The 1959 Topps baseball card set was the seventh series of post-war Topps baseball cards. Of special note, it was the first complete set to feature all Major League teams with players representing the new Houston Colt .45’s and Los Angeles Dodgers franchises. 1959 also marked Babe Ruth’s final appearance in a base set before his death the following year at age 53.

The 1959 Topps set contains 504 total cards, which was a significant increase from the previous year’s 520-card checklist. Topps opted for a change in the card layout for 1959, switching to a classic vertical format still used today versus the horizontal one used in previous years. The cards measured 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall. Most featured a color team photo on the front with the player’s name and stats below, while the back contained a brief write-up about the player as well as a large “T” Topps logo.

Standout rookies included future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Braves, Don Drysdale of the Dodgers, and Nellie Fox of the Chicago White Sox. Aaron’s rookie card in particular is one of the most sought-after of all time. Future stars making their Topps debut included Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente. Legends like Mickey Mantle, Warren Spahn, and Ted Williams also appeared in the set in the prime of their careers.

With the addition of two expansion teams, Topps added 26 players from Houston and Los Angeles to complete its first inter-league release. Notable cards included L.A.’s Don Drysdale and Maury Wills and Houston’s Bob Aspromonte and Rely Jablonski. Topps also included managers Walter Alston of the Dodgers and Harry Craft of the Colt .45’s.

The most valuable and rare cards in the 1959 set are unsurprisingly the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Aaron (#332) and Koufax (#238). Both commands thousands in top grades due to their significance and the limited surviving population. Other key cards include Mantle (#112), Mays (#120), and Clemente’s only card without a team logo on the front (#349).

On the rare side, Dodgers shortstop Maury Wills’ card (#276) is one of the set’s true keys due to an error involving his first name misspelling it as “Muary”. Only a handful are believed to exist with the typo. Backup catcher Russ Nixon of the Dodgers is also an error as his last name is incorrectly written as “Nizcon” on card #277. These scarce misprint varieties can cost collectors well into the five figures.

Condition is essential when collecting the 1959 issue due to its relatively fragile paper stock susceptible to damage over six decades. High-grade specimens fetch premiums with many key rookies only affordable in lower graded states. Top centers and sharp corners are ideal, while common defects include creases, rubs, and edge-wear that ding a card’s rating quickly.

Beyond its intrinsic collecting attributes, the 1959 Topps baseball set also carries nostalgia and history. It captures a transition period as the game evolved with westward expansion while still featuring stars of the 1950s golden era. Overall it is one of the most iconic mid-century cardboard releases that remains a fundamental building block for dedicated vintage collectors today. With its intriguing rookies, expanding league size, design evolution, and error variants, the 1959 Topps set richly rewards those willing to invest the time and effort to compile its 505 cardboard stars.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire history of the hobby. It was the year Topps switched from the yellow borders they had used since 1951 to the classic white borders that would define the look of their cards for decades to come. The 1959 set is memorable for featuring the last cards for legends like Ted Williams and Stan Musial in their playing careers. It also contains rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. With its historical significance and star talent featured, 1959 Topps cards hold tremendous value especially in high grades. Here is an in-depth look at PSA grading and values for some of the key cards from this set.

As the leading third-party grading service, PSA has become the standard for determining a vintage baseball card’s condition and value. They rate cards on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being pristine Gem Mint condition showing no flaws. The higher the number grade, the more valuable a card becomes. For the rare 1959 Topps rookie cards and stars, a PSA 10 can be worth tens of thousands of dollars or more in many cases. Even a PSA 9 in excellent shape often commands prices in the thousands. Lower grades like a PSA 5 or 6 that are well-worn still have value for collectors but are much more affordable.

