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1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the history of the hobby. Issued during the height of baseball’s golden era, the ’62 Topps checklist featured many of the game’s greatest stars who would go on to cement their legacies during that decade. The set size was a then-standard 598 cards and included future Hall of Famers, rookie cards, and memorable moments captured in photography. Nearly 60 years later, the 1962 Topps cards remain a highly collected and studied release that transports fans back to a special time in America’s pastime.

Some key details about the 1962 Topps baseball card checklist include:

The set featured all 16 MLB teams from 1961, with players and managers broken into team sets. Some of the iconic franchises included were the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson, Tom Seaver, and Rod Carew were included in the set. Other notable rookie cards were Gaylord Perry, Fergie Jenkins, and Bobby Cox. These are among the most valuable in the entire release.

Superstar cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more depicted the era’s biggest names who were in their primes. Mantle’s card is one of the most iconic in baseball card history.

Managers were featured for the first time in 1962 Topps, with legends like Casey Stengel and Alvin Dark receiving their own cards toward the back of the set.

The photography and design elements had a classic, understated look that has stood the test of time. Bright solid colors, simple borders, and action shots were the standard visual language.

Gum was still included with each pack, as it was a standard inclusion for Topps sets from the 1950s through the 1980s.

The card stock was of high quality, with a thick, durable paper construction that has helped many ’62s survive in excellent condition even after 60 years.

The set had several variations that add to its collecting allure. A select few cards were printed on glossy photo stock instead of the standard matte finish.

The Yankees were dominant winners of the 1962 World Series over the San Francisco Giants. Postseason highlights were captured on several cards from that Fall Classic.

With its classic look and roster of all-time greats, the 1962 Topps set became one of the most iconic issues in the company’s storied history.

In the ensuing decades, the 1962 Topps baseball card set has become one of the most valuable and widely collected in the entire hobby. Prices for the top rookies and stars have skyrocketed at auction. Some examples of record prices realized include:

In 2001, a Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for over $100,000, setting a new record for a single card at the time.

A near-mint Reggie Jackson rookie fetched $500,000 at auction in 2019, one of the highest prices ever for a non-Mantle card from the ’60s.

A Tom Seaver rookie card in mint condition broke the $400,000 barrier in 2021, underscoring his enduring appeal and the set’s lasting collectibility.

Even commons from the set in high grades can sell for thousands due to the iconic images, historical significance, and rock-solid paper stock that has helped many survive in pristine condition.

In the modern era, 1962 Topps cards are prized by investors, team collectors, and players alike. The perfect storm of star power, design aesthetics, and its place documenting a golden age continue to make it one of the most revered issues in the hobby. Whether holding nostalgia for fans or strong long-term value, the 1962 Topps baseball set stands tall as perhaps the most important release in the entire history of the sport on cardboard. Its checklist will forever be linked to the names and moments that shaped our national pastime during one of its most memorable eras.

1962 VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the vintage era of the 1950s and 1960s. Issued at the height of Topps’ near-monopoly on the baseball card market, the 1962 set featured 606 total cards and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of design and photography from the classic cardboard collectible years.

Several key factors contribute to the popularity and nostalgia surrounding the 1962 Topps baseball cards. First, the design remains one of the cleanest and easiest on the eyes of any vintage set. A simple white border frames each 3.25” x 2.125” card, with team logo and player name across the top in bold red letters. Black-and-white action photos dominate most cards, with many showing players mid-swing or throw. The straightforward layout let the photos be the main attraction.

Secondly, the photography itself from photographer Charles Brack was simply outstanding. Nearly every image captured its subject with perfect clarity and timing, whether a pitch being delivered or a fielder making a catch. Many consider the 1962 set to have some of the finest sports card photography ever produced. Details like facial expressions, windups, and leg kicks were crystal clear.

