1975 Topps MINI # 5 Nolan Ryan '74 Highlights (Angels)

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE
Checklist & Values

This scarce 72-card test issue set was released with very limited East Coast distribution making them quite scarce.

Officially simply called "Topps Baseball Photos", their serrated or "DECKLED" edge gave them the name they go by today. The 2 7/8" x 5" inch cards were sold in 2 card packs with gum or 3 card packs without for 5 cents.
Click to enlarge Complete Proof Sheet on left
Fronts are similar to b&w Exhibit Postcards from the 50's with photos and facsimile autographs. The backs make this very scarce test issue more interesting ! They feature handwritten script of player's name, team, position & date and location of the photograph as well as a mock newspaper article.

This was Topps 2nd "Deckle Edge" issue, their first being the smaller and more common 1969 Topps Deckle Edge inserts in 1969 Topps packs.

Variations of 1974 Topps Deckle Edge exist, making this issue more fun and challenging to collect. Backs can be found in gray or a much scarcer white. Also, more limited proof versions with non-scalloped edges exist and can be found with and without card numbers.

1969 Topps Deckle Edge checklist and prices

Autographed 1961 Topps Baseball Cards
Checklist & Values

Following autographs have auction house LOA's (Letter of Authenticity) from hobby's top vintage card authenticators for auction houses PSA/DNA & James Spence !!!

The 1961 Topps baseball card set (#1-#598) only had 587 cards because of missing numbers. Also there are 2 cards #463 (#463 Braves Team card was to be card #426).

Ugh !!! The 1961 Topps capless players !!! Picture your grand-dad. Without a cap. Life was obviously much tougher back then. Baseball expansion created the problem. Los Angeles Angels added, Washington Senators became Minnesota Twins, and Washington got a new Senators franchise. The autographs actually make the "capless" cards more attractive !!!

Baseball card collecting terms (part A)

Airbrushing is the art of touching up a photo prior to the card being printed. It was generally done to remove imperfections or update or hide a players jersey/cap logo. Because of advancements in print technology and computers this is no longer needed.

All-Star card (AS) usually a subset card picturing a player who participated in the previous season�s all-star game. Topps created these in their 1958 High Number issue and has continued the practice fairly regularly to date. Such cards are usually designated in price guides with the abbreviation of AS.

Assorted A general mix of cards often containing many duplicates.

Auction items are sold to the highest bidder. Auctions used to be live or thru the mail/phone but today most auctions are online.

Auction Catalog lists the rules and descriptions and often images of the items in an auction.

Authentication verification that an item (card, autograph) is genuine. Most "game-used" material inserts have a written declaration of authenticity on the reverse. Authorized Issue card or memorabilia item that has been properly licensed. If the item is of a player, his written permission must be given in order for it to be considered authorized.

1975 Topps MINI # 5 Nolan Ryan '74 Highlights (Angels)

1932,1933,1936 Chicago Cubs Picture Pack Team Issue

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE Checklist & Values

Autographed 1961 Topps Baseball Cards Checklist & Values

1932,1933,1936 Chicago Cubs
Picture Pack Team Issue

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE
Checklist & Values

Autographed 1961 Topps Baseball Cards
Checklist & Values