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1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 101

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The 1964 Topps baseball card #101 features former Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed starting pitcher Johnny Podres. Podres spent his entire 12-year MLB career with the Dodgers franchise from 1953 to 1964. As one of the key veteran pitchers on the 1955 World Series championship team, Podres had a very memorable postseason that year which made him a Dodgers legend.

Born in 1931 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Podres grew up a fan of the Dodgers and developed into a standout pitcher in high school. He was signed by Brooklyn as an amateur free agent in 1950 and spent several seasons in their minor league system developing his skills before getting called up to the majors in 1953. His rookie season saw him post a 10-4 record mostly in relief, showcasing his natural talents.

Over the next few seasons, Podres began to transition into the Dodgers’ starting rotation. In 1954, he had a breakout year going 16-7 with a stellar 2.81 ERA across 29 games started. This established Podres as one of the premier left-handed pitchers in the National League at just 23 years old. His strong performance helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series title since moving to Brooklyn in 1955.

That 1955 World Series against the New York Yankees is what cemented Johnny Podres’ legacy. In Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, Podres threw a complete game 2-hitter to shut down the mighty Yankees, handing them just their third Series loss at home. This set the tone for the upset Dodgers victory. Then in Game 7 back in Brooklyn, the pivotal championship-deciding game, Podres once again grabbed the ball and tossed a complete game gem. Needing every out, he blanked the Yankees 8-0 to deliver Brooklyn its first and only World Series title. Podres was named World Series MVP, a well-deserved honor for the clutch lefty.

After the high of 1955, Podres continued to serve as a steady force in the Dodgers rotation throughout the late 1950s. He posted winning records every season between 1956-1959 including a career-high 18 wins in 1958. Podres was usually good for 30-35 starts per year and around 200-220 innings pitched while keeping his ERA below 3.50 each season. His durable, effective pitching was crucial for the consistently competitive Dodgers teams.

Entering the 1960s, Podres remained a mainstay despite some injuries slowing him at times. He helped the Dodgers reach the 1963 World Series against the York Yankees but took the loss in Game 2. It would be Podres’ final postseason appearance before injuries forced his retirement after 1964 at just 33 years old. When all was said and done, Johnny Podres spent a dozen seasons in Dodger blue compiling a 113-99 record, 3.60 ERA, and 1,967 strikeouts across 1,905.2 innings pitched in 344 games and 282 starts.

The 1964 Topps baseball card #101 effectively captures Johnny Podres in his later career with the Dodgers. By this point injuries were limiting his playing time but he still pitched reasonably well when on the mound. The photo shows a smiling Podres in the Dodgers home pinstripes from 1963. In the foreground is a graphic displaying his career stats up to that point. The reverse side provides a brief career recap of Podres’ accomplishments especially his invaluable contributions to Brooklyn’s lone World Series title in 1955.

Even after retiring from baseball in the mid-1960s, Johnny Podres remained deeply connected to the Dodgers organization. He worked for them for several decades in various coaching and front office roles. Podres was also beloved by Dodgers fans, especially those from his Brooklyn days, for his clutch performances that delivered the city its championship. In 2001, Podres was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame recognizing his achievements as one of Canada’s top MLB players ever. He passed away in 2008 but left an indelible legacy as a gritty, competitive lefty who shined brightest on the grandest stages. The 1964 Topps #101 endures as a classic reminder of Johnny Podres’ excellent career as a Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher.

1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1964 Topps baseball card set holds iconic status as one of the most valuable vintage issues in the hobby. The set features 520 cards and shows the progression of the sport during the mid-1960s. Understanding the history and appeal of the ’64 Topps helps explain why a complete near-mint to mint condition set can fetch well over six figures at auction.

Topps released their usual annual baseball card set in 1964 following the 1963 season. The company enjoyed dominance as the sole issuer of baseball cards during this era before competition emerged in later decades. The cards featured colorful player photos with basic career statistics and no advertising on the reverse. In contrast to modern sets which rely heavily on action shots, many of the ’64 photos showed players posing stiffly.

Notably, the 1964 Topps issue marked the last appearance of some of the game’s true legends as active players. Iconic stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron all had starring roles in the set during their primes. Seeing these all-time greats in their playing uniforms provides a connection to an important period of baseball history. The set also captured younger future Hall of Famers like Sandy Koufax and Roberto Clemente still establishing themselves.

