Should I start a 1951 Topps Complete Set

[aelefson]

I really like the 51s, especially the red backs. It is full of hall of famers and relatively cheap due to a large unopened find in the 1980s. I also like that it is the first, baseball only, card set produced by Topps.

Edited to add, I have put the set together multiple times and it all depends on condition. No more than a few hundred for a very presentable set, and maybe less if you can get a group lot. It all depends on how much condition matters to you.

Alan

[nolemmings]

The '51s are not a great investment, IMO; however, from a purely collecting standpoint, I think it's a great set, for reasons you mentioned. Because they are generally well-centered, are thicker (less likely to crease) and have rounded corners, they easily make a presentable set. Even the HOFers are doable, and you can still find unopened red-back "packs" for relatively cheap, if you're looking for a neat companion/display piece. A great way to get a handle on the stars of the day. The blue backs are tougher and in some ways less desirable (not a great player selection), and blue-back panels are difficult if you're looking to add one for overall completeness, but I think you will find chasing this set enjoyable. Good luck.

[ALR-bishop]

I have collected all five of the 1951 sets. The red and blue backs are the easiest, with the blues being the harder of the two. The other 3, the Current and Connie Mack All Stars, and the Team cards are all tougher, and more expensive too. The latter 3, being scarcer, are also more likely to increase in value, if that is a factor for you. I agree that the red backs would not be that expensive to assemble over time, but it is not a very exciting set. The blues a little tougher and a little more expensive

Judging by current ebay listings for both, I don't think finding them will be tough

Two similar sets in terms of size, but easier and less expensive, would be the 69 Topps Deckle set or the 68 Topps game set,both of which have more star players

[6-4-3memorabilia]

here is an article about the set
http://www.psacard.com/Articles/Arti...d-war-ii-issue

[bn2cardz]

Originally Posted by 6-4-3memorabilia

it looks pretty tough, I would stay away personally because they are hard to find (even many dealers don't have them in stock) and most people consider the 1952 Topps set the "first Topps set" right or wrong. Its one of those forgotten sets in the card collecting world

Originally Posted by 6-4-3memorabilia

here is an article about the set
http://www.psacard.com/Articles/Arti...d-war-ii-issue

Even though he said the full set it looks like he only meant the full red and blue back cards not the All Star cards. The 51 blue and red, as mentioned, aren't that hard to find.

I have never built the set but as often as partial sets come up for sale it seems to be a fairly easy set to put together and relatively cheap.

[6-4-3memorabilia]

Originally Posted by bn2cardz

Even though he said the full set it looks like he only meant the full red and blue back cards not the All Star cards. The 51 blue and red, as mentioned, aren't that hard to find.

I have never built the set but as often as partial sets come up for sale it seems to be a fairly easy set to put together and relatively cheap.

you maybe right, considering there are no huge players like Williams and Dimaggio in the set. Looks like the top player is Yogi. Just from my experience at shows I don't see many dealers with them. Ones that do have them generally have 1 or 2 and they are always beat to hell where they are in the $4 vintage bin

[K-Nole]

GREAT!!!

I think me and Zack will go ahead and do it then!

We do not collect for the resale value, but only for the fun of the hobby and the father - son time, so the condition of the cards are not a consideration really. Just no pin holes, writing of any kind, no paper loss and no other intentional damage. Creases and soft corners are not a big deal for us.

Now, we need to finish the 71 set first, and then IT IS ON!!!

thanks so much guys!!

[6-4-3memorabilia]

Originally Posted by K-Nole

GREAT!!!

I think me and Zack will go ahead and do it then!

We do not collect for the resale value, but only for the fun of the hobby and the father - son time, so the condition of the cards are not a consideration really. Just no pin holes, writing of any kind, no paper loss and no other intentional damage. Creases and soft corners are not a big deal for us.

Now, we need to finish the 71 set first, and then IT IS ON!!!

thanks so much guys!!

At the end of the day that's the idea of the hobby, its more fun to share it esp with a son. My dad was never into cards or collecting so I always did it with my brother