberts, Ted Kluszewski, Del Crandall, and Sherm Lollar remain under $500-1,000 in top grades as well. So with some stars and complete sets still feasible, the 1956 set maintains its status as a premier vintage issue even without ultra-high end investments.

The 1956 Topps baseball card set blends unequaled historical value with recognizable iconic designs. Its stunning rookie debuts and final seasons for legends make it a nostalgic favorite for collectors. While condition challenges and census scarcity drive prices high for rare specimens, reasonably graded commons and stars ensure the set is still attainable. The 1956 issue is as popular and collectible today as any vintage release, guaranteed to retain significant worth as a long-term investment for enthusiasts of the baseball card hobby.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set was the fifth series of baseball cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. It marked several milestones for the relatively young collecting hobby. With 596 total cards issued, it was the largest set yet produced by Topps and helped fuel the growing popularity of collecting baseball cards among American children and adults alike.

The 1956 set is particularly notable for featuring the rookie cards of soon-to-be Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Bill White, Ken Boyer, and Don Drysdale. Clemente’s classic action pose on his rookie card became one of the most valuable and iconic in the entire hobby. The 1956 set also included the final cards for legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Duke Snider and many other star players of the era as the postwar Baby Boom generation came of age.

In a break from previous years, Topps decided to include manager and coach cards for the first time in 1956. A total of 25 manager/coach cards were issued. This included managers Casey Stengel, Al Lopez, Bobby Bragan and coaches like Eddie Stanky, Ray Berres and Leo Durocher. The inclusion of non-players helped depict a more complete picture of each major league franchise and added to the set’s appeal for young collectors.

Topps released the 1956 set in wax wrapper packs that sold for a dime each. Like most early Topps issues, the card stock was quite thin and prone todamage. Each pack contained 5 cards with no gum included. The cards measured 2.5×3.5 inches in size, slightly larger than competitors Bowman and Topps’ own previous releases. The iconic yellow-and-blue bordered design featured team logo/name at the top with player photo and stats on the front. Simple black text on the back provided career stats and brief bios.

Collectors at the time gave the 1956 Topps set mixed reviews for design and production quality compared to later golden era releases from the late 50s/early 60s. Things like centering, image quality and production consistency varied greatly card to card. The thin paper stock also led to significant deterioration over the years for many examples. The impact and history behind certain rookie cards in the set have made 1956 Topps a legendary issue prized by today’s most avid collectors and investors.

A key factor that increased 1956 Topps’ desirability over the decades was the rise of superstar players like Clemente, Drysdale and White during the latter parts of their careers in the 1950s and 1960s. Demand for vintage cards boomed in the 1980s fueled by the collectibles craze, renewed nostalgia and popularity of the hobby. This drove values for coveted 1956 rookies to new heights among enthusiasts and fueled interest in completing the entire landmark set from childhood.

Speaking of values, the 1956 Topps set today contains some of the most expensive and sought-after vintage cards despite quality control issues over 60 years ago. The Clemente rookie, regarded as one of the “holy grails” of the hobby, has sold for over $350,000 in Near Mint condition at goldinauctions.com. Even well-centered examples in lower grades can command five figures. The Drysdale and Boyer rookies also consistently sell for thousands. Other key stars like Mantle, Snider, Bob Gibson and Carl Yastrzemski also possess significant value depending on grade.

For the relatively modest original cost of one dime per pack or around $6 for a complete set originally, the lasting appeal and profit potential of 1956 Topps is remarkable. Its blend of rookie greats, set size records and inclusion of managers cemented it as a true milestone release. While print runs were larger than Bowman of the time, supply has decreased substantially after six decades of collecting, playing and deterioration. As such, unopened wax packs still surface rarely and command premium price tags whenever offered today. Obtaining high grade examples of each key card remains a challenge and serious investment undertaking for dedicated vintage enthusiasts and investors. The 1956 Topps baseball card set stands tall as one of the most important and valuable issues in the entire hobby’s proud history.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set holds a legendary status among collectors and fans for featuring some of the game’s all-time greatest players in their rookie card seasons. Issued just as Major League Baseball was exploding in popularity during the Baby Boomer era, the ’56 Topps set stands out for showcasing stars who would go on to define the Golden Age of baseball in the late 1950s and 1960s.