From a statistical standpoint, the 1962 Topps set also featured many of the game’s true legends and future Hall of Famers, as it fell right in the heart of the generation that would come to be known as the “Golden Era” of baseball. Iconic stars like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente all had classic rookie or early career cards in the set that are now hugely desirable for collectors.

The 1962 issue commemorated several notable milestones and events from that season. For instance, cards for Maury Wills, Don Drysdale, and Frank Howard all contained artwork denoting milestones reached in 1962 like Wills breaking the single-season stolen base record. Meanwhile, expansion teams like the New York Mets and Houston Colt .45s made their Topps debut.

While the majority of the set focused on active major leaguers, Topps also included several nostalgia/retired player cards that added to the appeal. Legends like Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, and Ty Cobb had memorabilia cards looking back on their careers. An assortment of manager, umpire, and league leader cards rounded out the checklist as well.

In terms of rarity, the 1962 Topps roster is quite top-heavy. While the bulk of the set is reasonably available and affordable for most collectors, a select handful of rookie cards have achieved true icon status. Most notably, the Mickey Mantle rookie (card #379) has regularly sold for over $100,000 as one of the true holy grails of the hobby. Even high-grade common versions can bring thousands.

meanwhile, rookie cards of Fellow Yankee greats like Bobby Richardson (card #497) and Bill Stafford (card #527) are also major keys.

Other rare standouts include the aforementioned Honus Wagner tribute card (#210), as well as the “airbrush” error card of Frank Bowman (#312). Only around 50 of this miscut card are believed to exist.

While far less valuable than the headliners, obtaining high-quality common versions of all-time great players like Mays, Aaron, Clemente in their 1960s Topps primes remains an accomplishment for dedicated collectors.

The 1962 Topps baseball card set left an indelible mark on the hobby thanks to a perfect storm of classic design, superb photography, historical significance, and ultra-desirable key cards. It exemplifies the peak of what made mid-20th century baseball cards such an integral part of Americana and pop culture. Over 60 years later, 1962 Topps remains one of the true crown jewels of any serious vintage collection.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1962

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1962 was a landmark year for Topps baseball cards. After several years of producing baseball cards as the dominant provider, Topps released perhaps their most iconic and collectible set of cards to date in 1962. The design innovations, rookie cards, and storylines from that 1962 season made the cards highly sought after by collectors even decades later.

The 1962 Topps set contains 525 total cards including 405 individual player cards, team cards for all 16 American and National League franchises at the time, and manager cards. The design featured a bold horizontal strip across the middle with the player’s name, team, and position. The set also introduced the now-standard practice of including the player’s career statistics on the back of each card. This was an evolution from earlier Topps sets that often just included a brief bio. The statistics gave collectors and young baseball fans more context and made card collecting a way to analyze and compare players’ careers up to that point.

Perhaps the most notable rookie cards featured in the ’62 Topps set were those of Hall of Famers Tony Oliva and Tommy Davis. Tony Oliva had a phenomenal rookie campaign for the Minnesota Twins, batting .323 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs to win American League Rookie of the Year. His rookie card would become one of the most coveted among collectors. Dodger outfielder Tommy Davis had an equally impressive debut season, leading the National League with 53 doubles and 153 runs batted in to take home NL Rookie of the Year honors. Both Oliva and Davis went on to have productive careers, but their rookie cards always stand out as highlights from this vintage Topps set.

Another key story from the ’62 season immortalized in the cards was the San Francisco Giants’ dramatic down to the wire National League pennant race with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Led by veterans Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, and Juan Marichal, the Giants battled the Dodgers neck and neck all year long. The pennant wasn’t decided until the final day of the season when the Giants edged out Los Angeles by a single game. Season-long rivalries like this added real drama and intrigue for young fans following the campaigns through their baseball card collections.

Beyond rookie cards and compelling storylines, the 1962 Topps set is also notable for several other reasons. It was the last year the company included player signatures on the front of each card. This added authenticity and value for collectors. It also contained the final baseball cards of iconic players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax before beginning to tail off production in the later stages of their careers.

