Quote:
Originally Posted by MCoxon
I'm not sure if the population is that much lower - certainly PSA pops are not much higher in 1961 vs., say 1956 or 1957
1956: 260,000
1957: 250,000
1961: 275,000
however, that is only graded population. It could be that there are a lot more ungraded 1961s because of lower value/interest.
I wonder if they're also plentiful (at least for acquisition by sale/trade) because, frankly, they're pretty ugly. As a player collector, I find that many players have their worst base card image in 1961 (e.g., Mays, Banks, Clemente). Many hatless shots, and just not a good looking design
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MCoxon--- I had to stop and think about how large those graded numbers of mainstream Topps are. Nothing "stream" about 250-275 K, that's a huge ocean. Honestly, I love the '61s, but sentimentality rules, I'm sure, since I began collecting cards in '61.
However, you do bring up a good point about the lackluster poses. More than some are downright disgusting, bizarre, or just plain uninspiring. Now, I love the Ernie Banks; he has this super nice, warm smile. But Willie Mays---his worst card. You mentioned Clemente and it's lousy. The Hank Aaron looks bizarre. So many of the 6th and 7th series have this extra dark background.
Yet, they made a plethora of special cards that I find appealing---the league leaders, World Series, multi-player, headline events of the past (I adore the 565-foot Mickey Mantle home run!), Most Valuable Player winners, Sporting News All-Stars, and the team cards with a variety of background colors. Collectively, those special cards make the set a good one.
Still, you are so right about all those hatless shots, and the kazillion head shots. Here Topps makes a design that allows them extra room for the player photo, and they muff their chance!
Nice "talking with you".
Take care. --- Brian Powell