Condition is critical to a vintage set’s value given the cards’ age. For a 1964 Topps complete collection to reach the lofty six-figure price tag or more, the set needs to have strong centering with sharp corners and no creases, discoloration or other flaws across nearly all 500+ cards. Even slight imperfections can have an outsized effect on the set’s grading and value. Professionally grading every card also adds confidence for serious collectors and ensures top-tier preservation long-term.

In terms of individual star cards, icons like Mantle, Mays and Aaron routinely sell for thousands alone in high-grade. Some examples include Mantle’s PSA 8 copy bringing over $12,000 recently. A PSA 9 Hank Aaron sold for around $8,500 not long ago. But the true rarity and costliness comes in pristine PSA 10 specimens of these legends. Perfect condition Mantle, Mays or Aaron ’64 Topps cards would easily demand six-figure prices or more.

Beyond the superstars, other scarce and valuable short prints can further boost the worth of a complete 1964 Topps set. The increasingly difficult-to-find Mickey Mantle and Stan Musial cards numbered to 398 and 399 respectively inflate set registries. The color variation parallel cards typically raise values as well. The original cardboard flip fronts also hold appeal for purists completing their original-issue collections.

The combination of impeccable condition, complete cards and key short prints elevates 1964 Topps sets into rarefied air among vintage issues. While no sets are truly identical, a near-mint to mint comprehensive collection routinely brings $150,000 or higher at major card auctions. Sets showing pristine surfaces with strong snap on all folds could achieve quarter-million dollar results or more under the right auction circumstances. Those sums highlight the desirable investment potential and historical significance afforded by a truly superior example of one of the hobby’s most prized offerings.

As with any vintage set, condition ultimately decides the 1964 Topps value. But the allure of starring some of baseball’s all-time best and capturing a definitive moment in sports history perpetually draws collectors to complete this iconic set. Scarcity becomes the driving premium for such a legendary issue as finding high-quality specimens grows more difficult over time. Add in short prints, color variants and original specifications, and a flawless 1964 Topps run can cement itself among the hobby’s costliest collections worthy of securing a prominent place in any hall of fame caliber collection.

1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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The 1964 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular vintage issues that collectors search for on auction sites like eBay. Topps released their cards that year as the dominant baseball card company, as they had been for over a decade. The 1964 set highlights some of the biggest stars and best players of that era, making many of the cards quite valuable today.

Some key details about the 1964 Topps baseball card set include that it contained 712 total cards. The design featured a centered photo with the team name and player stats below. The backs included career stats and a brief biography. Some of the biggest stars that year who had highly coveted rookie or base cards in the set include Sandy Koufax, Brooks Robinson, Dick Allen, and Joe Morgan.

Topps had gained exclusive rights from both Major League Baseball and the players association by the 1960s to produce authorized trading cards. This meant they faced no competition from competitors at the time. But competition would arise later in the decade which started the end of Topps’ monopoly. Still, the 1964 issue is filled with many future Hall of Famers and all-time great players from that era.

On eBay today, mint condition examples of the top rookie and star cards from the 1964 Topps set can sell for thousands of dollars. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable that collectors seek out and what they might pay:

Sandy Koufax (Brooklyn Dodgers): Considered one of the 10 best players of all-time, Koufax’s impressive career was just starting to take off in 1964. His rookie card in the set is the undisputed gem and highest price card. In near-mint to mint condition, examples can command $5,000 up to over $10,000.

Brooks Robinson (Baltimore Orioles): Already an established All-Star, Robinson would go on to legendary status as one of the best third basemen ever. His 1964 is highly popular and condition-sensitive. From about $800 in played condition to $2,500+ in top grades.

Joe Morgan (Houston Colt .45s): One of the finest second basemen in MLB history, Morgan was just a rookie in 1964 but had Hall of Fame skills. His rookie card carries a premium and prices range from roughly $400 to $1,500 based on condition.

Dick Allen (Philadelphia Phillies): “Crash” was already a force as a rookie in 1964 with 29 home runs and 91 RBIs winning AL Rookie of the Year. His card fetches similar rates to Morgan’s, between $400-1500.