Perhaps most importantly, the 1962 Topps set marked a transitional period in the history of the company and baseball cards as a whole. It showed a modernization of the classic design elements and statistics Topps had established over the prior decade. But it also looked back with signatures and final cards for legends of the game. As a result, the ’62s are considered the most iconic of the classic “tobacco era” Topps designs before cards gradually incorporated more modernization elements over subsequent years.

In the ensuing decades since their release, the 1962 Topps baseball cards have become some of the most widely collected and valuable in the hobby. Their blend of rookie star power, compelling storylines from that season, innovations like stats on the back, and classic tobacco-era aesthetics make them a showcase set representing the history of Topps and baseball cards as a whole. Almost 60 years later, an unopened ’62 Topps wax box in excellent condition could sell for over $100,000. Even common player cards in near-mint shape often trade hands for hundreds of dollars due to the immense popularity and nostalgia associated with this Topps release. From designs to storylines and player selection, 1962 truly was a landmark year for Topps baseball cards and their place in documenting America’s pastime for generations of collectors.

1962 POST BASEBALL CARDS MANTLE

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is widely considered one of the most iconic of all time. While stars like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente grace the checklist, no player is more synonymous with this specific set than Mickey Mantle. The iconic Mantle rookie card remains one of the most coveted and valuable cards in the hobby. But Mantle’s 1962 issue is equally legendary in its own right.

Born in 1931, Mantle was already a 7-time All Star and 3-time American League MVP by 1962. Despite chronic injuries that plagued his career, Mantle continued putting up huge offensive numbers that kept him among the game’s elite. In 1961 he hit .311 with 45 home runs and 112 RBI, winning his 3rd MVP award. Topps captured Mantle at the peak of his powers with their ’62 issue, showing why he was already established as one of baseball’s all-time greats at just 30 years of age.

The photography and graphics of Mantle’s 1962 card are remarkably crisp and vivid even by today’s standards. Striking an intense batting stance, Mantle peers focused down the right field line with grit determination. His iconic batting helmet slightly askew highlights his wavy locks flowing out underneath. In the foreground, ‘MANTLE’ stands out bold and prominent. Behind him is a sunny but anonymous ballpark backdrop, letting Mantle’s aura command full focus of the shot.

On the statistics back, Mantle’s monster ’61 campaign is etched with clarity. His 45 HR led the AL for the 3rd time, while his 112 RBI and .311 BA put him near the top of the league leaderboards in those categories too. Mantle’s then-career totals highlight just how established an all-time great he had already become at such a young age. With 205 career HR and 525 RBI in only his 9th MLB season in 1961, Mantle’s Hall of Fame trajectory was unmistakable. Both as a product of its time and retrospectively, Mantle’s ’62 Topps issue perfectly captured his playing aura at its physical and statistical peak.

While injuries would continue to slow Mantle from that point on, topps recognized they had captured the mighty Yankee in the passions of his prime for that 1962 card. And collectors of the era clearly agreed, as Mantle’s ’62 is one of the most popular vintage issues from the entire decade of the 1960s. In addition to its pure nostalgia, the card remains highly coveted today due to Mantle’s untarnished place as perhaps the single greatest switch hitter and power hitter in baseball history. Various high grade PSA/BGS Pop Reports often show fewer than 20 mint condition copies known to exist in a given pop report, underscoring its ultra-rare collectible status even among common vintage issues.

As the decades have passed, Mantle’s legend and iconic stature in the game’s history has only grown larger. For collectors and fans alike, his 1962 Topps issue is as representative a curio of that legend as exists. Few other cards capture a player closer to the apex of their playing powers or place in baseball immortality. For these reasons, mint condition ’62 Mantles routinely command asking prices well into the five-figure range when they emerge on the lucrative vintage cards market. While the card was somewhat commonplace in its era, the combination of its subject, aesthetics, and the passage of time have magnified its covetousness tremendously.

