Historically Significant Post-War Sets

[ALR-bishop]

Earlier challenge to Topps than 1981.

For the Bowman reaction to the 1952 Topps set see The Bubble Gum War, the Great Bowman and Topps Sets, 1948 to 1955

1974 (maybe 1973 :-), no more series issues

And of course, Christmas Rack Packs :-}}}

[savedfrommyspokes]

Good choices as well as reasons for these sets to be considered significant sets.....I could add the 73 set as a significant set also because it was the first Topps set to not be issued by series (or the 74 set for those who believe the 73 set was issued by series). By having all of the cards issued at once, it completely changed the dynamic for set builders, even today. Much easier to build a post 73 set as there are NO tough/scarce high numbers to contend with.

[judsonhamlin]

Good point about the 63 Fleer, and I guess '60 Leaf might count as well. 1974 (or is it 1973) also is a good call for the lack of series.
Any love for Sportflics? Kind of an evolutionary dead-end...

[sbfinley]

1993 Topps Finest. Showed that premium priced packs had a place in the hobby and introduced the Chrome printing that rules the modern landscape.

[JollyElm]

You can throw 1971 into the mix, too, as it was the first time 'regular' cards had game action shots on them.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Took quality to a whole new level IMO. Chrome was a step backwards. These cards were truly beautiful.

[Rookiemonster]

1996 upperdeck - first jersey cards

1993 finest - first refractors

1990 upper deck - first autographs in pack (Reggie Jackson )

Like it or not it changed the card landscape .

[begsu1013]

loved sportsflics.

1990 leaf blew my mind.

most hideous set ever, imo:

1991 studio. that set was a joke. olan mills musta been the head photographer. beginning of the end.