Bill White (St. Louis Cardinals): A surefire Hall of Famer as a player and executive, White’s 1964 is very tough to find well-centered in high grades. Near-mint copies bring $300-500.

While those represent some of the biggest star cards, there are also great values throughout the set on eBay for collectors working on team or player collections. Here are a few additional highlights:

Juan Marichal (San Francisco Giants): His intimidating windup made him must-watch TV in the 1960s. As an elite pitcher, his 1964 averages $150-250 based on condition.

Roberto Clemente (Pittsburgh Pirates): Already a 12-year veteran and perennial All-Star by 1964, Clemente’s legacy has only grown since his tragic death. His card sells consistently around $100-200 range.

Willie Mays (San Francisco Giants): As one of the consensus five best players ever, the Say Hey Kid’s 1964 is abundant but high grades approach $150.

Mickey Mantle (New York Yankees): The Mick was in the later stages of his HOF career but still a huge draw. Well-centered copies reach $75-150 despite its abundance.

Don Drysdale (Los Angeles Dodgers): His dominance on the mound equaled Koufax. His much more affordable 1964 goes for $50-100 typically.

While supply is limited on the true stars like Koufax, there is no shortage of collecting and trading opportunities throughout the entire 1964 Topps baseball card set on eBay. It highlights a golden era of the game with future legends and is beloved by vintage collectors nearly 60 years later. Condition, of course, is key to the investment potential but the 1964 issue remains a budget-friendly way to own affordable pieces of baseball history.

1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1964 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the company’s history and features some of the most valuable vintage cards. With 714 cards issued that year, the 1964 Topps set saw the beginnings of Major League Baseball’s expansion era and captured legendary players still in their primes. While most cards in the set hold fairly nominal value today, a select few have exponentially increased in price due to factors like the players featured, low print runs, and condition. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the stand-out cards from the 1964 Topps set that fetch the highest prices in the collecting world.

Easily claiming the top spot as the most valuable card from the 1964 Topps set is the Mickey Mantle #311. Widely considered the finest post-war Mantle card still around, it routinely breaks records at auction. In pristine mint condition, the 1964 Mantle has sold for over $2.88 million, making it the most expensivetrading card in history. Even well-centered examples in near-mint to mint condition trade hands for upwards of $100,000. What makes this Mantle so rare is that it was issued during the Yankee legend’s final great season, where he hit .303 with 30 home runs and 101 RBI at age 32. Relatively few high-grade copies survived over half a century of collection and handling.

Another incredibly rare and desirable card is the Ken Hubbs #250, fetching as much as $150,000 for mint quality examples. What makes this one so unusual is its backstory – Hubbs was the 22-year old NL Rookie of the Year in 1962 but died in a plane crash before the 1964 season started. As a result, very few of this card were ever produced, making it one of the true “one-year wonders” in the set that saw its subject perish before their career really took off. Card collectors see Hubbs as the ultimate “what if” from that era.

The 1964 Topps set also featured some of the final cards issued of legends who were already in the twilight of their careers. A pristine condition Willie Mays #94 can sell for over $25,000, capturing the Say Hey Kid during his age 32 season with the Giants where he hit .277 with 31 home runs and 96 RBI. Another six-figure crosser is the Hank Aaron #38, which has traded hands for $110,000 in the highest grades, representing the Braves slugger at age 30 putting together one of his typical 30 home run, 100+ RBI campaigns.

Beyond individual superstars, the 1964 Topps set also marks one of the first appearances of soon-to-be Hall of Famers just starting out. The Sandy Koufax #207 routinely sells for $15,000-$20,000 in high-grade as it pictures the Dodgers lefty dominating at age 28 during the year he’d win his second Cy Young Award. Another is the Joe Morgan #444, which has sold for $7,500 for this rookie card of the future Reds and Astros star second baseman in his first big league season aged 20.

Of course, condition is absolutely vital when assigning value to any vintage card. With over half a century of wear and tear, truly pristine high-grade examples from 1964 are exceptionally scarce. Some additional key cards that command five-figure prices include Roberto Clemente’s #484 ($12,000+), Willie McCovey’s #527 ($8,000+), and Frank Robinson’s #552 ($7,500+), all providing they grade at the hallowed “Mint 9” or “Gem Mint 10” levels.

