Tag Archives: 1959

1959 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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1959 was a monumental year for Topps and the entire baseball card industry. It was the second year Topps had the exclusive license to produce baseball cards after winning the rights away from Bowman in 1956. The 1959 set is highly sought after by collectors and has become iconic representations of the players and era it captures. While graded cards have become extremely popular, there are still many ungraded 1959 Topps gems waiting to be discovered.

The 1959 set contains 520 total cards, including 498 regular issue cards featuring current Major League players and managers as well as 22 short print cards of past stars no longer active. The set did not have any variations like errors or missing team names like earlier Topps sets did. There were a few discrepancies in serial numbers on some short print cards. Overall design and image quality was improved significantly from the prior year.

Each regular issue card has a vertical format with the player’s name at the top followed by the team name and position in a bar at the center. At the bottom is the player’s statistics from the previous season. The iconic green and yellow border colors were first introduced with this set. The player images show more close-up head shots compared to fuller body images of earlier years. The overall sharpness and focus of the photography elevates the cards to be considered some of the finest of the pre-modern era.

Perhaps the most notable inclusion in the 1959 Topps set was the short print card of rookie Willie Mays featuring one of the most well-known action photos of the Say Hey Kid robbing Vic Wertz of a home run. Only around 100 of these cards are believed to have been printed, instantly making them some of the most valuable in the entire set. Other valuable short prints include cards featuring Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Roberto Clemente and Warren Spahn among the game’s greatest players.

Grading has become extremely popular in recent decades with services like PSA and SGC authenticating and assigning grades to baseball cards. This has driven values of high graded examples through the roof, especially for key vintage rookies and stars. The vast majority of the over 500,000 1959 Topps cards produced were never professionally graded. This leaves a lot of room to still uncover virgin examples in attics, basements and old collection in need of revival.

For collectors seeking to build an ungraded set of 1959 Topps, there is no shortage of choices on the secondary market whether searching online marketplaces, local card shops or shows. Prices will vary greatly depending on the condition and centering of the specific card, but in general raw examples can be acquired for affordable prices compared to their PSA/BGS slabbed counterparts. While an ungraded card may not carry quite the cache or verified authenticity of a high grade, condition is still very readable.

Building an ungraded set offers collectors the nostalgia and thrill of the hunting raw vintage cards without breaking the bank. Many consider it a pure form of collecting before slabbing became so predominant. Over time, astute collectors can pick out potential candidates to cross-reference with population reports and potentially submit for grading. This allows taking advantage of grading potential down the line after firstly enjoying simply owning and displaying the classic set in its raw state.

For the more valuable short prints and star rookies in the 1959 Topps set, there are still finds to be made. While PSA 10 mint examples of the iconic Willie Mays rookie routinely sell for well over $100,000, raw copies in overall nice shape often trade in the low thousands of dollars. Similarly, a PSA 9 Hank Aaron RC would be a five figure card but one could still chance upon an ungraded example with strong color and details intact for just a fraction of PSA price.

In summary, 1959 Topps baseball cards were truly ahead of their time in terms of design, image quality and capturing the golden era of players within. Grading has elevated values of gem copies to astronomical heights, but smart collectors know there are still plenty of ungraded treasures from this landmark set waiting in obscure collections nationwide. For everyone from budget builders to sophisticated investors, an ungraded 1959 Topps set presents collecting opportunity on many levels compared to their encased and certified brethren. Discovering virgin examples should remain a most rewarding aspect of exploring the great vintage of Topps’ acclaimed second baseball card series.

1959 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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1959 was a historic year for Topps baseball cards as it marked the beginning of the post-war era in Major League Baseball. Many of the game’s biggest stars from the 1950s like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron were featured in their baseball card primes. The 1959 Topps set contains 518 total cards including one checklist card, marking one of the largest standard size sets ever produced by Topps to that point. With highly collectible Hall of Famers abundant and the vintage Topps design and production quality, 1959 Topps cards are a treasure trove for any baseball card enthusiast and are highly sought after by collectors both seasoned and new alike.

While it would be impossible to track down a complete set in pristine condition, individual 1959 Topps cards in high grades consistently attract serious bids from collectors. Rookie cards of future legends like Nolan Ryan and Roberto Clemente immediately come to mind, but there are plenty of other gems to be found throughout the set as well. As with any vintage card hunting, condition is king. Buyers should carefully inspect photos of the actual card they will receive and be wary of loose descriptions like “poor” that could still conceal defects. The paper stock was thinner than modern card issues so even light play or age can cause borders to wrinkle or corners to softly rounded. Bright, sharp images with solid colors and full centering are the hallmarks of a true gem from 1959.

Surprisingly, the 1959 Topps design was relatively simple and basic compared to the elaborate photographs and creative layouts Topps would implement just a few years later. The solid team color borders and simple black-and-white action shots produced an understated aesthetic that still evokes a nostalgic charm to this day. Information is limited to just the player name and position below the image with no stats included. But this minimalist approach allowed the raw talent and personalities of the ballplayers to shine through unobstructed. Several stars like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays are featured with dazzling action poses that capture their aura perfectly.

