1973 Topps variations

[parkerj33]

here's a better discussion from Bob...RIP.

http://boblemke.blogspot.com/2010/01...2-1973-as.html

[JollyElm]

I have always listed 5 different variations of the #179 Dick Williams card on my master list.

The top row shows the trio of 'with ear' variations: 1) Natural background; 2) Bright orange; 3) Pale background.

The bottom row shows the two 'without ear' variations: 1) Bright orange; 3) Pale background.

1973williams179b.jpg

Noren's left shoulder and Hoscheit's right shoulder come and go across the 'with and without ear' variations.

Some may consider the orange and pale versions just to be slight color differences in the printing process, and I can understand that thought. However (these are all ebay screen grabs, so the colors aren't consistent with each other), there's no doubt the color differences between the pale and orange cards are quite striking. For my money, they are separate variations.

[JollyElm]

Along the same lines as the Dick Williams card, here is #257 Yogi Berra:



I list 5 variations of this card:
1) Dark background, Walker's ears show and Yost's hat brim pokes out.
2) Pale background, Walker's ears show and Yost's hat brim pokes out.
3) Bright orange background, Walker's ears show and Yost's hat brim pokes out.
4) Bright orange background, Walker's ears are clipped and Yost's brim disappears.
5) Pale background, Walker's ears are clipped and Yost's brim disappears.

Note: There are other small cropping differences in the coach photos, but I just highlighted the 2 readily seen.

[robsbessette]

This is what I find difficult about this set. Most lists that I come across just say there are two versions of each manager card. The subtleties on some of them are so minor that I have a hard time telling the difference. I guess my problem is are these really variations? Or did they just came off presses with slightly different?

Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Photo courtesy of Aaron Shirley from OBC

[JollyElm]

Well, sure, there will always be slight color differences when you have a group of the same cards, but you can easily put them into the categories I listed here. From what I can see, the top 4 cards in your Fox pile would be 'orange' and the bottom two would be 'pale.' If we could see the full cards, I think it would be readily evident where they fit.