While large subsets of the 1964 Topps run hold nominal $10-20 values today, the perfect condition copies of the legendary players captured mid-career, in their primes, or as blossoming rookies make this one of the true heavy-hitting vintage issues for savvy card collectors and investors. With over 50 years of appreciation, mint examples from this classic set can represent six-figure financial assets for those patient enough to hunt down true investment-quality pieces of pop culture history featuring some of baseball’s icons. The legacy and stories behind each standout star account for why their 1964 Topps cards continue climbing record prices.

KAHN’s BASEBALL CARDS 1964

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Kahn’s Baseball Cards 1964

The 1964 season was one full of tremendous accomplishments and change in Major League Baseball. The New York Yankees dynasty that had dominated for over a decade was showing signs of weakening, opening the door for new contenders to emerge. Players were beginning to assert themselves more and more, eventually leading to the establishment of free agency. It was against this backdrop that Kahn’s released their 1964 baseball card set.

Kahn’s had been producing baseball cards since the early 1950s. Based out of Detroit, Michigan, they specialized in high quality photo cards rather than the simpler drawings that Topps and others used at the time. 1964 would be one of Kahn’s most iconic and collectible sets thanks to the historical season it captured. The 582 card release covered every team and player in both the American and National Leagues. Ranging from superstars in the primes of their careers to obscure minor leaguers just getting their first cups of coffee in the Show, Kahn’s 1964 set was an exhaustive who’s who of the sport.

Some of the biggest stars of the era featured included Yankees greats Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Tony Kubek. Mantle’s powerful lefty swing remained must-see TV as he battled injuries late in his career. Ford was in his prime at age 32, going 24-7 with a 2.77 ERA to lead the AL in wins. Kubek had established himself as a slick fielding shortstop. For the St. Louis Cardinals, Bob Gibson’s intimidating heat and Bob Gibson’s pinpoint control made them the National League’s best pitching duo. Hank Aaron continued his assault on the Babe’s home run record with 31 round trippers for the Milwaukee Braves.

Rookies who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers also had their 1964 Kahn’s cards, offering an early glimpse of future greatness. Pete Rose arrived on the scene with the Cincinnati Reds, eager to do anything to help his team win. With the Baltimore Orioles, a young Brooks Robinson showcased smooth defense at third base during his first full MLB season. Dock Ellis made his Pittsburgh Pirates debut, possessing a blazing fastball but wild control early on. Even role players or bit contributors got their due, preserving a snapshot of the entire league that year for collectors and historians.

While stars received photo cards as one would expect, Kahn’s also made room for write-ups of lesser known talents. These “code cards” featured a black and white image over statistical and biographical information. Players like Minnesota Twins utility man Jerry Kindall, Chicago White Sox reliever Don McMahon, or Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bob Miller got descriptions of their career arcs to date. Fans could learn about journeymen traversing the minors or September call-ups just making their MLB debuts. It gave the set an inclusive feel reflecting the entire professional baseball landscape.

In addition to players, Kahn’s included managers, coaches, and even owners on cards. Names like Alvin Dark with the Philadelphia Phillies, Bob Scheffing leading the Detroit Tigers, and Yankees GM Roy Hamey appeared. Kansas City A’s owner Charles O. Finley’s notorious antics like colorful uniforms and fuzzy dice on player helmets became part of the set’s visual storytelling. Stadium cards also provided glimpses of iconic ballparks like Dodger Stadium or Fenway Park that served as backdrops for that historic 1964 campaign.

For collectors, the 1964 Kahn’s set carries immense nostalgic appeal and value due to the talent, history, and completeness it captures from that transformative season. While raw card condition and high grade copies fetch top dollar today, even well loved common cards retain significance as pieces of baseball history. Mantle, Gibson, Rose, Aaron, and others cemented their legacies that year en route to Cooperstown. Rookies like Robinson took their first MLB steps. The evolving state of the game is on full display. Kahn’s 1964 release immortalized a special time in baseball’s growth that still resonates over half a century later.

1964 TOPPS GIANT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1964 Topps Giant baseball card set was unique for its large card size and its focus on highlighting individual players rather than the traditional team cards of the time. Standing out from standard sized 1954 Topps cards which measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the 1964 Giants were nearly four times the size at a massive 6.5 inches by 8 inches. It was the first and only set produced in this oversized format by Topps.

