Vintage Set Break of the Week: 1959 Topps

To most collectors, the 1959 Topps set was an upgrade in terms of design from the 1958 issue. The lower case font was definitely different and so were the round pictures surrounded by bold-colored backgrounds. Mickey Mantle’s card was in the first series, meaning kids didn’t have to wait long to pull the popular slugger’s card from packs.  Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson’s rookie card (on a pink background, no less) is a pricey part of the final series. Topps increased the size of the set to 572 cards, with dozens of Hall of Famers and a high-series run of All Star cards.

BurlsSports.com’s Set Break of the Week is a 1959 Topps set in VG-EX to EX condition with the Gibson card carrying an autograph and “rookie” inscription.

Grades for the key cards are as follows:  #10 Mickey Mantle PSA 5 EX, #50 Mays VG-EX, #150 Musial EX, #163 Koufax VG-EX, #202 Maris VG-EX, #212 Fence Busters EX-MT, #350 Banks EX, #380 Aaron VG-EX, #461 Mantle EX-MT, #478 Clemente VG, #514 Bob Gibson RC PSA/DNA Auto, #515 Killebrew VG-EX, #561 Aaron AS EX, #563 Mays AS EX, #564 Mantle AS VG-EX, and  #571 Spahn AS VG-EX.

Each card in a group break is sold at a fixed price. When all spots are sold, the cards are distributed randomly to the participants. Some will get the key cards for a fraction of their value, while others take home vintage commons for set building or trade bait. In order to ensure transparency, the randomization is broadcast live online for all participants to view.

Spots for the ’59 break are available at $7.50 each. To participate or learn more, click here. A free spot is given away in every break. You can visit Burl’s Sports Facebook page for details.

Burl’s is breaking a large run of vintage sets, including a complete run of Topps sets from 1952-72, Goudey sets from 1933-36, 1939-1941 Play Ball and 1941 Double Play. For the rest of this year, the breaks will be working their way back through the ‘50s Topps issues. For dates for upcoming breaks, check out this link.

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About Justin Burleson

Justin Burleson owns Burl’s Sports which operates mainly online at BurlsSports.com and eBayas well as a few local card shows in Tennessee. Watch for his Vintage Set Breaks here on a regular basis. Justin gives away slots in his set breaks to his Facebook friends. Also, you can follow him on Twitter or reach him at [email protected].