1975 Topps Minis

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Topps did a myriad of test issues in the 60s and early 70s. Some issued, some not. Some magnificent (68 3d) , some not so much ( 74 Action Emblems) Most were never further developed. But while the later 85 minis went nowhere,Topps did issue several mini issues in the 80s and early 90s. Most not very successful

The 85 minis are my favorite set of the 80s. So many versions, some still being located (the finds of two new versions in the past year or two)and my personal favorite topps design of the 80's. Love em.

On topic, still confused on the turn with 75 and collectors. Growing up the minis always carried a premium, it seems that has turned with many collectors. Much to my happiness as I still take the mini over regular every time.

I agree the logic would have been cost savings and testing a permanent card size reduction much like they did in the 50's.

[paul]

Justin, what are the different versions of the 85 minis? I'm familiar only with the regular and blank backs. Thanks.

[ALR-bishop]

I have finished the set in regular back and blank back. There are tan and white blank backs. I also have the set about half
done in red only backs, no green. Not sure if it can be completed that way. Also have a half dozen with swirl backs, the red and green smeared together. Maybe there are others. Have some uncut panels but no sheets

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by paul

Justin, what are the different versions of the 85 minis? I'm familiar only with the regular and blank backs. Thanks.

Like Al mentioned the most known are printed backs and blank. Of the blank the tan is much rarer than the white to locate. Off the top of my head I think there were only 5 tan sheets. The red print only existed in only one known sheet. I have no idea as to how many of the error or swirl sheets exist.

As far as 85 having such variety adds to my love for the year. They had the minis, regular, Tiffany, and Giant. Newer finds included the Acme and Fuch proof version of the 85's that came to auction in 2015 can likely never be assembled as a set as only the 117 Acme cards and 100 Fuch cards are known. I was lucky enough to get type examples when board member TATSR broke some of the group up on eBay. There is one example posted on there now, these are blue backed.

Here is a current listing for an example because I don’t have a scan handy - https://www.ebay.com/itm/PSA-1985-To...4AAOSw6vBeBnsc

Edited to say the link was for example, that valuation is nuts. Lol.

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[JustinD]

Bringing it back to the original post subject because I want to put the train back on track.

Does anyone else feel that the 75 minis were of a stricter quality control that their regular sized counterparts? While hundreds of miscuts and wrong backs flipped print sheets exist on eBay daily, the errors are far less seen in the minis. As an error collector I am checking for severe errors fairly consistently and have noted this.

I feel it lends credence that unlike an general test looking to be an additional topps line the printer may have saw this as a possible bigger contract if the real thought was changing the future size of cards for cost saving

[steve B]

I wonder if the size let them print three sheets on the same size stock as the regular two sheets side by side format.

If the ones I have are any indicator, the QC may have weeded out major miscuts etc, but the centering wasn't improved at all.