The Last Great Post-War set

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Posted By: Jason L

no one has really outlined what it takes to BE a classic set!

I just found this thread, for some reason I skipped it, but I do love this kind of topic.

From what I gather from the posts above (and my own preferences, because let's not forget those!), a classic set would require some of the follwing attributes:

-A great, attractive graphic design
-issued in series
-should contain a few key cards, either rookies or very desirable hard-to-gets
-should be connected to your childhood collecting

what else?

I would add:
1) 1978 Topps (simple borders, game on back, Murray, Trammell, Molitor, Murphy rookies, Dawson's second year)

2) I would add to the 1984 Donruss, the 1985 Donruss. The factory fresh set is absolutely gorgeous, and has Puckett and Clemens rookies


I would agree, that if you were to label sets liek we do with the name "key card" I would call the 1984 and 1985 Donruss, along with the 1984 Fleer-Update as the key sets of the 1980s

In fact, that might be an interesting debate to take it one level up: What are the "Key Sets" from each decade?

1950s: 1952 Topps, 1953 Topps, 1953 Bowman Color, 1957 Topps
1960s: 1961 Topps, 1968 Topps
1970s: 1975 Topps, 1978 Topps
1980s: 1984&85 Donruss, 1984 Fleer Update
1990s: who cares?
2000s: Heritage, Allen & Ginter

thoughts?