Across the wide spectrum of the hobby, collectors will find baseball cards printed in all shapes and sizes. But one of the smallest sets of cards ever created is a relatively oddball issue from 1950. Today, we know this set mostly as the R423 set. 1950 R423 Set Overview The 1950 R423 set is made up of 120 very small baseball cards. The cards were issued in 13-card … [Read more...]
1953 Bowman Black and White Set Complemented the Company’s Color Release
In 1953, Bowman continued its run of collectible baseball card sets with an impressive 160-card offering. Like the company's previous issues, that set included full color cards of players. But also in that year, the company issued a shorter, complementary set of black and white cards. Because of that, this is referred to as the black and white set while the other issue is known … [Read more...]
Wheatland Auction Includes Over 500 Lots of Cards, Memorabilia
High grade vintage sets and near sets from the 1956-1980, numerous T206 cards including a Green Portrait Ty Cobb and a scarce Nap Lajoie error are among the marquee items in Wheatland Auction Services’ newest online auction. In all, over 550 lots are being offered, with many carrying $10 or $20 opening bids. The group of sets includes popular issues such as 1956, 1968 and … [Read more...]
1950 Drake’s TV Cards a Precursor to 1955 Bowman Issue
Whenever vintage collectors think of baseball cards and television, it's usually the 1955 Bowman set that comes to mind. That release would be Bowman's last one before being taken over by Topps. What some collectors don't know, however, is that the look was not an entirely new one. In 1950, Drake's offered a set of baseball cards with a similar design. 1950 Drake's TV … [Read more...]
Comparing Rarity of Topps’ 1951 Blue Backs and Red Backs
While the 1952 Topps set is arguably the company's most iconic issue, a pair of 1951 sets have garnered a lot of interest from vintage collectors. About the 1951 Topps Sets In 1951, Topps printed two types of cards - one with red back and another with blue backs. The cards were actually more than mere trading cards. Rather, they were used to play a baseball game and were … [Read more...]
Oscar Robertson Collection Headlines Lelands Invitational
Basketball legend Oscar Robertson’s personal collection of historic career memorabilia – headlined by his 1971 Milwaukee Bucks NBA championship ring – hockey great Guy Lafleur’s 1976-77 Hart Memorial Trophy and a circa 1941 Ted Williams game-worn cap highlight the Lelands 2018 Invitational Auction, which opened on Monday. Over 1,000 lots are up for grabs in … [Read more...]
1963 JELL-O Cards Mixed Dessert With Baseball
Baseball was wildly popular in the 1960s and throughout the 1900s in general, more and more products wanted to be associated with the game. The 1963 JELL-O set did just that with the company creating a set of baseball cards printed on the exterior of their boxes. It was the second straight year cards were issued on the backs of the company's pudding and gelatin … [Read more...]
Mysterious 1971 Topps Greatest Moments Baseball a Star-Studded Set
Most baseball card sets are full of commons with a selection of star players. But the 1971 Topps Greatest Moments set was the opposite. This short 55-card issue featured primarily big name stars. That, plus an elusiveness that appeals to collectors who like a challenge is what makes it so collectable. Here's a closer look at this unique, oversized set. 1971 Topps … [Read more...]
1960 Topps Tattoos Among Company’s Quirkier Sets
When most collectors think of Topps, their mind generally goes to baseball cards. But the company produced a wide variety of non-card issues and the 1960 Topps Tattoos release was a unique collectible. Tattoos? Yup...well, sort of. There was no artist needed, no painful procedures--and any regrets could be quickly washed away. Here's a bit more on this oddball … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Set Collecting
While set collecting is somewhat of a lost art, there are still many collectors that still pursue complete issues. Many sets aren't too difficult to piece together, but those that are older or rarer can make for a challenging task. Here are ten tips to keep in mind if pursuing a particularly difficult set, no matter the sport. As a precursor, these are only tips. In the end, … [Read more...]