3 best. 3 worst Topps issues

[Jayworld]

I find it somewhat interesting that in many cases, the year sets that rank high on lists are the ones that people first collected, which suggests more of a nostalgia feel in many respects regarding the rankings.

My first set to complete outright from packs was 1977, but I had been collecting since 1974. I think from pure design and photo quality (as well as backs), the 1976 set is a very clean set. Although the 1975 set gets a lot of love, from the unusual multi-color front designs, the Yount/Brett rookie cards, and the vertical backs, but I think the backs are very hard to read, especially in lower lighting conditions. Heck, I even have to get out a magnifying glass to see the numbers on the backs at times unless I put the card under direct light.

The 1969 and 1964 sets are beautiful sets and nice, clear backs, too. I thought the 1981 set was and unusual and distinct set with the team caps in the lower left corner; they even got the Pirates pillbox cap correct and the Padres "yellow mission bell" front panel on the caps. 1982 was a poor design, as was 1984, which in effect was a redesign of the 1983 cards with action shot and panel.