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1962 POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS SHORT PRINTS

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The 1962 Topps base set of baseball cards featured 600 total cards with the standard 524 players cards along with 76 non-players cards featuring team logo/mascots, managers, umpires, ballparks, and league leaders from the 1961 season. While the base set may not have included any true short prints compared to modern definitions, it did feature some cards that were significantly rarer pulls from wax packs of cards found in boxes of Kellogg’s, Post, and General Mills cereals during that era.

Three specific cards from the 1962 Topps set stand out as being notably more difficult to acquire than the other cards in the set due to lower print runs – cards #130 Dick Stuart, #139 Gene Oliver, and #560 Bill Virdon. These cards have retroactively become regarded by collectors as the short prints of the 1962 Topps set despite not technically being short printed in the modern collector sense of only being found in a small percentage of wax packs.

Card #130 featuring Boston Red Sox slugger Dick Stuart is considered the key short print of the 1962 Topps set. Stuart was a formidable power hitter during his career that saw him play for six different teams between 1955-1969. In 1961 while with the Red Sox, Stuart led the American League with a .308 batting average and hit 25 home runs. His impressive season led to his inclusion in the 1962 Topps set as one of the more prominent players featured. For reasons unknown, card #130 picturing Stuart in a Red Sox uniform was printed in a much lower quantity than the rest of the base cards that year. Finding a high grade example of this card in a collector’s 1962 Topps set is quite rare.

Similarly, card #139 featuring backup catcher Gene Oliver of the Kansas City Athletics is also considered a significant short print of the 1962 issue. Oliver had a relatively short and unremarkable major league career spanning 1959-1963 where he backed up starting catchers for four different franchises. As a lesser known part-time player, his card was likely overlooked by Topps to be printed in lesser numbers compared to bigger name stars. Today, the Oliver card is one of the toughest 1962 cards to acquire in any grade.

The third and final major short print from 1962 Topps acknowledged by collectors is card #560 featuring Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Bill Virdon. A seasoned veteran by 1962, Virdon was a career .267 hitter who won a Gold Glove in 1960 as part of the Pirates world championship team. Despite his credentials, Virdon’s 1962 issue card was seemingly under-printed. Like the Stuart and Oliver shorts prints before it, finding the Virdon card with the familiar classic Pirates cap logo in pristine condition is a real prize for collectors of the entire 660 card run from that year.

While short print bugs and error card aficionados had little documented evidence of significantly rarer cards to chase back in the 1960s, the hobby has since placed emphasis on the Stuart, Oliver, and Virdon issues from the 1962 Topps set as recognizable keys to completing an entire high grade team or run. Each command premium prices relative to the other standard issue cards from that season. Condition census registries have been compiled to track the highest graded examples known to exist with the Stuart short print considered among the true holy grails for vintage collectors.

While Topps teams at the time may not have intentionally printed specific cards in lower quantities like modern short prints, their distribution practices did inadvertently create three clear standouts as notable short prints based on sheer scarcity and demand decades later. For dedicated vintage collectors chasing complete rainbow sets with all cards in the coveted Near Mint to Mint condition, hunting down high grade examples of these 1962 Topps Stuart, Oliver, and Virdon short prints can prove an especially rewarding and challenging side quest within completing the entire original 600 card run. Their legacy as some of the earliest acknowledged short prints within the hobby endures sixty years after the set first made its way into supermarket packs across America.

1962 POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1962 Post Cereal Baseball Card series was one of the most popular and iconic sets of the 1960s. Included in boxes of sugary cereal, these cardboard collectors’ items were beloved by millions of young baseball fans. Like most vintage card releases of the era, the 1962 Post cards featured players from both the American and National Leagues on a single checklist of 132 total cards.

Some of the biggest stars of the day graced the fronts of these small packets of cardboard joy. Iconic players featured included Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, and more. The checklist was a who’s who of the sport at the time. Each card displayed a color photo of the player along with their career stats and information on the back. For kids of the 1960s, these cardboard trading chips were highly coveted pieces of their baseball fandom that could be hunted for in cereal boxes.