Containing just 26 total cards, the 1964 Giant set highlighted some of baseball’s biggest stars of the era including Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Roger Maris, and Mickey Mantle. Unlike typical sets which included cards for every player on a major league roster, the 1964 Giants took a more selective approach by choosing to feature only the game’s elite superstar talent. This allowed for more design elements and stats to be included on the increased card surface area compared to standard sized issues.

Another hallmark of the 1964 Topps Giants was the creative photographic concepts utilized on each card. Rather than straight action shots, the set portrayed its subjects in more imaginative poses that helped their larger-than-life personalities truly stand out. For example, Willie Mays’ card shows him swinging while being showered by baseballs, symbolizing his prolific hitting abilities. Others like Roberto Clemente are depicted in feats of raw athleticism like leaping or diving for catches to highlight their defensive prowess.

The creative behind-the-scenes stories of how some of these iconic photos were captured also add to the mystique of the 1964 Giants. For Sandy Koufax’s card, the photo shoot required him to repeatedly throw fastballs directly at the camera lens until they were able to catch the perfect image of the ball right as it crossed the plate. Koufax was allegedly able to hit the lens on the first attempt.

In addition to drawing more attention to each player through visual interest, the increased size afforded more detailed statistical and biographical information to be included on the back of the cards compared to standard issues. Career stats and highlights up to that point were provided for handy player reference. Basic uniform information was also included along with physical attributes like height, weight and batting handedness.

While large and attention-grabbing on store shelves in 1964, the oversized cards proved difficult for collectors to store and display compared to the more easily organized standard sizes. As a result, they never caught on long term as a sustainable product category for the baseball card market. Topps only produced the one year of Giants before standard sizing continued as the norm. Still, the creative approach and superstar subjects cemented the 1964 issue in collectors’ minds as a true one-of-a-kind gem highlighting some of the sport’s greatest talents of that era.

Even over 50 years later, the 26 cards of the 1964 Topps Giant set remain incredibly scarce and valuable. In top graded condition with the hard-to-find acetate protective coating still intact, individual cards can sell for tens of thousands of dollars given their elite rarity and historical significance. For collectors and fans, they serve as almost scrapbook-style snapshots into baseball’s past, showing the period’s most iconic players in unique photographic portraits that pop off the oversized cardboard. While short-lived as a mainstream product, the innovation and larger-than-life quality of the 1964 Topps Giants ensured this singular experiment left an impact that still excites collectors today.

With just 26 cards produced only once in 1964, the Topps Giant set stands apart as one of the hobby’s true one-hits wonders deserving of its lofty status among the most coveted and important issues in the entire history of baseball cards. Even decades later, the outsized photographic presentations and statistical insight allow these rare treasures to bring fans up close with some of the sport’s true living legends in a unique vintage format like no other.

1964 TOPPS GIANTS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1964 Topps Giants baseball card set marked a significant change from prior years for the popular brand. Up to that point, Topps issued standard sized cards as they had for decades. In 1964 Topps wanted to do something new to grab collectors’ attention and boost sales. Their creative solution was to produce cards in an oversized format known as “Giant” size.

At roughly twice the dimensions of a normal baseball card, these 1964 Topps Giants stood out on store shelves and in card collections. Each card measured approximately 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches, dwarfing the usual 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch standard format Topps and other brands used. Despite the novelty of their larger size, the Giants set maintained the same overall design principles and attributes as regular Topps cards of the early 1960s.

On the front of each 1964 Topps Giant card was a colorful action photo of a Major League baseball player from the 1963 season. The team name and logo appeared at the top in team colors. Below the photo was the player’s name and that year’s statistics. On the reverse, in addition to more stats and career highlights, was the familiar pink colored “Giant” logo and descriptive text indicating it was an oversized special issue.

Topps produced 660 individual player cards in the 1964 Giants set, including all teams from both the American and National Leagues. Some of the biggest stars featured included Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Roberto Clemente. Rookies like Jim Bouton, Billy McCool, and Cesar Tovar also had Giant sized rookie cards issued. The set had no special parallel issues, manager/coach cards, or puzzles/promotions included like regular Topps offered some years.