For all collectors and fans of the great Mickey Mantle, his 1962 Topps issue holds an especially legendary place. Not only does it peer back through the lens of vintage cardboard at the physical prime of one of sports’ undisputed icons. But it also connects directly back to the era which first defined Mantle as a household name and one of the faces of America’s pastime. Despite the many decades which have passed, Topps’ photography, design, and capturing of Mantle’s 1961 statistics ensured this single card would stand as one of the purest and most nostalgic commemorations of his playing career’s apex. Few modern or even vintage issues have earned greater fascination and high grades status than Mickey Mantle’s immortal 1962 Topps baseball card.

1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS DATABASE

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors and hobbyists to be one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the vintage era of baseball cards. Issued annually by Topps from 1956 to 1967, the 1962 Topps set marked Topps’ seventh year of baseball card production. It contains cards for all current Major League Baseball players at the time of issue, as well as manager and coach cards. The 1962 Topps set features 660 total cards with player cards spanning from #1 to #660.

Some key things to note about the 1962 Topps baseball card database and set:

Design and photography: The 1962 Topps cards feature colorful artistic borders and individual headshots of each player. The photography and design maintain a consistent retro vintage aesthetic throughout.

Rookies: Notable rookie cards in the 1962 Topps set include Future Hall of Famers Willie McCovey (#493), Brooks Robinson (#519), and Billy Williams (#615). Other top rookie cards include Dick Radatz (#289) and Don Drysdale (#330).

Staple teams: Dominant teams of the early 1960s like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Reds are well represented. Prominent stars include Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more.

Errors and variations: Like many vintage sets, the 1962 Topps set contains numerous errors, omissions, and variations that are key to document in any comprehensive database. This includes missing team logos, nickname variations, upside-down photo orientations, and more.

Rarity scale: Collectors widely recognize the 1962 Topps set as being top-heavy in terms of the scarcity of high-number cards. The lowest print run estimates are for cards #661-#660 in the 500-1000 range, compared to early-number cards in the 5,000-10,000 range.

Complete sets: Only a small number of PSA-graded 1962 Topps complete sets are known to exist today in mint condition, speaking to the impressive preservation required over 60+ years. Similarly, high-grade examples of individual keys cards are exceedingly rare.

High-grade population: As of 2022, the highest PSA-graded card from the 1962 Topps set is the Mickey Mantle (#50) at PSA-GEM MT 10. Only a small handful of cards have reached the prestigious PSA 10 designation. The population reports from third-party authenticators like PSA and SGC provide valuable context on grades that survive decades of handling, displaying, and deterioration.

In order to build out a comprehensive 1962 Topps baseball card database, the following key information should be documented for each individual card:

Card number and player/subject name
Position and team represented
Photo orientation (standard, upside-down)
Production details (printing plate variations, die-cuts, missing data)
Checklists/variations (uniform number, name spelling, etc.)
Estimated print run quantities
Population data from authenticators like PSA or SGC
Notable high-grade registry sales
Average VG-EX market values
Key identifying characteristics for authentication purposes
Historical or fun facts about the player

Other contextual data that enhances the collectibility of the 1962 Topps set for research purposes includes:

Year-by-year sales totals for original wax packs
Complete checklist with manager/coach cards
Designer background and inspiration
Printing technology and manufacturer specifics
Origin of individual player photography
Known intentional photo substitutions or retouching
Case/Factory/Box variations in packaging and sorting
Census figures on PSA/SGC population reports over time
Magazine advertisements, promo material archives
Historical auction records of highlights sales
Modern investment grade analysis by leading experts

Documenting all of these important elements in an organized central database allows collectors, dealers, and researchers to have comprehensive information at their fingertips regarding one of the most iconic vintage baseball card sets in history. A well-constructed 1962 Topps reference guide captures the rich history and provides authenticatable details that fuel the ongoing collector enjoyment of these cardboard relics of America’s favorite pastime over half a century later.

