The 1968 Topps baseball card set was a truly iconic year in the history of baseball cards. Issued by Topps in 1968, the set features 660 total cards and was the 22nd series of baseball cards produced by Topps since 1938. Something unique about the 1968 Topps set is that it was the last year that cards were sold in tin containers which collectors had become accustomed to seeing on store shelves for decades. Starting in 1969, Topps would transition to selling cards exclusively in wax wrapped packs.
One of the most notable aspects of the 1968 Topps cards is the photograph quality and style. Topps photographers captured wonderful action shots that really made the cards pop visually. Many of the photos featured the players mid-swing at the plate or winding up on the mound which lent dynamism and excitement to each card. The colorful solid borders also helped the images stand out distinctly. Topps also varied the background colors used on the cards which added to their aesthetic appeal and collectibility.
Rookies featured in the 1968 Topps set include future Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Joe Morgan, and Bill Madlock. Other noteworthy rookies included Bobby Cox, Tommy John, Terry Harmon, Bobby Bonds, Dan Frisella, and Ken Holtzman. Collectors love pursuing high grade rookie cards from this classic set to this day. The photo on Reggie Jackson’s rookie card perfectly captures his batting stance and swing in vivid detail. Joe Morgan’s card highlights his excellent fielding skills at second base.
Among the biggest star players featured throughout the 1968 Topps set are Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, Harmon Killebrew, and Roberto Yastrzemski. Hank Aaron’s powerful swing is on full display on his card along with his stats from the previous season. Seeing legends like Mays, Clemente, and Mantle in their playing prime through these photos is really special for fans and collectors. Koufax’s card acknowledges his dominance on the mound as a four-time Cy Young award winner.
Topps also included subset cards in the 1968 set paying tribute to the 1967 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. These 12 cards spotlight iconic plays and key players from that classic fall classic. There are also All-Star cards highlighting the top talent that took the field in the 1968 Midsummer Classic. Other subset categories included Topps’ “Leaders” cards honoring statistical champions and “Rookie Stars” cards focusing on top first-year players.
In terms of production statistics, the 1968 Topps baseball card set had a print run estimated between 80-100 million cards. This massive issue was split between four series: Series 1 consisted of cards #1-160; Series 2 was #161-332; Series 3 ran #333-504; and Series 4 completed the set with #505-660. The tremendous popularity of the sport at this time led to enormous demand for the cards which could be found in retail outlets nationwide.
Along with its iconic photographs, artwork, and roster of future Hall of Famers, one of the main attractions of the 1968 Topps set for collectors today are the autographs that can sometimes be found. Since Topps would often send teams sets of blanks for players to sign before games, signed 1968s do pop up here and there. Some of the biggest star autographed ’68 Topps that surface fetch premium prices, especially for names like Aaron, Mays, Clemente and Koufax. Finding a low-numbered rookie card signed only adds to the excitement and value.
The 1968 Topps baseball card set was truly one of the most memorable and collectible issues ever produced by the longtime card manufacturer. Beautiful photography, a who’s who of baseball legends, exciting rookie stars, and classic design elements all contribute to its lasting popularity and importance today among vintage collectors. Over 50 years after they first appeared shelved in stores, these iconic cards continue to thrill fans both young and old with a nostalgic look back at one of baseball’s golden eras.