Let’s start with perhaps the single most iconic and valuable card from 1959 Topps – the Hank Aaron rookie. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, this card currently sells for well over $100,000. Prices have risen dramatically in recent years as Aaron’s Hall of Fame career and records are more appreciated. A PSA 9 Aaron rookie would still fetch $30,000-50,000. Even a respectable PSA 7 is worth $2,000-5,000 showing there is strong demand across grading levels for this historic first card of the home run king. Another highly coveted rookie is Willie Mays #218. In PSA 10 condition, it averages around $80,000-100,000 at auction recently. The price drops to the $30,000 range for a PSA 9 Mays rookie.

Two other rookies that hold great value are Future Hall of Famers Eddie Mathews #81 and Nellie Fox #413. A PSA 10 Mathews rookie could sell for $50,000+, with a PSA 9 bringing $15,000-25,000. Fox’s very scarce rookie in top PSA 10 condition has sold for over $30,000. His other rookie cards without statistics on the back (PSA 10 of #338 sells for $15,000-20,000). Superstar Ted Williams had his last Topps card in 1959 before retiring, and his #73 PSA 10 usually sells for $15,000-25,000. Even lower graded examples still carry value – PSA 5-7 Williams cards easily sell for $500-2,000.

Beyond the rookies, high grade examples of other stars from this set also demand strong prices. A PSA 10 of Stan Musial’s #490 farewell card has reached $10,000 at auction. PSA 10s of other Hall of Famers like Mel Ott, Warren Spahn, Early Wynn and Del Crandall range between $3,000-7,000 depending on the player. A PSA 9 grade takes a bit less off those estimates. And while not all graded examples will be in perfect mint condition, many cards from this iconic set hold meaningful value even graded in the PSA 5-8 range which makes them attainable to a wider range of collectors. Beyond individual stars, a PSA 10 full complete set would be a true prize graded at a premium over $100,000 given its historical significance and quality represented in top condition.

The 1959 Topps set is highly sought after by both investors and fans looking to commemorate the careers of baseball legends like Aaron, Mays, Williams and more. Third-party grading by PSA has provided a standard to understand condition and predict market prices. Whether a collector is aiming for vintage rookie cards of the all-time greats in Gem Mint 10s or appreciates more affordable well-loved copies in the mid-range grades, this classic issue remains a vibrant and appealing part of the trading card market more than 60 years after initial release. With its historical player talent and classic post-war design, demand doesn’t seem to be slowing for any grading levels of 1959 Topps baseball cards.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. Featuring 606 total cards including player, manager, team, and checklist cards, the ’59 Topps set was the first true modern baseball card set produced by Topps after their trademark dispute with Bowman ended. Today, high grade examples from this classic set are highly sought after by collectors and can sell for thousands of dollars, especially when Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) graded.

One of the most legendary aspects of the 1959 Topps set involved the production error that caused a portion of the Hank Aaron rookie cards to be printed without a photo. Referred to as the “no photo error,” these rare variants are among the most valuable cards in the hobby when high grade examples surface. In a PSA Gem Mint 10 holder, a 1959 Topps Hank Aaron “no photo” error can sell for over $100,000 at auction. Even standard Aaron rookie cards in a PSA 10 can still demand over $10,000 due to his all-time home run record and Hall of Fame status.

Other iconic rookies from the 1959 Topps set that carry big premiums if PSA graded high include Dave Winfield, Tom Seaver, and Earl Weaver. Seaver’s impressive 311 career wins and Hall of Fame induction make his rookie one of the most sought after, with a PSA 10 sometimes selling for around $5,000. Meanwhile, the hard-to-find Winfield and Weaver rookies in a PSA 10 could each potentially sell in the $2,000-$3,000 range. Stars like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Yogi Berra can also net over $1,000 in a PSA 10 due to their enormous popularity and accomplishments.

Beyond the big star rookies and errors, high grade common examples from the 1959 Topps set retain appeal to collectors as well. Where a near mint standard player card in a PSA 8 holder might only sell for around $50-$75, that same card in a pristine PSA 10 could demand 5-10 times as much, in the $250-$400 range depending on player quality. Key players from iconic franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers tend to trade hands for north of $150 in top PSA 10 condition.