The set was also notable for including the first cards ever issued for some rising young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers like Luis Aparicio and Dick Allen. That makes some of the rookie cards from 1962 quite valuable today. Other interesting inclusions were the last cards ever produced for legends like Stan Musial who retired after the 1961 season and Early Wynn who hung it up after 1962. Collectors today enjoy the historical perspective these vintage cards provide.

The checklist is broken down by American League teams first, starting with the Baltimore Orioles. Some of the Orioles included were star pitcher Milt Pappas, slugger Frank Robinson, and versatile shortstop-turned-manager Davey Johnson. The Boston Red Sox section contained future Hall of Famers like Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Lonborg, and Eddie Bressoud. Cleveland Indians represented included young pitching standouts Luis Tiant and Sam McDowell. Future Athletics owner Charlie Finley made an appearance on his card as well as a member of the original Kansas City A’s franchise.

The rest of the American League teams were also well-accounted for on the checklist. For the Los Angeles Angels, slugger Leon Wagner and fireballer Bo Belinsky made appearances. The Minnesota Twins section contained future Hall of Famer Jim Kaat along with young stars Tony Oliva and Zoilo Versalles. The New York Yankees, always a hot seller, included Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and a rookie card for Bill Staffier. For the White Sox, future Hall of Famers early Luis Aparicio and Nellie Fox got their first Post Cereal cards. And Washington Senators represented included future Expo Mike Epstein and pitcher Camilo Pascual.

Moving over to the National League, the famous San Francisco Giants franchise led off the NL team checklist sections. Willie Mays, of course headlined along with young outfielder Willie McCovey in one of his early cardboard issues. The Cincinnati Reds portion featured future Hall of Famers Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson along with manager-turned-broadcaster Sparky Anderson. The Los Angeles Dodgers section contained the great Sandy Koufax and future announcer Maury Wills. Philadelphia Phillies stars included future manager Dick Allen and fireballer Chris Short.

Other National League highlights included Hall of Famer Hank Aaron anchoring the Milwaukee Braves list. Roberto Clemente led the Pittsburgh Pirates section in one of his many classic Post issues. The St. Louis Cardinals group contained future broadcasters/managers Lou Brock and Joe Torre along with young hurler Bob Gibson. And wrapping up the set, the Chicago Cubs portion featured star second baseman Glenn Beckert and fireballing pitcher Balor Moret.

In all, the 1962 Post Cereal Baseball Card set represented one of the most comprehensive checklists of the time period. Collectors today still seek out high grade examples to add to their vintage baseball card collections thanks to the memorable photos, key rookie cards, and historical players included from both leagues. While the cards come from a more simple time before expansive stats on the back, they remain treasured pieces of baseball history for fans both young and old.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1962

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card issues of all time. With 711 total cards issued, the ’62 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and captured the talent and excitement of the sport during the early 1960s. With several all-time great players featured prominently, along with the iconic design elements that Topps was known for, the 1962 cards have become highly collectible over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable and valuable cards from this classic set.

Perhaps the most famous and sought-after card from 1962 is the Mickey Mantle #253. Widely considered one of the rarest and most valuable baseball cards ever printed, the ’62 Mantle is the holy grail for collectors. Mantle was already an established superstar by 1962, having won three MVP awards already in his career. His intimidating presence and prodigious power made him one of the faces of the sport. The photo on his ’62 card shows Mantle in the midst of his fearsome swing. Only around 50 PSA/BGS graded copies are known to exist in high grades, making this one of the toughest cards to find in mint condition. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, it can fetch well over $250,000 at auction.

Another Yankee legend featured prominently in 1962 was Roger Maris. Having just broken Babe Ruth’s single season home run record in 1961 by hitting 61 long balls, Maris’ #311 card is a key piece to the set. The photo captures Maris mid-swing and the card perfectly memorializes his historic season right after the fact. High graded examples can sell for $15,000-$20,000 due to its historical significance. Willie Mays’ #5 card also stands out, showing the Say Hey Kid in the midst of his effortless, graceful swing that was far ahead of its time. As one of the game’s true five-tool superstars already in 1962, high grade Mays cards can sell for $10,000+.