While flagship Hall of Famer cards will always demand top dollar, savvy collectors know that examining uncommons and commons can also unearth hidden gems. Bob Oldis, Dale Long and Harvey Haddix were not household names by any means but their 1959 Topps cards have developed quite a cult followings. Errors, oddball poses or simply obscure players frozen in time create unique collecting opportunities beyond just the star names for those who dig deeper. Condition sensitive buyers would be advised to take special care inspecting examples of commonly off-centered players like Willie Kirkland or Jim Perry to avoid disappointments upon receipt.

Perhaps the most historic inclusion in the 1959 Topps set were the Brooklyn Dodgers in their last season playing in New York before moving to Los Angeles. Icons like Duke Snider, Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese appear for the final time in Dodgers blue. Their cards carry an extra gravitas as the fading snapshot of a storied franchise in its waning days. Even commons hold nostalgia and collectibility just from their Dodger association alone. The 1959 Topps set also features World Series heroes like Harvey Kuenn and the losing Chicago White Sox team. So there is no shortage of additional context and storylines woven throughout beyond just the star power.

Grading is always a legitimate concern for vintage cards to help prevent purchase regret. While a PSA or BGS slab adds instant buyer confidence and can provide worthwhile documentation of condition long-term, the additional cost is usually not recouped financially for all but the most premium examples. Still, raw vintage cards do present risks that educated buyers must be fully aware of and accept. Reputable online sellers with return policies help mitigate those risks, though shrewd condition assessing still remains crucial. 1958 and 1960 Topps cards, while not exact substitutes, may also deserve consideration from budget-conscious collectors seeking similar cardboard thrills from the late ‘50s.

In conclusion, 1959 Topps baseball cards represent one of the iconic early sets that helped kick off our modern hobby’s golden age of growth, which continues today. With consistent auction performance and strong cultural nostalgia attached, they stand the test of time as must-have building blocks of any collection. While finding investment-grade gems will require diligence and luck, more affordable common cards from this classic product also bring the satisfaction of owning authentic pieces of baseball history. Future grading population reports suggest many strong examples still wait to be rediscovered in attics, basements and card shops worldwide as well. For knowledgeable hunters, 1959 Topps will remain a gold mine for years to come.

VALUE OF 1959 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1959 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the history of the hobby. It was the year Topps obtained the exclusive license to produce baseball cards, leading them to discontinue their long-running rivalry with Bowman. As a result, the 1959 Topps set is the only authorized issue from that season. This distinction makes the cards highly desirable for vintage collectors.

Many key rookie cards debuted in the 1959 Topps set. Among the most valuable is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who had just begun what would become a record-setting career with the Milwaukee Braves. In pristine “gem mint” condition, Aaron’s rookie card can sell for over $25,000. Another elite rookie is Willie McCovey of the San Francisco Giants. Considered one of the greatest power hitters of all-time, McCovey’s iconic 1959 card has sold for up to $9,000 in top grades.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan, Roberto Clemente, and Ernie Banks also appear in the 1959 set. Ryan’s is particularly coveted, as it marks the beginning of his legendary career that featured a record 5,714 strikeouts. High-grade examples can net over $3,000. Clemente, who became renowned for his hitting and humanitarian work, debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in this issue as well. His rookie holds value up to $1,500 depending on condition.

Beyond the rookie selections, there are several other durable stars whose 1959 Topps cards maintain substantial value. For instance, the Mickey Mantle card has always been hugely popular given his fame as the “Commerce Comet” for the dominant New York Yankees of that era. Near-mint Mantle cards trade hands for $1,000-2,000 routinely. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Sandy Koufax is equally prized by collectors thanks to his impressive career stats and cultural influence as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers ever. High-grade Koufax cards reach up to $1,000.

While the previously mentioned cards represent the cream of the 1959 crop in high levels of preservation, there is value to be found throughout the set at every grade point. For example, a run-of-the-mill Hall of Famer like Carl Yastrzemski can still pull $50-100 in played condition. Mid-tier stars from the late 1950s, such as Elston Howard and Jim Gentile, hold prices of $25-50 when showing mild wear. And for common players, even well-loved cards in rough shape may sell for $5-10 apiece.

Beyond individual cards, the 1959 Topps set as a whole has seen remarkable long-term appreciation. Complete original sets in very good to near-mint condition supported by the uncut sheets have realized over $15,000 in recent auction results. That represents exponential gains from when the cards could be initially purchased new for just a few dollars or cents apiece directly from the pack. For collectors, the immense popularity and widespread collecting community supporting vintage cards ensures strong future prospects.