With its classic design of bold black-and-white photography on a multi-colored bordered background, the 1956 Topps set had a distinctive mid-century flair that still attracts collectors today. Topps released their cards in wax wrapper packs sold for a dime apiece at drug stores, candy shops and five-and-dime retailers. The set totaled 382 cards and was one of Topps’ largest issues up to that point.

Several future Hall of Famers made their Topps rookie card debut in 1956, most notably Mets legend Tom Seaver with card #83 and Yankees icon Mickey Mantle on card #312. The most valuable and desirable ’56 Topps rookie by today’s standards is card #306 featuring a young Milwaukee Braves outfielder named Hank Aaron. Still playing in his early career with the Milwaukee Braves before moving to the Atlanta Braves, Aaron’s iconic rookie card is one of the crown jewels in the set.

1956 Topps featured rookie cards of 10 players who would eventually be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame including:

#83 – Tom Seaver, Pitcher (New York Mets)
#306 – Hank Aaron, Outfielder (Milwaukee Braves)
#312 – Mickey Mantle, Outfielder (New York Yankees)
#51 – Don Drysdale, Pitcher (Brooklyn Dodgers)
#121 – Luis Aparicio, Shortstop (Chicago White Sox)
#139 – Nellie Fox, Second Baseman (Chicago White Sox)
#219 – Billy Pierce, Pitcher (Chicago White Sox)
#256 – Jim Bunning, Pitcher (Philadelphia Phillies)
#354 – Hoyt Wilhelm, Pitcher (Baltimore Orioles)
#376 – Harvey Kuenn, Shortstop (Detroit Tigers)

Of those 10 future Hall of Fame rookie cards, Aaron’s #306 stands alone as the most valuable. In a 2021 Goldin Auctions sale, a single 1956 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card inNear Mint to Mint condition sold for an astounding $2.88 million, shattering records for the most expensive baseball card ever sold publicly at auction up to that point.

Beyond just the rookie cards of future all-time greats, the entire 1956 Topps set contains numerous other significant and historically important cards. For example, card #1 highlights superstar Ted Williams in his final season before retirement, cementing his career accomplishments to that point including two Triple Crowns and a .400 batting average season in 1941.

Other key cards include #25 with an action shot of the legendary Jackie Robinson, who broke MLB’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Card #337 pictures Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe, who along with Robinson helped desegregate professional baseball in the late 1940s. The set also features key members of the dominant early 1950s Yankees dynasty like Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra.

In terms of condition, pristine 1956 Topps rookie cards in high grades of Mint or Near Mint are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire. As a sought-after early vintage set from the dawn of modern baseball card production, high quality ’56 Topps have been aggressively collected and preserved by investors and enthusiasts for decades. Any owner fortunate enough to possess a true gem mint rookie of Mantle, Seaver, Aaron or another future Hall of Famer could reasonably expect a selling price well into the six figures even for lower-end Mint grades.

While the ultra-valuable Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle cards claim top dollar amounts, there remains strong collector demand for any available 1956 Topps rookie in extraordinary condition regardless of the player depicted. Today, the set endures as a captivating historical artifact and is consistently among the most expensive and desirable offerings in the entire vintage baseball card landscape due to its mix of iconic photography, memorable designs, and star power from the post-war baseball renaissance. Six decades later, 1956 Topps remains The Rookie Card Set for buyers and sellers alike.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1956

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Baseball cards from the 1950s hold a special place in the hobby. The 1956 Topps set in particular is considered one of the most iconic issues of the decade. With its colorful designs and snapshots of the game’s biggest stars, the ’56 Topps cards captured the excitement of the post-War era. Over 65 years later, these vintage cards remain highly collectible. Here is an in-depth price guide for the 1956 Topps baseball card set.