Two other future Hall of Famers with exceptionally valuable ’62 cards are Hank Aaron (#75) and Frank Robinson (#397). Aaron is depicted readying his powerful left-handed swing that would produce over 700 career home runs. High grades of the Aaron card can reach $8,000-$10,000. Meanwhile, Robinson’s imposing image stares straight ahead in his Phillies uniform, foreshadowing the MVP season he would have in 1962. PSA 10 Frank Robinson rookies can sell for around $7,000-$8,000 due to his elite status.

Rookie cards are always highly sought after as well. Future 300-game winner Don Drysdale’s rookie card (#606) stands out, showing his intimidating windup. High graded Drysdale rookies have sold for $4,000-$5,000. Fellow Dodgers greats Sandy Koufax (#223) and Maury Wills (#667) also have valuable rookie cards from 1962. Koufax’s iconic windup is on full display, while Wills’ speedy base-stealing abilities are implied. Their rookie cards can reach $3,000 for top grades.

Two other notable rookie cards are future Hall of Famer Billy Williams’ (#635) and Giants ace Juan Marichal’s (#629). Williams’ sweet left-handed swing is captured in his debut, while Marichal’s distinctive high leg kick windup is shown. High grade Williams and Marichal rookies have sold in the $2,000-$3,000 range in recent years.

Beyond the star players and rookie cards, there are also several rare and valuable error cards that can be found in the 1962 set. One of the biggest mistakes was issuing Mickey Mantle’s card twice, as #253 and #259. The #259 error Mantle is the key, as only a small number are believed to exist. A PSA 10 has sold for over $100,000. Another major error is Orlando Cepeda’s #397 card, which was mistakenly printed with Frank Robinson’s photo. Only a handful are known, with PSA 10s reaching $40,000-$50,000.

The 1962 Topps set is truly a who’s who of baseball immortals and contains some of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards ever made. With its perfect storm of all-time great players, rookie cards, and scarce errors, high grade ’62s will likely only continue to appreciate in the collector marketplace. The perfect combination of historical significance and visual appeal have cemented this issue’s place among the most coveted and important sets in the hobby.

1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set holds significant nostalgia and value for collectors and fans alike. The set featured 660 total cards including career highlights, team checklists, and action photos of all Major League players from the 1961 season.

Some key things to know about the iconic 1962 Topps set in terms of nostalgia, history, and monetary value:

The 1962 Topps design featured a classic blue/gray border design with white lettering that would influence Topps designs for years to come. The simple yet timeless design has resonated with collectors and added to the nostalgia over the decades.

Rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Eddie Mathews, Juan Marichal, and Dick Allen are included in the 1962 set. These key rookie cards hold premium value for collectors, particularly in high grades. A PSA Gem Mint 10 graded Allen rookie recently sold for over $35,000.

Iconic stars of the era like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and more are featured throughout the set in their prime. Collectors love finding well-centered and preserved examples of stars from the “Golden Era” of baseball in the late 50s-60s.

The photography and production quality was above average for the era. Many cards have sharp images and colors that have held up surprisingly well over 60 years. This aids in the vintage appeal and collectibility of high graded 62 Topps cards today.

The design features a classic team logo at the bottom of each card. This was the last Topps flagship set to include the team logo box, adding nostalgia and historical significance to the design element.

In terms of rarity and scarcity, the 1962 Topps set had extensive distribution and many surviving examples can still be found. While not quite as scarce as some earlier 1950s sets, finding higher graded gems is still a challenge for today’s collectors.

The set includes memorable stars and Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, Ron Santo, Nellie Fox, and Bill Mazeroski. High graded examples of their popular cards have six figure values.

Standout rookie cards include Dick Allen, Roberto Clemente, and Cookie Rojas. These key rookie cards have earned reputations as premium vintage cardboard that frequently trade hands at auction in the 5-figure range and up.

Let’s look more closely at some key 1962 Topps cards and estimated values based on the current hobby market:

Willie Mays: One of the most iconic cards of the era. High graded PSA/BGS 8 examples can fetch $2,000-5,000 while Mint 9s have sold for over $10,000. Pristine Gems are treasures topping $25,000+

Mickey Mantle: Another cornerstone of any vintage collector’s want list. PSA 8s commonly sell between $1,000-3,000, with Mint 9s reaching the $5,000-10,000 range. Super high end 10s command well over $25,000.

