1956 WINS!! Now its time to get Started.

[cdn_collector]

Between '53 and '56, I would go with '56.

The '53s look better in my opinion, but the player selection in the '56 set is what wins me over. Having Paige in the '53 set is a strong argument for it, but the '56 set has Aaron, Clemente, Koufax, Snider, Banks, Kaline and probably others.

Perhaps I should also admit that '56 Mantle is in my top 10 favourite cards of any era

Good luck whatever you choose.

Cheers,

Richard.

[the 'stache]

Steven, this is like asking me "Bill, which sports car would you rather drive, a Maserati, or a Ferrari?" Both are great answers, and no matter which one you go with, you're getting a hell of a set to add to your collection.

I think in this case, I'm going to agree with the majority here, and go with the '56 set as well. First of all, your wife is already interested in the set, which is a huge plus. It's something you can share together. Also, when it comes time to add that Mantle, or one of the second year cards, she'll be a little easier to convince when it comes time to pull out the checkbook.

I like the '56 set because visually, it's just beautiful (but then again, so is the '53 set). Plus, as has already been mentioned, the player selection is superb. I love the '53 set, but collecting it would be a little less enjoyable because so many of my favorite players from that era wouldn't be in it: no Kaline, Aaron, Matthews, Banks, Clemente, Killebrew or Koufax because they hadn't made it to the Majors yet, and there's no Ted Williams or Stan Musial, either.

I also think the '56 set is going to be more affordable in mid grade + condition.

Whatever you do choose, have fun, and make sure to tell your wife how cool we all think she is.

Bill

[jasonc]

Once again, gotta agree with what is being said here. The player selection in 1956 is awesome. That's my vote. Plus a really nice looking set with the backgrounds.

[NateMack]

I recommended this to another collector recently, but how about doing them both at the same time. You really do save money in the long run by finding great deals across multiple sets collected at the same time. Then you can whittle down a pair of sets at the same time and put the money you save into one of the higher priced stars that both sets have in them.

That being said, the 56 set is much, much easier to complete. The 53 set has about 60 high numbers and the 53 Mays and Mantle cards are going to be high dollar in any grade. The 56 set has only 1 real high dollar card, the Mantle, and it is a fraction of the cost of the 53 Mantle.

What grade are you going to collect in these sets? Are you going slabbed or raw?

[shernan30]

Originally Posted by NateMack

I recommended this to another collector recently, but how about doing them both at the same time. You really do save money in the long run by finding great deals across multiple sets collected at the same time. Then you can whittle down a pair of sets at the same time and put the money you save into one of the higher priced stars that both sets have in them....

I like the idea, never thought of that. The biggest thing that would hold me back is the 2 Mantles I would need. Having 2 Mantles never hurt anyone though .