While an undeniably cool collector item even today due to their massive size, the 1964 Topps Giants did have some drawbacks. Their bulky dimensions made them prone to damage from bending, creasing, or wear compared to regular issue cards. Storage and organization of the set also presented challenges beyond fitting in a standard baseball card album. Because the oversized cards stood out, they attracted increased scrutiny from parents and schools that criticized baseball cards as frivolous toys.

Despite these minor flaws, the Topps Giants were popular with kids upon release. Their size enhancement scratched the itch for new, unique collectors’ items in the mid-1960s heyday of the baseball card craze. While production numbers aren’t definitively known, the 1964 Giants are not considered amongst the most scarce Topps issues since well over 100 complete unopened original wax packs have been auctioned. Still, pristine high graded examples can reach four figure prices due to their historical novelty.

In the decades since, 1964 Topps Giants have become a favorite of set collectors seeking iconic classic cardboard. While pricey to acquire an intact masterpiece collection of all 660 giant size players, individual key rookie and star cards remain affordable for most hobbyists. Their exaggerated dimensions also remain a talking point and make the 1964 issue stand out boldly in collections focusing on the early 1960s Topps brands. As a one-year experiment, the 1964 Topps Giants succeeded in breathing new life into the traditional baseball card format and remaining a treasured piece of sports collecting history.

The 1964 Topps Giants set was a very creative and memorable deviation from the norm by the card industry pioneer. Their oversized physical presence grabbed attention on store shelves amidst the early 1960s cardboard boom. While an impractical long-term solution, the Giants captured collectors’ imaginations as a novelty item highlighting the biggest names in the game. Despite minor drawbacks, they earned a place as one of the most iconic single year issues in the hobby. Even after nearly sixty years, the 1964 Topps Giants continue wowing fans new and old with their enlarged portraits of baseball’s golden era.

1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The 1964 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the third year Topps had the MLB license exclusively after losing it to Fleer in 1960 and 1961. The 1964 set showcased 660 total cards and featured all players from the 16 major league teams at the time. It became a milestone release that increased popularity and growing demand for baseball cards among collectors. While the cards from this set in low grades can be purchased fairly inexpensively, high quality examples in pristine condition command top dollar on the rare card market.

One of the standout rookies featured in the ’64 Topps set is Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Koufax was already a seasoned veteran by 1964 but his card is highly sought after as one of his earliest issues. PSA Gem Mint 10 graded examples of his rookie card recently sold at auction for over $27,000, showcasing the premium for a true perfect 10. Other top rookie cards include Dick Allen of the Philadelphia Phillies, who is also a Hall of Famer. High graded Allen rookies can reach over $10,000. Jim Bouton of the New York Yankees, known best for writing Ball Four, also has a valuable rookie in the 1964 set worth thousands in top condition.

Aside from rookies, the ’64 Topps set is also renowned for featuring iconic stars of the era like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Mickey Mantle. Each of their basic cards continues to sell well even in lower grades due to their immense popularity and name recognition decades later. Complete high grade sets of the ’64 issue with all 660 included also command astronomical prices above the six figure range. A PSA Set Registry #1 1964 Topps baseball card collection once sold at auction for a record $2.8 million back in 2016, showcasing the untapped potential for valuable complete sets.

Graded gem mint examples of common stars from the 1964 Topps set can still sell for thousands as well. For example, a PSA 9 graded card of Mays recently went for $3,100. Meanwhile a PSA 8 Hank Aaron sold for $1,070. Even support players fetch solid prices when in pristine preservation grades. A PSA 9 Al Ferrara of the New York Mets reached $940 while a PSA 8 Larry Sherry of the Los Angeles Dodgers made $480. Condition truly is king when it comes to the vintage market as even otherwise affordable base cards gain immense value with high certification grades.

The design of the 1964 Topps issue also contributes to its staying power of popularity over decades. The clean white borders and solid color team logo at the top make for an instantly recognizable aesthetic that still looks sharp even today. Topps took risks with creative photography angles and poses that led to some favorite oddball variations. One example is the unusual posed Larry Jackson card of the San Francisco Giants showing him holding a toothbrush. Cards like this have become cherished oddballs for collectors. The memorable images paired with the exclusive MLB license made 1964 Topps a landmark set that revolutionized the baseball card industry.