The quality of 1959 Topps cards is generally lower compared to later issues like 1961 and 1962 Topps. Centering issues, poor color, and soft corners were still pretty common right out of the factory during this early period. As a result, exceeding a PSA 7 or 8 grade is quite difficult without flaws. Only the most perfectly cut and preserved specimens approach PSA 9 or 10 status. Population numbers reflect this challenge – for instance, the entire PSA 10 population of Hank Aaron rookies currently stands at only 11 total across every grading service.

PSA especially provides confidence and clarity for collectors grading 1959 Topps cards. As the gold standard in third-party authentication, their specialization in vintage issues assures buyers of fair condition assessments backed by photo verification. Grades of 7 or higher add considerable value by signaling pristine eye appeal for such high-demand vintage cardboard. PSA slabbing also protects cards long-term from risks like loss, damage, or questionable authenticity compared to raw versions. For significant rarities or stars from the fabled 1959 set, a PSA holder serves as recognized proof that you own a true piece of hobby history.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set ushered in the modern era and featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers still coveted over 60 years later. When exceptionally high grade examples surface, extraordinary prices often result – none more so than rare variants graded by Professional Sports Authenticator as mint condition gems. Whether common players or rookie icons, a PSA holder certifies 1959 Topps authenticity and ensures maximum worth in the vintage marketplace for both today’s collectors and generations to come. This classic tobacco era issue remains hugely popular in the hobby and helps define the origins of modern sportscard collecting.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set was the eighth complete set issued by Topps and a pivotal year in the evolution of the modern baseball card industry. With 528 total cards issued, the ’59 Topps set showcased all players from the American and National Leagues and marked a return to larger card dimensions compared to the previous few years.

Following several years of smaller card sizes, Topps increased the 1959 cards back to a standard 2 1⁄2 x 3 1⁄2 inch size that would remain a formative dimension for baseball cards through the 1980s. This change aligned Topps cards with the dimensions that had become standard in the tobacco card era before World War II. It also allowed for cleaner, sharper images compared to the crowded fronts on the smaller ’57 and ’58 issues.

Beyond the size increase, the 1959 Topps design featured a photography-based front with each player’s name and team neatly printed at the bottom. As was typical for the early years, the cardboard stock was thin and flexible. On the back, statistics from the previous season were provided along with a few lines of biographical text for each player. Importantly, this was the first Topps set since 1951 to include statistics from both major leagues on the backs rather than just the American League.

Rookie cards were highly sought after in 1959 Topps, headlined by future Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Willie McCovey, who both debuted that season. Gibson’s dominant rookie campaign saw him win the NL Rookie of the Year award. Other notable rookies included Lou Brock, Juan Marichal, Carl Yastrzemski, andearly versions of future stars Ron Santo, Tony Oliva, and Don Drysdale. Well-traveled veterans like Billy Pierce, Minnie Minoso, and Early Wynn also had signature rookie cards despite having prior MLB experience.

The 1959 Topps set shined brightest when it came to chronicling the last season of legendary players like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Billy Martin in their respective career uniforms. Williams’ proud display of his Red Sox cap while in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform, having just wrapped up his final season, became one of the set’s most iconic images. Musial’s familiar horizontal stance was showcased on his 18th and final Topps card as a Cardinal.

Rival brand Fleer issued a much smaller “Preview Collection” set in 1959 with only 86 promotional cards, putting Topps in the driver’s seat in capturing the full rosters and storylines that season. Topps solidified its dominance over the baseball card market throughout the late 1950s after battling Bowman-Topps in a heated marketing war earlier in the decade.

Condition has always been a key concern for collectors seeking high-grade copies of the fragile 1959 issues. The paper quality made them prone to edge and corner wear even when cared for in protective sleeves and binders. Near-mint examples in pristine “9” or “10” condition grades from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Beckett easily fetch multiple thousands of dollars each today.