1962 POST CEREAL CANADIAN BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1962, Post Cereals issued one of the most popular and sought after vintage baseball card sets for collectors in Canada. The set featured 104 total cards highlighting players and teams in the Canadian Baseball League during the 1961 season. What made these cards so unique and influential was that they marked one of the first times baseball cards were inserted as premiums inside cereal boxes in Canada to promote the cereal brand and baseball.

Leading up to 1962, American companies like Topps had already been including baseball cards as premiums in their products for over a decade. Including baseball cards as a marketing tool was a relatively new concept north of the border. Post Cereals saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of both breakfast cereal and baseball cards amongst Canadian children. They partnered with the Canadian Baseball League to produce exclusive cards featuring the players and logos of the 8 CBL teams that were in operation during 1961.

Some key facts and details about the 1962 Post Cereal Canadian baseball card set:

There were 104 total cards in the base set, with numbers ranging from 1-104. The front of each card featured a black-and-white photo of a player or team logo.

The cards measured 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches, which was a standard size for baseball cards at the time. They were printed on thin cardboard stock.

The set featured players and managers from the 8 teams that composed the CBL in 1961 – Vancouver Mounties, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Manitoba Braves, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Athletics.

Some of the bigger star players featured included Gordon Pettit of the Eskimos, Jim Banfield of the Mounties, and Don Ross of the Goldeyes. Team managers like Frank “Peanuts” Lowrey of the Stampeders were also highlighted.

The rear of each card contained player statistics and a brief bio from the 1961 CBL season. Statistics included batting average, home runs, RBI, etc. Team cards also provided rosters and league standings.

The cards promoted Post cereal brands like Grape-Nuts, Bran Flakes, and Alpha-Bits. The backs contained coupons that could be redeemed for Post premiums by mailing them in. This linked the cards directly to cereal box sales.

Distribution was primarily through Post cereal boxes sold across Canada. Finding unopened boxes from 1962 is rare today, making sealed packs of these cards very collectible.

Since they were the first extended baseball card issue in Canada, the 1962 Post cards gained significant popularity amongst collectors. They helped grow interest in the sport of baseball across the country.

In later mint condition, high-grade examples of star players like Pettit from the set can sell for thousands of dollars today. Even common cards still maintain significant value for collectors and researchers.

The cards provided visual documentation of the last season of play for the original Canadian Baseball League before it went on hiatus in 1962. The league would later be reborn as the Pacific Coast League in the 1970s.

They represent a pivotal moment when Canadian kids could first collect hometown heroes rather than just American MLB stars. This helped spur further baseball card issues focused on Canadian professional and amateur leagues.

The 1962 Post Cereal Canadian baseball card set was truly historic and influencial as not only the first extensive baseball card issue north of the border, but also one of the earliest examples of sports cards being included as cereal premiums. Even after 60 years, the cards remain highly sought after by both Canadian collectors and researchers wanting to learn more about pro baseball’s roots in Canada during the 1960s era. Their rarity, connection to a prominent cereal brand, and documentation of 1961 CBL action make them a particularly interesting vintage sports card release.

1962 MLB BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set was issued by Topps during the 1962 baseball season. Some key things to know about the 1962 Topps baseball cards include:

One of the most notable aspects of the 1962 Topps set was the rookie cards it featured. Perhaps the most valuable and iconic rookie card from the set is that of pitching legend Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Koufax was already establishing himself as one of the game’s best left-handed pitchers by 1962, no one could predict he would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and win three Cy Young Awards. His rookie card from the 1962 set is among the most sought after by collectors.

Other noteworthy rookie cards from 1962 included Tom Seaver of the New York Mets, who went on to have a Hall of Fame career as one of the greatest right-handed pitchers in MLB history. Gaylord Perry, who eventually racked up over 300 career wins and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1991, had his rookie card in the 1962 Topps set as well while with the San Francisco Giants. And Rod Carew, who hit .300 or better in 15 consecutive seasons for the Minnesota Twins and Angels and was inducted into Cooperstown in 1991, had his rookie card as part of the 1962 issue.

