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davidcyclebackThe unlicensed cards are called Broders. Broders were typically made in the correct year, but there were no rights to make them and limits on production. For example, one 1969 Reggie Jackson Broder was actually made in 1969.
One problem with unlicensed cards is, if the player suddenly got popular, the maker could simply print more cards. On the other hand, if Topps or Fleer had a MLBPA (player's union) and MLB licenses to use player and team images, they weren't allowed to make any more cards at a later date. In fact, today's production runs may be set in the contracts. I know the MLBPA contract sets the number of different sets a company can issue in a year, and the union even reviews and okays the card designs.
Duly not that most 1970s-80s licensed Minor League team sets had a very limited production, as they were intended to for the hometown fans at the small town local ball park in Vermont, Iowa or wherever. They were typically issued in factory team sets and, as with the Star Co. NBA sets, today are commonly collected, bought and sold in the team set form. Though some collectors no doubt pull the Cal Ripken Jr and Don Mattingly singles for grading.