[jchcollins]

I've always thought that the '56 set was the apotheosis of the Topps bubble gum era. Yeah, I realize it's a bandwagon set these days and that everyone loves it, but my opinion was formed back in the late 1980's when there was a lot less hobby literature at least that I could readily get my hands on as a kid. The Clemente from that set might as well be card porn, it's incredible. Beyond that I don't think there is really a bad looking card in the set. Also just something about how the colors pop, and the way the action photos still have a vintage look to them because they were tinted. The Carl Furillo is another one, head shot with the brown collar from his warmup jacket showing, and the action shot is him scoring on Yogi Berra in the '53 World Series.

Beyond that on this list, I'd have to probably say '67 Topps because it's just such a clean and uncluttered look. The stars from that set just jump out at you and they are all classic.

Those are my 2 favorites, but all in all - there are attributes from just about all 50's and 60's Topps sets that I love. '62 Topps is another. I love that look of the peeled back photo on the wood grain and then BOOM there are the names. Subtle but bold at the same time. Ryne DUREN. Mickey MANTLE. Classic.