75 Topps Minis - observations and a question

[Kutcher55]

Hi, I just picked up a Topps mini starter set (~450 cards). Really psyched to finally build a modest version of this set. Anyway, a few observations and questions:

1. This must be one of the hardest sets out there to find centered. Between the narrowness of the side borders, combined with the penchant for diamond cuts, not to mention, the front and back seem to be rarely aligned. PSA 8+ really must earn it in this set. Can't even imagine how hard it must be to find a legit 10.

2. I have noticed that there seems to be a random card every 100 or so that is very much a different size from top to bottom. Some of them are noticeably shorter than standard while others are significantly longer. These are commons and there's next to no chance they have been tampered with IMO. Seems like a factory issue. I haven't built that many sets so I don't know if this issue is unique to the 75 minis, but it was surprising to see.

3. For people who own this set, I'm sure this question comes up a lot. How do you store them? Is there a box that works well? What about any customized binders that accommodate the smaller size? Any advice here is appreciated. Looking for a fun way to do this.

[commishbob]

I’ve sort of paused my pursuit of this set but I’m about ready to go after the last 100 or so I lack.

I haven’t noticed the variance in ‘size’ being any more pronounced that other Topps sets of that era. But I’m not the most observant collector when it comes to things like that. Given that they quite possibly (probably) used a different facility for printing or at least cutting its not surprising.

Ultra Pro makes 9 pockets for these. I got mine on Amazon. Don’t remember if they have a number but I’ll check in a bit. They are Ultra Pro # 84307

[commishbob]

I couldn't find them on Amazon and a search of Ultra Pro's site shows them to be 'Out of Print".

I found them on this site (which I can't vouch for as I've never used it). I didn't go any further than that on Google but at least they are out there.

[Kutcher55]

Thanks for the tips Bob!

[ocjack]

I sold my complete set years ago, but recently stumbled across a handful of about 100 cards that had been tucked away. Out of that group, one card stands taller than those around it. I don't recall that being an issue with the set, but it supports your theory that a percentage of cards are cut larger than the rest of the set. Just my 2cents.

[JollyElm]

You don't live out here in California, do you? At card shows, these guy are everywhere. We never had them or even SAW them in New York, and our first realization that they existed came from pictures in one of those photocopied catalogues from a mail-away card collecting company, but they are ridiculously plentiful on this coast.

Every thread needs a card (and you're right about the centering issues)...

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[Lucas00]

In my lot of about 160 '75 minis I have one that is extremely large like you said. It noticeably sticks out when stacked up with the others.

[Tom S.]

Great set to start up Jason!

You've already noticed that the centering on this set can be problematic - it's got to be one of the worst sets from the '70s in that regard. As far as card height goes, the red/yellow and green/yellow color combinations are the ones that are notorious for being short - must be where the cards were positioned on the sheet when they were cut at the factory.