Hank Aaron: Like Mantle and Mays, any Hank Aaron card holds value due to his Hall of Fame career and legendary hitter status. PSA 8s have sold for around $500-1,000 while pristine 9+ grades top $5,000.

Sandy Koufax: The legendary lefty is highly sought after, though Koufax rookies are more valuable. High graded 1962s still sell between $500-1,500 for grades of 8-9.

Roberto Clemente: His 1960 rookie (which does not exist) makes his 1962 card the next best thing. PSA 8s usually sell around $250-500. Higher grades like a PSA 9 can earn $1,000-2,000.

Dick Allen: As mentioned, his rookie card is a highly coveted piece of vintage cardboard. PSA 8s trade around $1,000-2,000 up to $5,000 for a 9. Mint PSA 10 Rookie Allens have sold over $35,000.

Jerry Kindall: Not a true “stars and stripes” card but still valuable due to the player pictured (Kindall) saluting the flag on the back. PSA 8s are $200-500 and 9s reach $800-1500.

As you can see, the combination of iconic stars, memorable rookie cards, and simply the passage of time have established the 1962 Topps set as one of the most historically significant and financially lucrative of the entire vintage era. With such enduring nostalgia, their collectible valuations should only continue rise along with vintage card market prices. The 1962 Topps baseball card set is truly a time capsule from of one of the greatest eras in sports history.

BEST 1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set was the 21st series issued by Topps and contains 620 total cards. It is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card sets from the early years of the modern baseball card era. While it lacks some of the true star power of earlier decades, the ’62 Topps set remains a highly collectible release due to its affordable prices relative to high-quality cards from the same time period. Several factors contribute to the enduring appeal of 1962 Topps baseball cards.

One of the biggest stars featured in the ’62 set is Hall of Famer Willie Mays of the San Francisco Giants. Mays’ card #1 is one of the most iconic in baseball card history due to its simple yet memorable design showing the Say Hey Kid in mid-swing. In high grade, the Mays rookie card can sell for over $100,000. Most examples trade in the $500-1500 range, making it an attainable star card for collectors. Another star from that era, Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Braves, also has an extremely collectible card from the ’62 set. Aaron’s blistering swing, captured on his card #78, exemplifies the power and athleticism that would make him one of the game’s all-time home run kings. High grade Aaron rookies can reach $10,000-15,000.

While Willie Mays and Hank Aaron are two of the biggest stars, there are several other notable Hall of Famers featured throughout the ’62 Topps set as well. One is Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates on card #33. Clemente was already well established by 1962 but still had many productive seasons ahead of him. His card remains one of the most visually striking from the entire set. Other Hall of Famers like Sandy Koufax (#107), Warren Spahn (#109), and Eddie Mathews (#124) round out the star power of this vintage release. Even role players like Don Drysdale (#132), who went on to have a very good career, add to the allure of collecting ’62 Topps.

Beyond the stars and future Hall of Famers, the 1962 Topps design has become iconic in its own right. The simple solid color backgrounds, mostly in red or blue, with white borders and black-and-white photos create a very clean and classic aesthetic. The photos themselves vary in quality but generally capture interesting action shots. Combined with the memorable player poses and uniforms from the early 1960s, the visual appeal and nostalgia of the ’62 set design has resonated with collectors for decades. The cards also included informative statistical nuggets on the back that added context and interest for the time.

Perhaps most importantly, high quality 1962 Topps cards remain very affordable compared to similar vintage releases. While top stars can command four-figure sums, the vast majority of the set trades hands in the $5-50 range depending on condition. This accessibility has kept the ’62 Topps on collectors’ radar for generations as an entry point into the vintage hobby. Supplies also remain ample, as the large print run has ensured most cards survived in collectible condition over the past 60 years. This availability, combined with the classic designs and players, is a big reason why 1962 Topps remains a flagship set for the early 1960s era.