Condition sensitive collector demand has also spawned a thriving market for 1964 Topps replicas and reprints over the years. While these forged reproductions hold no actual value, they allow fans to experience and enjoy displaying the classic cards without spending thousands on pristine vintage originals. Knowledgeable collectors know that only the true vintage Topps issues from the actual original production run in the 1960s hold substantial worth as verifiable assets. Top graded examples remain among the holy grails to find in attics or at flea markets and can mean six figure paydays.

Whether you’re a newcomer to collecting, modern era player collector, or seasoned vintage enthusiast, the 1964 Topps baseball card set offers appeal for all types of hobbyists. With such an iconic design, inclusion of all major stars and rookie talents, plus the renowned Topps exclusivity of the era, demand will always be high. Condition and certification will always maintain 1964 Topps cards as elite trophies and long term keepsakes. From affordable commons to gem mint investment quality veterans and rookies, this set remains a leaderboard choice for enthusiasts to find great deals on or add to any collection for recreational and financial purposes. The classic ’64 Topps cards are true blue chip vintage issues that retain luster as prized vintage memorabilia almost sixty years later.

1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 125

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The 1964 Topps baseball card #125 features one of the game’s most imposing power hitters of the 1960s, Frank Howard. Standing at a towering 6’7″ and weighing in around 250 pounds, Howard was an intimidating presence in the batter’s box who used his incredible size and strength to hit prodigious home runs throughout his career.

The card depicts Howard in his usual intimidating stance, glaring out at the pitcher from under the brim of his batting helmet. In the background is a generic baseball field, with no identifying marks of any team. The 1964 season was Howard’s first with the new Washington Senators franchise after they moved from Minnesota.

After breaking into the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1960, Howard was traded to the Senators in 1963. He became the face of the franchise as the Senators attempted to establish a fan base in their new city. Howard responded by having the best season of his career in 1964. He led the American League with 43 home runs while batting .288 with 103 RBIs. His outstanding power numbers were a rare bright spot for the last place Senators that season.

Howard’s mammoth home run total in 1964 remains tied for the second highest single season total in Senators/Washington Nationals franchise history. Only Jose Canseco has hit more home runs in a season for the Washington ballclub when he slugged 46 dingers in 1999. Howard’s outstanding power display was recognized with his lone All-Star selection and finish as runner up in the AL MVP voting, behind the Minnesota Twins’ Dave Boswell.

The back of Howard’s ’64 Topps card contains statistics from the 1963 and 1964 seasons along with a brief career recap. It notes he debuted as a September callup with the Dodgers in 1960 before becoming the Senators regular first baseman the next season. Howard’s career was off to a slow start with Los Angeles, as he hit just .257 in limited playing time his first two years. His prodigious power was still developing, as evidenced by his modest totals of 8 home runs and 32 RBIs in 1962.

However, Howard began to fulfill his massive home run hitting potential after being traded to the Senators before the 1963 season. In his first full season in Washington, he belted 27 home runs with 83 RBIs and boosted his batting average to .266. His breakout season was 1964, when he led the league in homers and placed second in MVP voting. The bio on the back of the card proclaimed Howard “One of AL’s leading sluggers” after his monster power display.

While pitching was the Senators’ weakness, Howard provided nearly all of their offensive firepower. His towering home runs – often estimated at 450 feet or more – were one of the only forms of consistent entertainment for dwindling Senators crowds. Howard became a fan favorite in Washington thanks to memorable blasts like a 535-foot shot at Griffith Stadium that was measured as the second-longest home run in history at that point.

At just 27 years of age in 1964, Howard seemed poised for continued stardom. But injuries and a new weaker Senators team beginning in 1965 prevented him from achieving his full superstar potential. He still averaged nearly 30 home runs and 90 RBIs per season through 1971, when he was shockingly traded midseason by the Senators back to the Dodgers. Injuries limited his effectiveness the rest of his career, which ended after the 1980 season split between the Washington Nationals, Dodgers, and Detroit Tigers.

In the end, Howard fell just short of 300 career home runs with 290. But his intimidating presence in the batter’s box produced nearly 1,900 hits, nearly 1,100 RBIs, and 1,119 runs scored in 18 seasons. For a brief period in the 1960s, he was one of the most feared sluggers in baseball and the lone reason for fans to attend Senators games during their final seasons in Washington. At the time of this 1964 Topps card, Howard’s massive talents were abundantly clear and he stood out as the lone All-Star for a sad-sack Senators ballclub.