The 1956 Topps set contains a total of 520 cards. The design features a photo of each player in the foreground with their team logo and stats in the background. Topps used a variety of photo sources for the ’56 cards, with some showing players in action shots while others featured formal posed portraits. The cards have a distinctive red-white-and-blue color scheme that was a popular graphic style of the 1950s. On the front, each card is numbered from 1 to 520 in the bottom-right corner.

In terms of condition, the 1956 Topps set is considered fairly tough to find in high grades like Mint. This is due to the thin cardboard stock used by Topps at the time. Even lightly played copies from the 1950s will often show creases, corners wear or edge nicks. For the purposes of this price guide, conditions will be defined as:

Poor (P): Heavily worn with creases, tears or damage
Fair (F): Noticeable wear with creases or edge nicks
Good (G): Lightly played with minor creases or handling marks
Very Good (VG): Near mint with only slight signs of use
Near Mint (NM): Bright, no creasing but may have minor edge or corner wear
Mint (MT): Pristine card in perfect unworn condition

Now let’s take a look at some key individual card prices from the 1956 Topps set in different grades:

Mickey Mantle (Card #1):

P: $50-100
F: $150-250
G: $300-500
VG: $600-1000
NM: $1200-1800
MT: $2000+

Willie Mays (Card #90):

P: $75-150
F: $200-350
G: $400-700
VG: $800-1200
NM: $1500-2500
MT: $3000+

Hank Aaron (Card #99):

P: $50-100
F: $150-250
G: $300-500
VG: $600-1000
NM: $1200-1800
MT: $2000+

Stan Musial (Card #127):

P: $40-80
F: $100-200
G: $200-400
VG: $400-700
NM: $800-1500
MT: $1800+

Ted Williams (Card #167):

P: $50-100
F: $150-250
G: $300-500
VG: $600-1000
NM: $1200-1800
MT: $2000+

As you can see from the prices above, high-grade copies of the true star players like Mantle, Mays, Aaron and Williams can sell for thousands of dollars. Even in lower grades, their cards retain significant value recognition of their legendary playing careers.

Beyond the star cards, there are also several other notable players and rookie cards that command premium prices in the 1956 Topps set:

Sandy Koufax (Card #114):
P: $30-60
F: $75-150
G: $150-300
VG: $300-500
NM: $600-1000
MT: $1200+
Don Drysdale (Card #207):
P: $20-40
F: $50-100
G: $100-200
VG: $200-350
NM: $400-700
MT: $800+
Nellie Fox (Card #111):
P: $15-30
F: $30-60
G: $60-100
VG: $100-200
NM: $200-350
MT: $400+
Bob Friend (Card #203):

P: $10-20

F: $15-30

G: $30-60

VG: $60-100

NM: $100-200

MT: $250+

Don Larsen (Card #498):
P: $15-30
F: $30-60
G: $60-100
VG: $100-200
NM: $200-350
MT: $400+

There are several key rookie cards in the 1956 Topps set that can demand high prices for collectors:

Roberto Clemente (RC Card #34):
P: $50-100
F: $100-200
G: $200-400
VG: $400-700
NM: $800-1500
MT: $1800+
Jim Bunning (RC Card #21):
P: $25-50
F: $50-100
G: $100-200
VG: $200-350
NM: $400-700
MT: $800+
Don Drysdale (RC Card #207):
P: $20-40
F: $50-100
G: $100-200
VG: $200-350
NM: $400-700
MT: $800+

The 1956 Topps set is very popular with collectors and prices remain strong. Complete original sets in any grade sell for thousands. Even common players can hold value in higher grades. And the rookie cards and true stars are highly sought after pieces for advanced collectors. With its iconic designs and photos of legends, the ’56 Topps issue rightfully endures as one of the most classic offerings from the early years of modern baseball cards.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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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.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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Introduction
The 1956 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the third series ever released by Topps and saw the company take a major step forward both in quality and popularity. Understanding the values of these classic cards is important for collectors. This guide will provide a thorough overview of pricing trends for the complete 1956 Topps set.