The 1962 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of collectors due to its memorable designs, mix of stars and role players, and relative affordability compared to similar vintage issues. Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente anchor the star power of the 620-card release and make it a must-have for any vintage baseball card collection. Over six decades later, the ’62 Topps maintains its appeal through a combination of nostalgia, design aesthetics, and accessibility that few other sets from the same time period can match. This ensures it will remain a foundational release in the hobby for generations of collectors to come.

1962 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1962 Fleer baseball card set was a pioneering release that helped spark more competition in the baseball card market and changed the collecting hobby forever. Until 1962, the Topps company had enjoyed a monopoly on producing baseball cards for over a decade. In 1962 the Fleer Corporation broke through Topps’ stranglehold and became the first company other than Topps to produce and distribute modern baseball cards.

The 162 card 1962 Fleer set featured all players from the American and National leagues at the time. Some of the highlights included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Perhaps most notably, the 1962 Fleer cards were the first to use modern size dimensions of 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, which became the standard cardboard size for baseball cards that is still used today. Prior to Fleer, most cards produced were smaller postcard sized. The larger modern size allowed for better quality images and more stat info to be included on each card.

While pioneering in many ways, the 1962 Fleer set also had some flaws that prevented it from immediate widespread popularity and acceptance. Chief among these was the poor photograph quality on many of the cards. Due to a rushed production schedule to get the cards out before the 1962 season began, Fleer used low quality recycled photographs from various sources for many of the images. Close up head shots were often small and grainy. The card stock was also somewhat flimsy in comparison to the sturdier stock used by Topps.

Perhaps the biggest innovation and risk that Fleer took however, was to include statistics and stats on the back of each card for the first time. Prior to 1962, most or all baseball card backs were blank. By putting stats like career batting averages and home run totals on the reverse, Fleer helped turn the cards into a more informational collecting and reference product beyond just pictorial representations of players. Because the stat research was rushed and not always fully verified, some unintentionally incorrect or misleading information exists on the backs of 1962 Fleer cards as well.

Despite the various production flaws, the 1962 Fleer set broke new ground and forced Topps to take notice. In response, Topps greatly increased its output and added many innovations to its 1963 set like color photos, foil wrappers on packs, and statistics on the card backs. This new competition marked the beginning of the modern baseball card boom era and catalogued hobby. Fleer produced baseball card sets in most subsequent years as well, usually with incremental improvements in quality.

For collectors and players today, the historical significance and pioneering nature of the 1962 Fleer cards make them hugely desirable, despite the mixed photo and stats quality. Key rookie cards like those of Mays and Aaron regularly sell for thousands of dollars in high grades. Even common players can sell for $50-$100 in near mint condition. The larger size also means fewer examples survive in pristine shape compared to older postcard style issues. The card designs themselves though simple feature lively illustration work and colors that still pop over 50 years later.

In many ways, the 1962 Fleer cards kicked off the golden age of baseball cards that lasted through the 1980s. Their innovative blueprint changed the cardboard collecting world and put competitive pressure on card companies to better serve fans and add value. The early production flaws are also a reminder of the risks that Fleer took to break Topps’ monopoly. Today, no baseball card set holds more significance in the story of the entire hobby than these pioneering 1962 Fleer cards that started it all. Their release made the modern collecting landscape possible and ensured baseball cards would become a billion-dollar industry.

1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most historically significant issues in the entire baseball card collecting hobby. It was the year that Topps broke its monopoly on the baseball card market and saw competition for the first time from Fleer. The 1962 Topps set contains 582 total cards and is widely considered one of the most popular vintage issues ever produced. It’s no surprise that 1962 Topps cards are highly sought after by collectors and frequently exchanged on auction sites like eBay.

Some key things to know about 1962 Topps baseball cards that make them so desirable for collectors and accounts for the high prices they often fetch on eBay include:

Fleer Challenge – For the first time since entering the baseball card market in 1951, Topps faced competition in 1962 from Fleer who produced a separate 106 card set. This brought excitement and collector interest to the hobby.

Rookie Cards – The ’62 Topps set includes coveted rookie cards for Hall of Famers like Pete Rose, Billy Williams, Dick Allen, and Sandy Koufax. In high grades, these cards can sell for thousands on eBay.