Popular stars whose mint condition cards remain scarce and valuable include Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Rocky Colavito, Early Wynn, Minnie Minoso, Nellie Fox , and others whose extensive fan followings ensured frequent handling in younger collector’s hands. No unaltered unopened 1959 Topps wax packs have been confirmed to still exist in their original shrink-wrapped condition.

Beyond the expected topstarsof the era like Mantle, Mays and Aaron, oddball short-printed and serially numbered cards became targets for collectors in more recent decades. Extremely low print counts existed for Gil Hodges and some rookie cards, making them elite condition keys in vintage sets.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set signified a Renaissance period for the brand as it established definitive dimensions, photography styles and included both leagues that endured for baseball’s Golden Age. Significant rookie Classes and career-capping portraits made it a premier set for documenting the transition years between eras in baseball history. Demand from vintage collectors seeking high-quality examples suitable for grading ensures the 1959 Topps checklist remains foundational to the modern hobby.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set was issued during a transitional period in the history of the sport. The previous decade had seen an explosion of interest in baseball cards as young Baby Boomers eagerly collected depictions of their favorite players. Topps dominated the baseball card market in the late 1950s and the 1959 set would help further cement their position as the premier issuer.

The 1959 Topps set includes 520 total cards and was the first Topps baseball card set to feature all teams from both the American and National Leagues. Previous years had included only select players from each club. This was also the first Topps set to feature cards numbered 1-520 in sequential order, establishing a numbering standard that would remain for decades. The cards featured colorful team logo designs on the fronts with black-and-white player photos on the backs along with career statistics and biographical information.

Some notable rookies featured in the 1959 Topps set included future Hall of Famers Willie McCovey (Card #138), Bob Gibson (Card #316), and Lou Brock (Card #341). Other stars prominently displayed included Hank Aaron (Card #1), Willie Mays (Card #2), and Ted Williams (Card #3). The 1959 season would see Aaron hit 27 home runs and drive in 94 runs on his way to winning the National League MVP award.

The design aesthetic of the 1959 Topps cards featured a clean, straightforward approach. The fronts displayed each team’s logo in team colors along with the team name and player’s first initial and last name below. Statistics were not included on the fronts at this point. The backs provided black-and-white photos along with basic career stats and information about each player. Topps had not yet begun experimenting with more artistic designs or photography on the fronts of cards.

In addition to the base set, Topps also issued special high-number cards in the 1959 season. These included stars who were traded late in the season after the regular cards were produced. Players like Nellie Fox (Card #521), Early Wynn (Card #522), and Minnie Minoso (Card #523) received late-season updates in the high-number series. Topps also produced special promotional cards that could be redeemed for prizes by mail. These included managers (Cards #524-528) and umpires (Cards #529-531).

The 1959 Topps set marked the beginning of the “modern era” of baseball cards as the standard numbering system and inclusion of all teams was established. While designs would evolve significantly in future decades, the basic template was now in place. The cards also captured a pivotal time as the 1950s came to a close and new superstars like Aaron, Mays, and McCovey began to emerge. Factors like the growing collector base of Baby Boomers helped ensure that Topps, and baseball cards as a whole, were poised for unprecedented growth throughout the 1960s.

In the decades since their original release, 1959 Topps cards have become highly valuable collectors items, especially for stars and key rookies. High-grade examples of stars like Aaron and Mays can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. But even more common players can still hold nostalgic value for those who began collecting during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The 1959 Topps set plays an important role in the history of the hobby as one of the first “modern” releases that established conventions still followed today. It captured a pivotal moment in the evolution of baseball cards and memorabilia collecting.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set marked an important transition point as the company established standards still used today like full team inclusion, sequential numbering, and the inclusion of rookie stars. It was issued during the rise of Baby Boomer collectors and helped cement Topps’ dominance of the baseball card market. While designs would continue evolving, 1959 Topps established the basic framework for modern issues. Key rookie cards like McCovey, Gibson and Brock also make this set an important one to capture a new era of baseball talent emerging.