Best 1960s Non-Topps Set?

[darkhorse9]

Having completed most of the major sets (1948-2022) I've been looking for a new goal. I've been trying to get at least one "odd ball" set from every year 1953-1969. It's not easy as there are some lean years to be sure. Some of these aren't even started, some are partly done, some are complete.

I preferred sets that were distributed nationally if possible, unless one struck my fancy (see 1953) and they had to be issued by themselves (not as pack inserts), and reasonably and affordably able to complete

Here are my set goals

1953 Johnston Cookies (done)
1954 Red Man (done)
1955 Topps Double Header
1956 ? No clue. Taking suggestions
1957 ? No clue. Taking suggestions
1958 Hires
1959 Armour Coins
1960 Leaf
1961 Baseball Scoops (done)
1962 Post (done)
1963 Stat Back Exhibit
1964 Topps Giant (done)
1965 Old London Coins
1966 Bazooka
1967 Kahn's
1968 Topps Posters (done)
1969 Topps Stamps

[lampertb]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.
I don't like the fact that there's no Mantle or Killebrew, but overall it looks like '63 Fleer is the probable winner. I'll just get a Topps Mantle or something to pop in there... a lil' mix and match to fill the holes.

One of these days (later days) I'm going to rebuild the '71 Topps set that I had, but sold. Boy, wish I'd never done that....

Thanks again, all.

[mikemb]

Originally Posted by lampertb

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.
I don't like the fact that there's no Mantle or Killebrew, but overall it looks like '63 Fleer is the probable winner. I'll just get a Topps Mantle or something to pop in there... a lil' mix and match to fill the holes.

One of these days (later days) I'm going to rebuild the '71 Topps set that I had, but sold. Boy, wish I'd never done that....

Thanks again, all.

You could get this Mantle

OIP.jpg

Mike

[lampertb]

Yup, just found out about this insert set. Honestly, that seals the deal! I'm excited.

Originally Posted by mikemb

You could get this Mantle

Attachment 541787

Mike

[mikemb]

It's a great set.

I got mine about 40 years ago in an Irv Lerner auction.

Mike

[G1911]

Originally Posted by lampertb

Yup, just found out about this insert set. Honestly, that seals the deal! I'm excited.

Good luck on your chase, it’s a very fun little set to put together.

[nolemmings]

I see that I'm late to the show, and it seems you already made up your mind, but allow me to throw in another vote for the '63 stat back Exhibits. The Fleer set is gorgeous, but the Exhibits from 1963 have an incredible player selection. Made up of nearly 1/3 HOFers, it includes the Mantle and Killebrew you mentioned, along with Musial and Aaron, who are not found in Fleer (which has rather modest HOF representation). Like Fleer, it has the Maury Wills following his incredible MVP season, and has Maris as well, along with Ken Hubbs not long before his tragic demise. The set is comparatively inexpensive and is a reminder of a genre of cards that dates back to the 20's yet the stat backs make it distinguishable.
Good luck in your quest.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by lampertb

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.
I don't like the fact that there's no Mantle or Killebrew, but overall it looks like '63 Fleer is the probable winner. I'll just get a Topps Mantle or something to pop in there... a lil' mix and match to fill the holes.

One of these days (later days) I'm going to rebuild the '71 Topps set that I had, but sold. Boy, wish I'd never done that....

Thanks again, all.

Richard,

I think '63 Fleer is your best, wisest choice, in looking at what you're trying to do. And even though Mantle isn't in the original set, as another poster pointed out, there is a 1998 Fleer Tradition fantasy card #67 of Mantle that fits in perfectly with the original '63 set. And another quick Ebay search turns up three of those Mantles for sale right now. Two BINs for $14.99 or $9.99, and both with free shipping, and one auction with a $2.95 opening bid and a $4.95 shipping charge, and no bids so far, and which ends this Thursday. So, you should easily be able to fill that Mantle void for less than $10.00.

And another great choice I think if you go with the '71 Topps set for your '70's set. I don't believe there is a comparable non-Topps or non-Topps related set issued in the '70's that goes along with your earlier decade choices otherwise. However, nice condition hi-number '71's can be a little difficult, and pricey, depending a lot on how condition sensitive you are. As a possible back-up/alternative, I'd suggest the '72 Topps set then, for the rather unique and outstanding card design if nothing else.

And if you do decide to move forward to the '80's and later decades then, your non-Topps options are wide open. Have fun!

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by darkhorse9

Having completed most of the major sets (1948-2022) I've been looking for a new goal. I've been trying to get at least one "odd ball" set from every year 1953-1969. It's not easy as there are some lean years to be sure. Some of these aren't even started, some are partly done, some are complete.

I preferred sets that were distributed nationally if possible, unless one struck my fancy (see 1953) and they had to be issued by themselves (not as pack inserts), and reasonably and affordably able to complete

Here are my set goals

1953 Johnston Cookies (done)
1954 Red Man (done)
1955 Topps Double Header
1956 ? No clue. Taking suggestions
1957 ? No clue. Taking suggestions
1958 Hires
1959 Armour Coins
1960 Leaf
1961 Baseball Scoops (done)
1962 Post (done)
1963 Stat Back Exhibit
1964 Topps Giant (done)
1965 Old London Coins
1966 Bazooka
1967 Kahn's
1968 Topps Posters (done)
1969 Topps Stamps

1956- Topps pins or Yellow basepath pins, love both.
Or 1956 JD McCarthy Postcards? Not sure if they're technically 1956. Honestly could probably be used for any date in the late 50s.

1957- Swift meats is all I really know of a major league oddball release that has more than one team represented. Expensive as hell and not the greatest to look at pieces of players in my opinion. But still a really cool set.

One of the worst years for Oddball card issues ever.