Design Changes – Topps tweaked their design slightly for ’62 compared to ’61, moving the team name from the bottom to the top. They also shrank the photos and enlarged the borders, creating a distinctive vintage look.

High Grades Scarce – Very few ‘62 Topps cards received the highest possible grades like Gem Mint 10 due to the fragile paper stock used over 60 years ago. Finding high graded examples on eBay is rare and expensive.

Complete Set Appeal – As the last Topps set before colorful borders were introduced, the predominantly white borders of 1962 create a clean and elegant look that many collectors appreciate. Finding a complete near-set on eBay is challenging.

Hall of Famers Galore – In addition to the rookies, the ’62 Topps set features over 150 other future Hall of Famers in action shots, creating an all-star lineup. This legendary player content retains collector interest.

Vintage Design Favorite – While ’62 wasn’t the earliest Topps issue, its understated white borders fit the era perfectly and appeal to collectors who desire vintage baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s.

When browsing listings for 1962 Topps baseball cards on eBay, here are some key factors that determine value:

Grade – As with any vintage cards, the higher the professional grading company grade, the more valuable a ’62 Topps card will be on eBay. Near Mint to Gem Mint examples demand big premiums.

Scarcity – Rookie cards of the likes of Rose, Williams, and Koufax are exceedingly rare in the highest grades due to minimal production and handling over 60+ years. These scarcest cards pull in the largest eBay prices.

Condition Notes – Even lower graded copies can sell for significant money on eBay if they possess sharp, well-centered images. Condition details matter greatly to discerning vintage collectors.

Popular Players – In addition to the rookies, stars of the era like Mays, Clemente, Aaron draw keen collector interest. High graded versions can fetch four-figure eBay bids.

Complete/Near Sets – Selling as a lot, complete or near-complete ‘62 Topps rosters give options for many collectors and therefore support higher prices versus loose singles.

Variations & Errors – Condition issues aren’t the only collectible quirks that add value. Overprint/underprint errors and number variations are highly valued.

Autograph/Patch Cards – Autograph or memorabilia redemption versions of 1962 Topps cards carry huge multi-thousand dollar price tags on eBay due to their dual appeal to collectors.

While unopened ‘62 Topps wax packs have sold at auction for over $30,000 before, vintage collectors have also found reasonably priced treasures on eBay. With some savvy bidding and buy-it-now shopping, relatively low three-figure sums can acquire sharp examples of common Hall of Famers or lower-tier rookie cards to bolster a collection. But as the 60th anniversary approaches in 2022, it’s clear why the 1962 Topps set endures as one of collecting’s iconic issues – and why those eBay prices remain so robust six decades later.

1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set was the 11th series of baseball cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. The design featured a player’s picture on the left side with the team name and logo above it and the player’s name, position, and batting statistics below. On the right side there was a career record along with a cartoon-style drawing related to that specific player. It was the first Topps set to show a batter’s on-base percentage in addition to the long-used batting average.

Some key things to know about the 1962 Topps baseball cards:

Size: The standard size for Topps baseball cards from 1952 through 1967 was 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Photography: For the first time, Topps began using color photography for most of the players’ pictures instead of black and white photos like in previous years.

Checklists: The 1962 Topps checklist was part of the standard 660 card regular set but no complete team sets were produced like in 1961.

Rarity: The most valuable and sought after cards from the 1962 Topps set include rookie cards for Hall of Famers Willie McCovey (#1), Tommy Davis (#23), and Bob Gibson (#500). Gibson’s rookie in particular is one of the rarest and most expensive cards from the entire 1960s era.

Design Changes: Compared to 1961, the player’s last name was enlarged and moved above the team name which created a cleaner look. Also, team logos were used instead of just text for the clubs.

Rookies: In addition to the big three above, other notable rookies included Dick Howser (#299), Adrian Garrett (#308), and Denis Menke (#591).

Record Breakers: Career leaders and single season record breakers like Maris’ 61 home runs in ’61 were highlighted on the cards.

Action Shots: For the most part, Topps went with standard frontal head shots but used exciting action photos for some stars like Clemente and Mays.

Legends: The set included cards for legends like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Nap Lajoie among the current players even though they had been retired for years.