In terms of design and production, the 1962 Topps set featured 598 total cards with player images primarily in black and white photos. The borders and team logos were in color. Each card measured approximately 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches in size. The cards primarily featured individual players but also included cards showcasing managers, umpires, and league leaders from the previous season. On the back was a brief biography of each player including career stats and information.

The design and production of the 1962 Topps set set the standard template that would be largely followed by Topps baseball cards for decades. The all-text design on the back with stats and bios provided collectors key information about each player in an efficient manner. Meanwhile, the basic color scheme established an easy-to-understand visual look. This basic design blueprint would carry through most Topps baseball cards well into the 1980s.

The most notable differences in design from previous years in the 1962 Topps issue involved the removal of team names above the player photos. Previously, Topps cards since the 1930s showed the player’s team in large letters across the top. This change in 1962 streamlined the look. Card stock was improved, with a glossier, sturdier feel than previous 1951-1961 Topps issues known for being fragile.

In addition to the aforementioned rookie standouts, the 1962 Topps set also featured many baseball legends in the primes of their careers including Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente. Stars like these who already had established careers during the 1950s and early 1960s gave younger collectors iconic cards of players they had grown up watching.

The 1962 Topps set remains one of the most iconic issues in the company’s storied history. While production values were modest by today’s standards, it established visual templates that would define the look of baseball cards for a generation. Featuring legendary rookies like Koufax alongside active superstars, it captures a pivotal time in MLB history just before the mass cultural impact of the 1960s shook American society. For both early collectors and today’s enthusiasts, the 1962 Topps cards stand out as a truly memorable and historically significant release.

In the decades since, as interest has grown in vintage baseball cards, the 1962 Topps set has seen strong demand and appreciation among collectors. Keys cards like the Koufax and Seaver rookies routinely sell for thousands of dollars in high grades. But even common players can hold value for aficionados. The sizeable issue numbering over 590 also means completing a full registry set remains challenging. All these factors have ensured the lasting allure and significance of Topps’ 1962 baseball card release in the annals of sports memorabilia and card collecting history. Its simplicity, legend-laden content, and historical context secure the 1962 Topps baseball issue as one of the true classics in the hobby.

1962 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. With 711 total cards issued, the ’62 set featured future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax in the prime of their careers. As with any vintage set from the early 1960s and prior, the condition of the cards makes a big difference in their value. Even in worn condition, some key ’62s can still fetch a nice premium due to their historical significance and the player featured. Here are some of the most valuable 1962 Topps baseball cards to be on the lookout for:

Roger Maris #130 – Maris’ rookie card from 1961 is extremely rare and valuable, but his ’62 is also highly sought after by collectors since it captures “Maris Moment” with him hitting his record-setting 61st home run. Even well-worn copies can sell for $500-$1,000, while a near mint example could command $3,000+.

Willie Mays #5 – The Say Hey Kid was already an established star by 1962 but remained one of the most exciting players in the game. In top grades of mint or gem mint, his iconic ’62 card has sold for over $10,000. More moderate copies still trade hands for $500-700.

Hank Aaron #250 – Hammerin’ Hank was in the middle of his record-breaking home run chase during the ’62 season. His card reflects arguably the peak of his storied career. Near mint Aaron rookies have sold for $4,000, with most in the $300-500 range.

Sandy Koufax #207 – Koufax was just starting to emerge as a superstar pitcher in ’62 but was already showing glimpses of his future dominance. High-grade copies of his relatively scarce rookie card have topped $3,000 at auction.

Frank Robinson #490 – Big Frank’s intimidating rookie card captured him in the early days of his Hall of Fame career. Near mint examples can reach $1,000-1,500, with most copies trading between $200-400.