As with any collectible, no single factor determines value more than condition. In the case of the fragile and easily damaged 1959 Topps baseball issue, even subtle imperfections can diminish returns significantly. The difference between a high-grade near-mint card that attracts top dollar versus one with more visible signs of handling becomes magnified. For example, a Hank Aaron rookie that grades NM-MT 7 could garner $20,000+ compared to just $5,000 for the same card at a lower Very Good 3-4 grade.

In addition to condition assessment, another element affecting 1959 Topps card prices is the degree of the associated meta-data verified. Top graders like PSA and BGS numerically quantify attributes like centering, corners, edges and surfaces. But they also confirm characteristics like the pack/series number directly on the card back. A certificate matching all the identifying markers lends authenticity and confidence for serious collectors. Scarce variations within the 552-card issue can also boost value – such as errors, test prints or promotional items not found in each standard set.

Driven by a combination of historical importance, flashy rookie selections and durable condition, the 1959 Topps baseball card set endures as one of the true pinnacles of the vintage trading card world. Over sixty years since distribution, strong crossover appeal invites both enthusiasts of the era as well as new generations to join in appreciation. With a thriving market supporting rarermaterial in particular, the classic cards from what many consider to be Topps’ finest early generation will certainly retain their place among the most prized collector items for years to come. Whether as individual key pieces or as complete sets, 1959 Topps remains a cornerstone of the sports memorabilia industry.

1959 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1959 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable of the 1950s. Containing only 524 cards issued over two series, the ’59 Topps offerings hold a special place in the hobby and continue to fascinate collectors decades later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes these vintage cardboard treasures so desirable and discuss what key factors influence their investment potential and valuation in today’s market.

Design-wise, the ’59 Topps cards adopted a simpler and cleaner aesthetic compared to previous years. Photos were enlarged to take up more of the front, alongside classic yellow borders and black-and-white imagery. Rather than clunky statistics on the back, Topps opted for a tidier layout focused on each player’s biography. This simplified yet memorable design has stood the test of time and added to the nostalgia many collectors feel toward these mid-century baseball cards.

In terms of rookie stars featured, the 1959 Topps set is particularly noteworthy for debuting future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Roberto Clemente. Aaron’s rookie card in particular is one of the hobby’s Holy Grails, with high-grade PSA 10 specimens now valued north of $500,000 based on recent auction prices. Other notable rookies included Ted Kazanski, Pete Runnels, and Sonny Jackson, though none reached the iconic status of Aaron or Clemente. Veteran legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Warren Spahn also continued to dazzle on these classic cardboard issues.

When it comes to condition, ’59 Topps are exceedingly rare to find in pristine Mint or Near Mint state given their age. Even well-loved low-grade examples still maintain strong collector interest and financial worth due to the set’s overall popularity and the fact that so many were printed during the “golden age” of bubblegum card production. Consistently, high-grade Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle rookies are the most in-demand and expensive to acquire in terms of individual card valuations.

For example, a PSA 8 graded Hank Aaron rookie would sell today in the $3,000-5,000 range according to market analysis from Goldin Auctions and other major auction houses. Meanwhile, a PSA 9 of the same card could command over $15,000. But even more common “bulk” players from the set see respectable values when graded – a PSA 8 Jim Pendleton would fetch $75-150. Prices only increase substantially from there the higher the condition.

Navigating population reports is important for 1959 Topps investors seeking the true scarcity and value potential of their holdings. Only around 15 PSA 10 Hank Aaron rookies are known to exist out of the millions of examples that were originally printed over sixty years ago. Such an elite population drives its price into six-figure territory and shows why condition truly is king when valuing vintage cards. Population reports from the leading third-party grading services are essential research tools for discerning condition trends and future appreciation forecasts.

Beyond mint-grade keys, there are still fortunes to be found among more attainable ’59 Topps cards in lower conditions. Series 2 Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford cards tend to trade hands in the $300-700 range depending on assigned grade. Even commons experience consistent interest – a PSA 5 Art Ditmar would sell for $30-50 based on recent eBay sales. Values remain stable and often increase year-over-year as more graded examples disappear from the circulating hobby population.

Outside of individual cards, ’59 Topps sets are themselves a prized investment holding given their relatively limited production numbers during the post-war decade. Completing the 524-card master set presents a serious long-term financial challenge, with very few believed to exist in high-grade condition across the board. As such, even partially complete sets with many commons and short prints included command respectable four-figure sums. Finding that opportunity to acquire an intact vintage ’59 Topps offering is a rare collector coup.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set remains one of the most iconic and investment-worthy issued from the classic post-war era. Clean designs, star rookies, and limited surviving population all contribute to its enduring popularity among vintage collectors. Condition is paramount, though examples of all grades retain financial potential. With mint Hanks Aaron rookie pinnacles topping half a million in recent times, lower-grade examples are still affordable access points into this prized cardboard annals of Americas Pastime’s golden age. Careful research, risk mitigation, and long-term holding make 1959 Topps a proven store of vintage value.