Oddballs: Due to the Mets being an expansion team, they did not have any 1961 cards so their complete inaugural year roster was featured for the first time.

When it was released in 1962, the entire 660 card set sold for $1.00 or could be purchased gradually by buying wax packs containing about a dozen cards each for 12 cents per pack. It took an entire production run and several reprints throughout that season to meet demand. Here’s a deeper look at some of the standouts:

#1 Willie McCovey (Giants): McCovey’s rookie card is one of the most significant in baseball history from an investment standpoint due to his Hall of Fame career. In high grade it can fetch over $100,000.

#23 Tommy Davis (Dodgers): As a two-time batting champion and NL MVP, Davis had one of the better careers of the 1960s. His rookie is valued around $4,000-5,000 in near mint condition.

#183 Sandy Koufax (Dodgers): The legendary lefty’s spectacular season-by-season improvement is documented in his older cards leading up to his dominance from 1961-1966. High grade examples top $10,000.

#500 Bob Gibson (Cardinals): Gibson’s rookie is one of the true grails for vintage collectors due to its astounding rarity. Only a handful are known to exist and it can bring over $500,000 when offered at auction.

#526 Maury Wills (Dodgers): As the 1962 NL MVP and owner of the single season stolen base record, Wills rose to stardom. His flashy playing style is depicted in the artwork.

#547 Roger Maris (Yankees): After smashing the home run record in ’61 with 61, Maris was baseball’s biggest star entering 1962. Any Maris card, especially in high grade, holds value.

The 1962 Topps baseball card set holds an important place in the hobby as one of the first issues to feature the now-standard color photography format. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like McCovey along with iconic stars like Maris and Koufax continue to be hot commodities for collectors decades later. The visual design represented a progression from the prior decade and established a foundation that Topps would build upon for many successful years of production. It remains one of the most recognized and collected vintage sets among enthusiasts.

EBAY 1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the first year Topps used modern color photography on the fronts of all cards, replacing the hand-drawn illustrations that were common in the 1950s. This set jumpstarted the baseball card craze of the 1960s and helped propel Topps to the dominant position they still hold today within the industry.

While raw 1962 Topps cards can still be found in circulation and are affordable for most collectors, high grade examples certified by professional grading services like PSA and BGS have become extremely valuable over the past 20+ years. As the vintage baseball card market has boomed, 1962 Topps cards in pristine condition have been some of the biggest movers. This has made eBay an essential marketplace for finding and selling these elite graded gems.

The most desirable rookie cards in the 1962 set belong to future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, their rookie cards can fetch thousands, tens of thousands, or even over $100,000 depending on the player and market conditions. But there are also plenty of other stars and key cards that command big prices when flawlessly preserved.

Cards of established legends like Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, and Warren Spahn are always in high demand. Rarer short prints and variations also hold significant collector value. The #130 Billy Pierce “bar” error, where part of the text is cut off, is one of the most coveted mistakes in the set. High grade examples of stars, key rookies, and errors can all cross the $1,000 price point on eBay when certified and slabbed.

Lower numbered cards like #1 Roger Maris and #30 Frank Robinson also tend to sell for premium prices due to their iconic status at the front of the set. Condition is absolutely critical, as even minor flaws can cut an estimated value significantly for these high-end 1962s. The difference between a PSA 9 and PSA 10 can be thousands of dollars depending on the specific card in question.

While the super high-end vintage cards attract the biggest headlines, there is also a strong market on eBay for solidly graded mid-range 1962 Topps that fall short of true gem status. Cards grading PSA 8 or BGS 8.5 can still sell from a few hundred dollars up to well over $1,000 for the best players and rare variants. This opens up the set to collectors of somewhat more modest budgets.

Slabbed examples in the PSA 7 to PSA 8 range provide affordable opportunities to add key Hall of Famers and stars to a collection without breaking the bank. Even common players can find buyers in PSA 7 condition, showing how beloved this iconic issue remains. There are also plenty of affordable graded short prints and errors available for collectors chasing complete sets.

Beyond just raw condition, certain printing and centering qualities can also impact a card’s value. Examples with especially sharp color and definition are preferred. Cards that are perfectly centered with equal and even borders bring the strongest prices. The reverse of the card must also be clean and show minimal signs of handling.