Harmon Killebrew #499 – “Killer” was a feared slugger for the Minnesota Twins by 1962. His card remains one of the tougher ’62s to find in high grade. Near mint copies have sold for over $800.

Bob Gibson #551 – Gibson’s rookie card from this set is one of the more visually striking designs from the era. In top condition it can reach $1,000, with most in the $200-300 range.

Johnny Podres #665 – Podres’ ’62 is one of the scarcer cards from the set due to his being featured later in the alphabet. As the hero of the 1955 World Series, it has additional historical value. Near mint copies have sold for $500-700.

Jim Gentile #663 – Gentile smashed 45 home runs for the Orioles in 1961 and remained a feared slugger the following year. His card is relatively tough to find in high grade and has sold for over $600 in mint condition.

Beyond the high-end stars and rookie cards, there are also several key short prints and variations that can make the 1962 Topps set very valuable:

Card #1 Mickey Mantle is one of the most iconic in the hobby but also one of the toughest short prints to find, especially in high grade. Near mint examples have topped $2,000.

Card #130 Roger Maris is also a short print parallel to the regular issue and even more scarce. Finding one in mint grade would be a true trophy card worth thousands.

The Bazooka Back variations of several stars like Mays, Aaron, and Robinson on gray card stock are also extremely rare, with mint examples valued over $1,000 each.

Error cards like the #130 Maris with “New York” omitted below his name command big money, around $500-700 in top condition.

As with any vintage set, the condition and eye appeal of the card makes a huge difference. But for dedicated collectors, high-value gems from the iconic 1962 Topps baseball issue will always be a worthwhile investment, whether spent raw or graded, to commemorate the great players and moments captured during a special year in the game. With timeless designs and historical significance, the ’62s are sure to retain their place as a cornerstone of the hobby for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1962

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Baseball cards from 1962 provide a fascinating look at the game and players from that era. The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic of the post-WWII years as the sport’s popularity was reaching new heights in America.

Some key things to know about 1962 baseball cards include:

Design and Production: Topps was the dominant baseball card maker in 1962 and their design had evolved into the classic look still associated with cards from that time. The cards featured a color photo on the front and stats/career highlights on the back. They were printed on a thin paper stock.

Size of the Set: The 1962 Topps set included 520 cards and was the largest release to that point. This was up from the previous year’s 480 cards as the expansion of teams added more players to collect.

Rookies of Note: Future Hall of Famers like Pete Rose and Tom Seaver had their rookie cards in the 1962 Topps set. Other notables included Dick Allen, Bill Freehan, and Lou Brock. These rookie cards would become extremely valuable in the decades ahead.

Superstars of the Era: Players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax dominated the sport and their cards were highly sought after by collectors. These stars graced the fronts of many of the higher numbered cards in the set.

Design Changes: While retaining the basic look, Topps made some minor design tweaks for 1962 including removing the team logo from the front of the card in favor of just listing the team name. They also changed the card stock slightly.

Expansion Teams: The 1962 season saw the addition of the New York Mets and Houston Colt .45s (who later became the Astros). Their players received cards for the first time, including future stars like Tom Seaver and Joe Morgan.

League Leaders: Topps highlighted the league leaders from 1961 on the back of cards, including Most Valuable Players, batting champions, ERA titles, and more. This provided a recap of the previous season’s statistical achievements.

Checklists: As with previous years, Topps included “checklist” cards to help collectors keep track of which players they still needed. These served as a guide to completing the entire set.

Condition and Grading: Due to the thin paper stock used at that time, high grade 1962 Topps cards in gem mint condition are quite rare today. Even well-cared for copies often grade in the EX-MT range on the Sheets Scale.

Investment Potential: Key rookie cards like Seaver, Rose, and Allen have appreciated greatly over the decades. A PSA 10 gem mint Seaver rookie recently sold at auction for over $400,000. Complete near-mint sets also command high prices from dedicated collectors.

