Best 1960s Non-Topps Set?
 

Want your opinions... I have a favorite set in every decade except for the '60s. None of the '60s Topps issues really speak to me.
In terms of availability, relative affordability, size of checklist, etc. - the total package - what do you think is the optimal '60s set to start pursuing?

I personally best enjoy the 1961-62 Fleer Greats set. The American design, the large roster of past greats and mediocres. Many dislike the photographs for some cards that show them as old men coaching, but I like that many of the images are not found on other cards. Series 2 is tougher than series 1 but still not difficult, it is fairly cheap to put together and a lot of fun-per-dollar.

1963 Fleer is a nice non-Topps set.

best 60s non- Topps
 

I'm with Phil- 1963 Fleer. Not a huge set, cool look, cool players.

Trent King

It's hard to go wrong with Fleer. You get some Greats either way.

Only downside to 63 is the checklist. It cost me more to get that one than any other card. Mays, Koufax and Clemente were all cheaper.

I would also go with 63 Fleer but I do like the 61/62 Greats. I also like the colorless 60 Leafs which involves some tough variations and proof test cards . Does anyone else collect the marble variations ? ( only kidding )

There's marble variations?! I guess I got more hunting to do :(.

I love the Leaf's. I have put together a series 1 set, the second series is pretty darn tough and I haven't started it yet. The roster of players in it is pretty weak, but that's not a bad thing for the set building wallet.

+1 I'd go '63 Fleer as well.

The checklist is one of those formerly crazy cool cards that you would never get a glimpse of, because it was so rare. Now, you can see a bunch of them anytime you want on eBay. Big bummer.

Jello. Player selection.

It's at least a cute checklist if it's going to be the key card it might as well be a bit less boring than the 57 Topps ones that cost $$$$.

The Adcock it replaced on the sheet is pretty cheap still, last I looked. I did my set for like $150 at a snails pace between 2006 and 2019.

Fleer re-used the design for a full set in 2003 that was pretty cool.

Laughlin World Series?

Jell-O was a smart answer.

Post Cereal and ‘67 Dexter Press for player selection. I’d vote for 1967 Kahn’s but for the fact that they consist of very few teams. :rolleyes:

I also like the 1969 Nabisco set, it has all of the HOF'ers, the images are so gritty and raw, reminiscent of the times in America in 1969. Very cool set.

Did anybody mention '64 stand-ups? I know they're Topps but definitely one to consider if you haven't

Or Hires Root Beer, they're pretty cool too.

I thought Hires were 1958.

My bad, I'm just an excitable boy.

To quote the great Warren Zevon...

Ahoooooooooooooooo.

ummmm kellogg's?

1967 Dexter Press cards are real nice.

Ummmmm sums it up

Probably depends on how far you’re trying to get away from Topps.

For example, there are several OPC sets during the 60s, although some would suggest that those are just Topps, but with a Canadian twist.

There are also several Bazooka issues from the 60s. Take your pick on which one tickles your fancy. Although if I’m not mistaken, that was also a collaboration with Topps.

And although specifically branded as Topps, the 1967 punch outs are good fun to collect.

One last possibility, if you’re looking for pieces that seem relatively available and don’t cost a lot, there’s the 1968 American Oil set.

The mentioned Topps 64 Stand ups were good. The 67 Stand Ups better. And the 67 Punch Outs with their tiny captains ok ( the checklists are nice ) but the 68 3Ds are the best Topps non basic set of the 60s,

The Topps test and supplemental sets of the 60s and early 70s are legendary … But, back to the topic ��

I'm voting for 1962 Jello. Incredibly tough but has all the players. I love that the most valuable cards are rank-and-file players, not Mantle and Mays. And it had a different design than the Post (unlike 1963).

1969 Kellogg

I thought the first Kelloggs set was 1970

Couple of honest questions for you here:

1) Why 62 and not 63? Because 62 is more difficult?

2) How do you feel about the blank backs with the stats on the front instead?

Wouldn't the 1962 Post set be the most affordable of the 61-63 Post/62-63 Jello sets? I would say one of these, with ~200 cards has most of the names you would be looking for.

Hey Richard,

Had already suggested (and still do) the 1963 Fleer baseball set. But to maybe give everyone a much better idea of what you are really interested in, and what would therefore best fit in and complement the rest of your collection, can you share with us what sets you have already collected for your other decades. Thanks.

