1953 or 1954 Topps?

[toledo_mudhen]

and you haven't even mentioned the absolute best set of the 50s which is 1955 Topps....... (queue the haters )

[obcbobd]

53 for me

One drawback to the 54 Topps is if you put them in eight page sheets all facing the same way in the front, 1/2 the cards in the back will be upside down

[raulus]

Why not both!?

Aside from the fact that they'll set you back a pretty penny, that is.

Part of the fun with working on a couple of different sets at the same time is that you're unlikely to stall out and get bored for too long, particularly with these sets since the print runs were so large and they are so actively traded today. Even if you're picky and excessively deliberate in your approach, you should have plenty of options for fussing over the details while you carefully make your selections for each piece.

Of course, if you're working on a relatively limited budget and time is a factor, then you're better off just picking one. But barring that, my vote would be for both.

[brian1961]

Howdy, Alaskanmade. I read your OP a couple times and feel you would be best to go with the 1954 Topps HOF set. You point out that you prefer Hank Aaron over Mickey Mantle, and you like Ted Williams. As you know, the '54 Topps has 2 gorgeous Ted Williams cards.

Further, the plethora of colors adds much to the appealing design of the 1954s, giving them a nice variety in presentation. As you stated, you like the signatures on the cards. The addition of the small black 'n white photo accompanying the color shot is usually well-done. All in all, I think 1954 Topps is YOUR best fit, bro.

Now, should there be a 1953 that says, "man, I wish I owned that", fine, buy it and enjoy it. It's not as if you're collecting the set, so a type card or two is a happy place.

Wishing you the very best, and a peaceful, satisfied choice in your decision. Have a grand time, bro.

--- Brian Powell

[insidethewrapper]

Either set would be great to have of HOF'ers. The 1953 Topps Set contains 23 HOF'ers and the 1954 Topps Set has 22 HOF'ers, but 4 are RC's. Good Luck and have fun putting it together.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by toledo_mudhen

and you haven't even mentioned the absolute best set of the 50s which is 1955 Topps....... (queue the haters )

This would be my choice too, or 1956 if you want a Mantle. Picking between 1954 and 1953, it would be 1954 easy. The Aaron RC is the one essential card out of the two sets, plus you have Kaline and Banks RCs and two Ted Williams vs Mantle, Feller, Campy and Paige.

I have never been a fan of the artwork. Is that really Whitey Ford? Compare his 1951 Bowman to the 1953 Topps. Bowman artwork 1950-52 was far superior in my opinion.

[campyfan39]

53 is my favorite all time set.
The art is incredible, its the best image of Jackie, Gilliam, Ford and arguably Mickey.

Also 54 does not have Stachel or Campanella (my fave card of all time)
Other than the Mays where the pose seems out of place it is 53 for me hands down

However, there are some 1953 commons that can be pricey for the player and that is something to consider I suppose.

Good luck and have fun

[kmac32]

1954 Topps for sure as there is the Banks and Aaron rookie cards