Parallel Sets: In addition to the main Topps release, there were also smaller parallel sets produced. The most notable were the Pepsi and Red Back variations that featured colorful parallel designs using the same photos as the standard issue.

Design Imitators: Other smaller card companies like Fleer attempted to break into the baseball card market in 1962 but failed. Topps maintained its monopoly through exclusive player contracts at the time.

Cultural Significance: The 1962 Topps set helped fuel the baby boomer collector craze that took off in the 1980s. Cards from this era are icons of 1950s/60s Americana and transport collectors back to that period in baseball history.

The 1962 Topps baseball card set was truly a high water mark of the classic post-war era in design, players featured, and cultural impact. Over six decades later, it remains one of the most revered issues for dedicated collectors and provides a fascinating snapshot of the game and players from that important time in baseball history. The rookie cards, superstars, and historical significance ensure that 1962 Topps cards will continue to be highly valued for years to come.

1962 POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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The 1962 Post cereal baseball card series is one of the iconic issues from the golden age of Post card collecting. Containing 126 total cards of players from both the American and National Leagues, the 1962 set provides a snapshot into the major league rosters of that year. Over 60 years after their original release in cereal boxes, individual 1962 Post cards can still frequently be found for sale on eBay as avid collectors look to fill out their vintage sets.

Some key facts about the 1962 Post issue:

Produced by Post Cereal Company as a promotional insert in boxes of cereal. First year Post included cards in boxes since discontinuing the practice in 1958.

Contains all 26 major league teams from 1962, with 4-5 cards dedicated to the regular starters and key players from each club. Rosters capture who was on each team at the beginning of the 1962 season.

Features simple black and white player photos on a colorful cartoon-style backgrounds, with player stats and team logo printed on the front. Set is known for its whimsical illustrations compared to other contemporary card issues.

Highlight rookies include future Hall of Famers Dick Allen (Card #58), Reggie Jackson (#83), and Tom Seaver (#109). Other young stars like Tony Oliva (#50) and Rod Carew (#62) also included in their rookie seasons.

Scarcer short print cards include Don Drysdale (#30), Jim Bunning (#31), and Maury Wills (#93). These cards were produced in lower numbers, making them tougher to find in completed condition.

As one of the most complete vintage baseball card sets, filling out a 1962 Post collection by finding individual cards on eBay can be both exciting and challenging. Popular team cards from legendary franchises like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers tend to carry higher prices due to team popularity and fan demand. Meanwhile, cards featuring lesser known teams from the early 1960s like the Colt .45s (who would later become the Houston Astros) can sometimes be acquired for affordable prices.

Condition is always a key factor when purchasing vintage cards on the secondary market site. The 1962 Post issues had a high printing quality but also saw heavy circulation as promotional inserts over 60 years ago. As a result, mint condition examples high in centering and with bright color are quite rare today. While exhilarating to acquire, top graded gems authenticated and encapsulated by grading services like PSA or SGC will set serious collectors back hundreds or even thousands per card depending on the player featured.

For collectors looking to start filling gaps in their 1962 Post set, keeping tabs on recently sold listings provides good price guidance and comparison points on eBay. Buyers are likely to find cards featuring names like Bill Mazeroski, Luis Aparicio, and Willie Mays available in average circulated condition anywhere from $5-15. Obtaining a team set’s complementary players may cost just a few dollars each. Patience and perseverance are required as finding that one missing piece, whether a true key rookie or minor star, could mean waiting for the right auction to end.

Part of the fun is enjoying the hunt. With its iconic illustrations and capturing of league-wide rosters in 1962, the Post cereal baseball card series remains a phenomenal representative set of the era over half a century later. By leveraging the large trading card customer base on eBay, collectors today can steadily plug away at completing their vintage collection one card at a time through the competitive market. Prices may rise and fall with any given rare find, but the 1962 Post cards ensure that memory and tradition of players, plays, and franchises from our national pastime always live on.