When browsing listings on eBay, paying close attention to photos is crucial for discerning all these subtle attributes that can differentiate two otherwise similarly graded cards in price. Reputable long-time sellers also provide more confidence in descriptions and the grading service certification shown.

Whether pursuing super high-end gems, mid-tier stars, or just filling out a set, the 1962 Topps issue has no shortage of compelling collectibles available on the popular auction site. With its perfect blend of iconic players, designs, and historical significance, this classic set remains one of the most coveted in the entire hobby. eBay serves as a vital marketplace for finding and trading examples across all levels of the graded card spectrum.

VALUE OF BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1962

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the early years of modern baseball cards. With classic designs, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, and a limited print run compared to modern productions, 1962 Topps cards continue to enthral collectors decades later. With pristine examples selling for tens of thousands of dollars, 1962 Topps remains the pinnacle set for many aficionados.

Topps released its 1962 baseball card set in March 1962, featuring 204 total cards including player cards and manager/umpire/statistician cards. The 1964 season was Topps’ first with sole license to produce baseball cards after ending its agreements with competitors Bowman and Fleer. This exclusivity allowed Topps to focus marketing and resources on their signature set. The cards featured color portraits on the front with statistics and a black-and-white action photo on the back. Topps opted for simple yet clean designs that highlighted the photography quality.

While print runs in the 1960s were much larger than today, reaching into the millions of sets compared to the low hundreds of thousands for modern premium issues, the 1962 Topps issue was still produced on a significantly smaller scale than later decades. This scarcity has driven valuation tremendously over the decades as the original fan base aged and the supply dwindled through lost and damaged cards. PSA-graded mint condition copies of even common players can sell for hundreds today due to this dynamic.

Two of the biggest star rookies in the 1962 set are future Hall of Famers Willie Stargell and Dick Allen, each appearing prominently near the start of the set. Allen’s explosive rookie season that year made his #53 card one of the most iconic and valuable in the set, with high-grade copies bringing tens of thousands at auction. Stargell emerged as a slugging star for the Pirates soon after and his well-centered #250 rookie is highly sought. Other valuable rookie cards include Billy Cowan (#103), Ron Santo (#84), Jim Hickman (#172), and Denis Menke (#128).

In addition to rookie stars, the 1962 set Showcases legends of the era nearing or in the midst of historic careers. Mickey Mantle leads the Yankees portion of the set with his regal #7 card, while Willie Mays’ spectacular catch adorns the #48 card at the start of the Giants section. Future Hall of Famer Willie McCovey makes his cardboard debut with an aggressive slide into home depicted on the #173 card. Roberto Clemente, in the midst of a masterful career in right for the Pirates, dominates his action shot on #21. Frank Robinson slugged his way to a Triple Crown and MVP for the Reds in 1962, as seen on his #130 card.

Condition is king when it comes to the value of any older issue like 1962 Topps. Low-numbered population reports from grading leaders like PSA and BGS demonstrate just how few truly high-grade specimens survive from such an old set. Even relatively affordable stars like Robin Roberts (#110) or Nellie Fox (#86) can reach four-figure prices in pristine mint condition. Iconic cards showing wear sell for a fraction of those grades. With the original owners now in their 70s and 80s, impeccable preserved examples become increasingly rare.

Beyond star rookies, legends, and condition, certain printing and cutting errors make individual 1962 Topps cards even more valuable. Any card showing the rare “inverted back” error, where the statistics are printed where the photo usually appears, can reach five figures. Eccentric cutting errors where part of the next card shows fetch premiums as well. Overall set collectors also drive value through their quests to complete the full colorful 1959-1962 Topps run in mint condition.

The 1962 Topps baseball card set lives on as a spectacular introduction to the post-war expansion era of Major League Baseball. Iconic rookie and star player photography, a compact relatively low production print run, and steep population drops over 60 years have all contributed to its status as a crown jewel for dedicated collectors. Condition sensitive but attainable for most budgets in lower grades, the 1962 issue remains a seminal part of the attraction and immense value of vintage baseball cards today.