Card Specs and Production Details
The 1956 Topps set contains 204 total cards and is the first to feature all players from the American and National Leagues. Some other specs and details include:

Cards are 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches in size.
Cards have a distinctive pink border design around the photo.
Players are shown in action shots on the front with basic stats on the back like position, bats/throws, team, and years in the majors.
The set is considered the start of the “Golden Age” of baseball cards in terms of quality and design.
Production around 21 million units, making it one of the higher printed vintage issues.

Rookie Stars of the 1956 Set
Several true rookie cards debuted in this set that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers:

Sandy Koufax, Dodgers (#139)
Don Drysdale, Dodgers (#153)
Nellie Fox, White Sox (#91)
Bob Gibson, Cardinals (#133)
Juan Marichal, Giants (#159)
While the others grade well, sharp mint Koufax and Gibson rookies remain among the most valuable vintage cards even ungraded due to their rarity and the players’ legendary careers.

Common Issues and Overall Condition of 1956 Topps
Like nearly all mid-1950s issues, centering is the most glaring condition issue across the set. Strong centering has always been scarce. Other issues that affect the quality of examples include:

Wrinkles/creases in the cardboard stock
Edges that are no longer sharp and have rounded corners
Faded, dirty, or stained color on the fronts
Minor printing flaws like color breaks or specks
Graded examples above a Gem Mint (GM) 10 are very scarce for key cards, making high grade specimens real treasures.

Pricing Guide for 1956 Topps Cards
Now we’ll examine some key cards and pricing based on the top grades:

Mint PSA 9 Common Cards:
$10-50 range for most commons like #1 Jackie Jensen to #204 Johnny Temple. A handful of stars will fetch $100-250.

Gem Mint PSA 10 Common Stars:
$100-500 for stars of that era in top shape like Al Kaline (#85), Mickey Mantle (#151), Willie Mays (#168).

Sandy Koufax Rookie PSA 9:
$3,000-5,000. Exceptional centering pushes values up towards $8,000.

Sandy Koufax Rookie PSA 10:
Over $15,000. One of the key vintage rookie grails. Very few have achieved this grade.

Don Drysdale Rookie PSA 9:
$1,500-2,500 range. Stronger examples closer to $3,500-4,000.

Don Drysdale Rookie PSA 10:
$5,000-8,000 based on perfect centering. No print dots or other flaws.

Nellie Fox Rookie PSA 9:
$1,000-1,500. His career stats don’t jump off the page but still a desired rookie.

Bob Gibson Rookie PSA 9:
$2,500-3,500. Demand is high for this Hall of Famer’s first card.

Juan Marichal Rookie PSA 9:
$1,500-2,000 range. Slightly less valued than Gibson but still a key rookie.

High Grade Set Completion
A PSA 9 or 10 complete set is the true prize possession for 1956 Topps collectors. Conservatively estimated values for top-pop registered sets:

PSA 9 Set: $25,000-35,000
PSA 10 Set: $75,000-100,000+

Increases exponentially for higher quality sets with strong centered examples of the keys cards like Koufax and Mantle. At major auctions, the absolute finest PSA 10 example could clear $150,000 if all align.

Summary
The 1956 Topps set laid a foundation as one of the classics. While examples will never be in plentiful supply, the set holds value due to enduring popularity. Keys like Koufax and Gibson rookies remain pinnacles. With patience and a keen eye, collectors can still find reasonably priced examples to appreciate. Studying condition traits benefits long-term collection building and appreciation of vintage cardboard.