Double post

Hence the 2nd ummmm:)

That is correct Jay, and what a fantastic first time issue.

I am working on the 63 Fleer set myself, but also think the 60 Leaf set and the 63 Post are good looking cards to collect.

Correct. Not sure what I was thinking of

Thought it was fair game since hire's got mentioned :D

:cool::cool::cool:

1962 Post Cereal, 1963 Post Cereal, 1962 Salada Coins, 1967 Coca-Cola premiums (as produced by the company Coke hired to make them--Dexter Press), and the one that has grown on me the most, even if I don't collect it---1962 JELL-O. --- Brian Powell

The 63 Jellos are identical to the Post Cereals, where the 62 Jellos are distinctive. Both sets are very tough, although 62 is tougher. So it might fit the OP's criteria as well - but it is really fun to collect - generally a life-long pursuit!

I guess if you want to go really nuts then you can collect the complete jello boxes.

Well, there is always poom for Jello.

I am a carnivore:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...0PSA%207.5.jpg

Also like potato chips

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...%20PSA%201.jpg

And maybe some bubble gum to cleanse the palate? Props to the 1960 Fleer set:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...ms_%20Ted.jpeg

And the Nu-Card sets? Fugedaboutit.

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...rd%20Maris.jpg

Excuse me while I whip this out

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...rd%20Boner.jpg

The Salada coins are kind of neat items. Here are some from 1962. There is also an all metal set from 1963.

Opc

'33 Goudeys, '41 Play Balls, '50 Bowmans.

I am going to suggest 1963 Exhibits then. It has a much better player selection than 1963 Fleer. Aaron, Banks, Berra, Clemente, Drysdale, Ford, Kaline, Killebrew, Koufax, Mantle, Mathews, Mays, Musial, Brooks and Frank Robinson, Santo and Spahn. Only 64 cards but you hit all the big names. With that list, I would do the 1963 Topps set, but if you don't like any of the early 60s Topps the 1963 Exhibits is the best alternative.

Thanks for responding Richard. Based on your choices you appear to be choosing normal, well-known and widely issued/distributed card sets, that were sold in packs, of then current players. Not specialty, regional, or oddball issues (stamps, coins, box panels, stickers, posters, stand-ups, and so on), nor as you specified, anything Topps or Topps related. Following those parameters your '60s choices are fairly limited to only the '63 Fleer set. Unless you want and/or are willing to adjust your focus to maybe consider an O-Pee-Chee or Venezuelan set as not Topps related. In your original post you also mentioned as additional concerns and issues, availability, affordability, and checklist size. Those are all able to be met by selecting the '63 Fleer set. It was nationally distributed in packs, all current players (including a Maury Wills rookie card) including many of the then big name stars (Mays, Clemente, Koufax, and such, but no Mantle), with all 66 different players in the set being very available and generally quite affordable. There's even a 67th card, which is the set checklist. Many of the other choices people have listed are wonderful as well, but, they are Topps or Topps related, they weren't distributed in packs, they aren't actually cards, they may include some extremely rare items that will ridiculously hard (and possibly quite expensive) to find, and on and on. Also, based on your other decade's set choices, they are all from the earlier parts of those decades, so a '63 set seems to rather nicely fit into that timeline/frame as well.

Good luck in whichever set you do end up deciding to go with, but given your stated parameters and earlier choices, the only '60's set option that would appear to meet all your wishes is the 1963 Fleer set, if you want to stay consistent with your collecting goals.

Related story, I first became interested in the '63 Fleer set about 25-30 years ago when I came across a guy selling a bunch of them raw at a flea market. Sold me his whole stack of 20 of them in VG-EX to NM condition (including Koufax) for $20. After that, had no choice but to complete the set, right? You'll likely never find a deal like that today, but you should still be able to acquire that entire set fairly easily, and at reasonable prices. I just did a quick Ebay search for "1963 Fleer" in the Sports Card, Memorabilia category, and it pops up with over 19,000 items listed. If you take a quick look, you'll find many '63 Fleer cards in really nice shape listed, and very often at less than $10 a card. Also, the vast majority of them are not graded (which I personally prefer). And there even appears to be a near set (58/66) for sale individually by Greg Morris Cards right now, which looks to include all the big-name players in the set. The Greg Morris listed cards all have the bright blue background behind them, so easy to spot and find, and all look to be in really nice shape as well. There's another current thread on this same Pre-1980 Post-War forum about grading by Greg Morris Cards, which speaks well of his grading and overall reputation, if you become inclined to go in that direction. When it comes to the '60's, have always felt the '63 Fleer set was one of, if not the most, underappreciated and undervalued regular card sets of that entire decade. Be sure and let us know what you finally decide, and again, good luck in whatever set you end up choosing.