In summary, Frank Howard’s 1964 Topps baseball card #125 memorializes one of the most awesomely powerful hitters of his era. At the height of his powers, he was nearly a one-man team for a last place Senators squad. His prodigious home runs made him a fan favorite and one of the most memorable players from Washington’s early years. While injuries prevented him reaching his full potential, “Hondo’s” dominance during the mid-1960s made him one of the most intimidating sluggers of that power-hitting decade.

1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1964 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the key post-war issues in the hobby. It was the year of the debuts of several future Hall of Famers like Dick Allen, Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, and Steve Carlton. The design featured bright solid colors on a white background with a team logo across the top. It also included some of the earliest “action shot” cards rather than standard posed portraits that were more common in the 1950s and early 60s.

With its historical significance and eye-catching visuals, the 1964 Topps set is a popular target for professional grading by PSA. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect when submitting your 1964s to PSA for authentication and condition assessment.

Population Report

As of 2022, PSA has graded over 600,000 individual 1964 Topps cards in their history. Population figures can vary widely depending on the specific card. Common players may have tens of thousands graded while highly valuable rookie cards could be in the low thousands or less.

Checking the PSA website population report is important for any collector considering a submission. It gives a sense of the overall supply and demand dynamics that influence a card’s potential value based on grade. Higher populations tend to correspond to lower prices, all else being equal.

Grading Standards

Like most vintage issues, a PSA Gem Mint 10 1964 Topps card is effectively flawless. Even the slightest production irregularities or handling wear will cause it to grade lower. Tiny gum stains, off-centered borders, or an ever-so-slight nick or bend can result in a PSA 9 instead. Condition is extremely critical to value with these classic cardboard.

The iconic bright colors of 1964 Topps are very appealing but also vulnerable to fading or discoloration over decades. Harsh chemical dyes combined with sunlight exposure means certain hues like vibrant greens are prone to darkening. Such optical flaws will greatly hamper a card’s numerical grade from PSA. Proper storage helps maximize long-term preservation.

Turnaround Times

Standard PSA grading services for older baseball issues like 1964 Topps currently list estimated completion dates around 9-12 months from receipt. Most experienced third-party submission companies promise faster returns, often 3-6 months, by batching customer orders into larger bulk submissions to PSA. This allows collectors faster access to the market while still gaining the authenticity, analysis, and marketability of a PSA holder and label.

Value Impacts

A 1964 Topps rookie card like Dick Allen or Johnny Bench in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition is worth thousands to tens of thousands depending on player and scarcity. The same card in lower grades sees decreasing values as condition deteriorates.

A PSA 9 can still carry strong four-figure valuations due to rarity and eye appeal despite nominal flaws. But once into the PSA 8 or lower range, values typically plateau in the low hundreds as faults become more evident to buyers. Slabbed grades provide transparent authentication that significantly boosts selling prices over raw or uncertified cards in the collectibles marketplace.

Submission Checklist

When preparing 1964 Topps cards for PSA submission, condition is king. Before paying submission or grading fees, take time to carefully inspect each candidate under bright lighting. Check for:

Front/back centering – How even are the borders all around? Off-center tends to lower grades.

Corners – Look for rounded/blunted versus sharp. Dings lower grades significantly.

Edges – How smooth and crisp are they without nicks or roughness?

Surface – Inspect for scratches, scuffs, stains or residue/debris. Trickier to notice on early color issues.

Colors – Check for fading, darkening or discoloration over time of dyes. Can harm grade.

Only cards in truly pristine condition with no discernible flaws stand a chance at a PSA 9 or 10. Lesser candidates may not be worth the submission costs for a lower expected grade. Take the time to be selective.

In Conclusion

The 1964 Topps baseball set holds immense nostalgia and investment potential for collectors looking to add key pieces to their vintage portfolios. Professionally slabbed examples through PSA provide the authentication and impartial condition assessment necessary to confidently buy, sell, or enjoy these classic cardboard cricketers from an exciting era in the game’s history. With care and diligent selection, collectors stand to realize long-term meaningful returns on investment in their 1964 Topps submissions to PSA.