1950 Bowman Question

[Kevin]

Interesting question. I have about 80 cards. I was really into the St Louis Browns in the 80s. My dad’s American League team. I was at this card show in Massapequa and picked up a bunch of commons in a rubber band for $10.

So, I toyed with the idea of completing it myself. I figure once I get the t206 situation settled, I’ll complete the C46 and 1950 Bowman as well.

[skelly423]

The 1950 Bowman set is a great set to dive into. There's a unique finish to the 1950 cards that's probably best described as a grained finish. If you look at 2 or 3 in hand, you'll know exactly what I mean. The borders on the originals are
a cream/vanilla color. The reprints I've seen have a smoother, glossier and whiter finish. I've attached scans of an original Yogi Berra and a reprint to help explain what I mean.

In my experience fakes are not a major problem in this set; realistically the only card in the set worth counterfeiting is the Robinson. One of the giveaways I've seen on that is the seal on the back of the card. On originals it's always red. On fakes, I've seen it in black.

[ngrow9]

Originally Posted by skelly423

The 1950 Bowman set is a great set to dive into. There's a unique finish to the 1950 cards that's probably best described as a grained finish. If you look at 2 or 3 in hand, you'll know exactly what I mean. The borders on the originals are
a cream/vanilla color. The reprints I've seen have a smoother, glossier and whiter finish. I've attached scans of an original Yogi Berra and a reprint to help explain what I mean.

In my experience fakes are not a major problem in this set; realistically the only card in the set worth counterfeiting is the Robinson. One of the giveaways I've seen on that is the seal on the back of the card. On originals it's always red. On fakes, I've seen it in black.

Super helpful, thanks!

[ngrow9]

One follow-up question: is the text on the back always black, or can it be blue (I saw an ungraded Jackie on eBay with blue text, which I'm guessing suggests it's not authentic)?

[skelly423]

I've never seen a 1950 with blue text. I'd be extremely skeptical of blue text on any 1950 Bowman, but if it's on the Robinson, you can count on it being a fake.

[ngrow9]

Thanks again!

[pingman59]

I collected the set many years ago and regretted not buying the Jackie Robinson early in the journey. Instead, it was the last card I needed and I settled on a slightly lesser condition for financial reasons. I really like the 1950 Bowman set because there isn't a Mays or Mantle in it. The price guides say cards #1-72 are difficult to get and that is true. My experience has been that the first series of 36 cards are tougher than #37-72. Whenever you see a card from #1-36 in the condition you like...BUY IT and you won't regret it. I'm still wanting to upgrade my Bob Feller card and it keeps getting more expensive. Enjoy the journey!