Having completed most of the major sets (1948-2022) I've been looking for a new goal. I've been trying to get at least one "odd ball" set from every year 1953-1969. It's not easy as there are some lean years to be sure. Some of these aren't even started, some are partly done, some are complete.

I preferred sets that were distributed nationally if possible, unless one struck my fancy (see 1953) and they had to be issued by themselves (not as pack inserts), and reasonably and affordably able to complete

Here are my set goals

1953 Johnston Cookies (done)
1954 Red Man (done)
1955 Topps Double Header
1956 ? No clue. Taking suggestions
1957 ? No clue. Taking suggestions
1958 Hires
1959 Armour Coins
1960 Leaf
1961 Baseball Scoops (done)
1962 Post (done)
1963 Stat Back Exhibit
1964 Topps Giant (done)
1965 Old London Coins
1966 Bazooka
1967 Kahn's
1968 Topps Posters (done)
1969 Topps Stamps

Thanks
 

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.
I don't like the fact that there's no Mantle or Killebrew, but overall it looks like '63 Fleer is the probable winner. I'll just get a Topps Mantle or something to pop in there... a lil' mix and match to fill the holes.

One of these days (later days) I'm going to rebuild the '71 Topps set that I had, but sold. Boy, wish I'd never done that....

Thanks again, all.

1956- Topps pins or Yellow basepath pins, love both.
Or 1956 JD McCarthy Postcards? Not sure if they're technically 1956. Honestly could probably be used for any date in the late 50s.

1957- Swift meats is all I really know of a major league oddball release that has more than one team represented. Expensive as hell and not the greatest to look at pieces of players in my opinion. But still a really cool set.

One of the worst years for Oddball card issues ever.

You could get this Mantle

Attachment 541787

Mike

Yup, just found out about this insert set. Honestly, that seals the deal! I'm excited.

Richard,

I think '63 Fleer is your best, wisest choice, in looking at what you're trying to do. And even though Mantle isn't in the original set, as another poster pointed out, there is a 1998 Fleer Tradition fantasy card #67 of Mantle that fits in perfectly with the original '63 set. And another quick Ebay search turns up three of those Mantles for sale right now. Two BINs for $14.99 or $9.99, and both with free shipping, and one auction with a $2.95 opening bid and a $4.95 shipping charge, and no bids so far, and which ends this Thursday. So, you should easily be able to fill that Mantle void for less than $10.00.

And another great choice I think if you go with the '71 Topps set for your '70's set. I don't believe there is a comparable non-Topps or non-Topps related set issued in the '70's that goes along with your earlier decade choices otherwise. However, nice condition hi-number '71's can be a little difficult, and pricey, depending a lot on how condition sensitive you are. As a possible back-up/alternative, I'd suggest the '72 Topps set then, for the rather unique and outstanding card design if nothing else.

And if you do decide to move forward to the '80's and later decades then, your non-Topps options are wide open. Have fun!

It's a great set.

I got mine about 40 years ago in an Irv Lerner auction.

Mike

Good luck on your chase, it’s a very fun little set to put together.

I see that I'm late to the show, and it seems you already made up your mind, but allow me to throw in another vote for the '63 stat back Exhibits. The Fleer set is gorgeous, but the Exhibits from 1963 have an incredible player selection. Made up of nearly 1/3 HOFers, it includes the Mantle and Killebrew you mentioned, along with Musial and Aaron, who are not found in Fleer (which has rather modest HOF representation). Like Fleer, it has the Maury Wills following his incredible MVP season, and has Maris as well, along with Ken Hubbs not long before his tragic demise. The set is comparatively inexpensive and is a reminder of a genre of cards that dates back to the 20's yet the stat backs make it distinguishable.
Good luck in your quest.