It may be best known for holding the rookie card of baseball’s all-time hits leader, but there is star power from start to finish in what can easily be called the most colorful Topps set of the 1960s. From the debut cards of Rose, Willie Stargell and Tony Oliva to Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax, this set has attracted a lot of interest over the years and later this month, some collectors will get to buy those cards—and others—for less than six bucks each.
In cooperation with Burls Sports, the third Vintage Set Break of the Month is 1963 Topps Baseball.
The set breakdown is: 21% Ex-Mt+, 40% EX and 39% VG-EX. Several star cards have been graded. The Rose rookie card has been rated SGC 60 (EX), the Clemente is SGC 80, the Aaron 
SGC 60 and the Mantle SGC 30. The condition of other major stars can be seen on the Burls Sports website, which includes break information, photos of the major star and rookie cards and an order form.
“I love this set in general because of the great photos and bold colors on the bottom,” stated Burls Sports’ owner Justin Burleson. “Overall, it can be tough on condition, but these cards are really nice.”
The idea for a vintage set break is somewhat similar to the case and box breaks done for current releases. A vintage set is made available by a seller and collectors can then buy a slot (or more). Once all 576 slots have been sold (one for each card in the set), a random drawing is done by computer, the break is presented live online and Burls Sports distributes the cards by mail. Collectors may purchase more than one slot. The card(s) received are determined by the luck of the draw. Everyone who purchased a slot will receive a card. Slots for the break are $5.99. There is a $3 shipping charge.
Of course, the major prize is the card featuring the first Topps image of the future all-time hits leader.
“The Rose rookie is simply iconic,” Burleson said. “Not to mention that it offers the potential for about an 80-100x gain for one lucky slot, as I would value this card at about $500. Not to mention the numerous other Hall of Famers and high numbers which are also a good value.”
The 1963 set marks the third edition of Burls’ Vintage Set Break of the Month. Last month, a 1941 Play Ball set break sold out quickly at $40 per slot. Gregory Cohen drew the Ted Williams, Matthew Neinaber received the Pee Wee Reese rookie card, and the Joe DiMaggio went to Mike Blencoe Jr.
“I have received a lot of positive feedback,” Burleson said of the vintage set break concept. “Our ’41 Play Ball break was a lot of fun, and offered a great return for many participants even at the high price point.”
To see more photos from the set or purchase a slot visit BurlsSports.com. They are on Facebook as well.
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