Ethan Clarke
The 1955 Topps Baseball set consists of 206 cards, each measuring 2-5/8 by 3-3/4. This was the first set to feature cards in horizontal orientation, with a large headshot and a smaller full-length photo of each player, along with a facsimile of their signature. Given the dimensions of the cards, collectors will need plastic sheets that are slightly larger than 2-5/8 by 3-3/4 to safely store them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Cards | 206 |
| Size | 2-5/8" x 3-3/4" |
| Rating | 8.6/10 |
| Break-up Value | $70,820.00 (as per deanscards.com) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 100% within 10 days of purchase |
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What You'll Learn
The 1955 Topps cards measure 2-5/8 by 3-3/4
The 1955 Topps cards are part of a set of 206 baseball cards, which was the first set to feature a horizontal orientation. Each card includes a large headshot and a smaller full-length photo of the player, both in colour, as well as a facsimile of the player's signature.
The four big rookie cards in the 1955 Topps set are Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew, Sandy Koufax, and Harry Agganis. Cards numbered 175, 186, 203, and 209 were never issued due to contract battles with Bowman.
The 1955 Topps cards are highly sought-after by collectors, with a break-up value of up to $70,820. However, they are challenging to find in high grades, with only a small percentage of cards examined receiving a grade of 9 or higher.
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The set contains 206 cards
The 1955 Topps set contains 206 cards, making it the smallest Topps issue numerically. The cards measure 2-5/8" by 3-3/4", which is slightly larger than the standard size of modern cards. This set is notable for being the first to feature a horizontal orientation, with each card including a large head shot and a smaller full-length photo of the player, both in colour. The set also includes facsimile autographs of the players and their team logos.
The 1955 Topps set is highly sought-after by collectors, particularly those interested in baseball nostalgia. However, it can be challenging to find this set in high grade. Out of around 195,000 total cards examined by PSA, only 1,570 received a grade of 9, which is less than 1%. Therefore, purchasing a complete set may be more cost-effective than piecing it together card-by-card.
This set includes three notable rookie cards: Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew, and Sandy Koufax. Additionally, card #152 features Harry Agganis, a rising young star who passed away suddenly in June 1955, making it a favourite among collectors. The 1955 Topps set also includes double-printed cards to make up for four card numbers that were never issued due to contract battles with Bowman.
In summary, the 1955 Topps set, with its unique horizontal design and memorable rookie cards, is a cherished part of baseball card history. Its small size and challenging availability contribute to its popularity among collectors, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
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The cards are the first to be horizontally oriented
The 1955 Topps Baseball card set contains 206 cards and is the first set in which the cards were horizontally oriented. The cards measure 3-3/4" by 2-5/8" and this change in orientation was well-received by collectors. The new layout allowed for bigger player photos and the inclusion of other key details without cluttering the design.
Each card features a large headshot and a smaller full-length photo of the player, both in colour. There is also a facsimile of the player's signature on the card front, along with the team logo, and a coloured bar across the bottom highlighting the player's name, position, and team. The 1955 Topps set is also notable for its rookie cards for Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew, and Sandy Koufax.
The dual-image design, first used the previous year, proved popular, so Topps took it a step further by colourising the action photo. The 1955 set is the second-smallest Topps baseball card set ever produced, but it makes up for its lack of checklist size with quality. The cards also include detailed biographical and statistical information about the player on the reverse, along with a trivia question and a paragraph about the player's contribution to the team the previous season.
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The cards feature a large headshot and smaller full-length photo
The 1955 Topps set contains 206 cards, each measuring 2-5/8" x 3-3/4" or 3¾" by 2 5/8". They are the first set of cards to be printed horizontally by Topps. Each card features a large headshot and a smaller full-length photo of the player, both in colour. There is also a facsimile of the player's signature on the card front.
The 1955 Topps set is notable for its innovative horizontal design and its artwork. The cards feature a large headshot of the player, with a smaller full-length photo alongside it, capturing the player in action. This unique layout showcases both the player's portrait and their athletic prowess in a single card. The colour photos add a vibrant touch to the cards, with strong coloration and eye appeal, such as the yellow background on Willie Mays' card, and the red background on Ernie Banks' card, complementing his Cubs uniform.
The headshots on the 1955 Topps cards are carefully chosen to capture the players' personalities and are often reused from previous cards. For example, Topps used the same headshot of Willie Mays on his 1955 card as they did the year before, but changed the action shot to make it more dynamic and appealing. Similarly, the 1955 Topps card of Hank Aaron features the same headshot as his 1954 rookie card, but with an updated design and a new action shot, showcasing his powerful swing.
The full-length photos on the 1955 Topps cards capture players in action, showcasing their athletic abilities and iconic moves. For instance, the card of Willie Mays features a terrific image of him in action, with a blue background that enhances the overall design. The card of Ted Williams, known as the "Splendid Splinter", captures his legendary swing, making it one of the most valuable cards in the set. The action shot of Ernie Banks, crouched and ready at the shortstop position, is another example of the dynamic full-length photos featured in the 1955 Topps set.
The combination of large headshots and smaller full-length photos in the 1955 Topps set creates a visually appealing and informative layout. The headshots provide a personal connection to the players, while the action shots showcase their talent and energy. This unique design has made the 1955 Topps set a favourite among collectors, with its star power and innovative presentation.
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The set is hard to find in high grade
The 1955 Topps set is hard to find in high grade for several reasons. Firstly, the set's small size of just 206 cards, compared to the 1952 set, which had 407 cards, meant that it lacked some notable baseball stars, including Mantle, Campanella, Musial, Ford, and Feller. This smaller selection of players may have contributed to the set's lower print run and subsequent scarcity.
Secondly, the 1955 Topps set is prone to "doctoring," a method of altering cards to improve their appearance and increase their value. This practice can make it challenging to find cards in their original, high-grade condition.
Furthermore, the high-number series (#161-210) within the set are particularly difficult to find in high grade. These cards feature notable players, including Willie Mays, Yogi Berra, and Duke Snider, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
The set's popularity is also driven by its design, being the first set to feature cards oriented horizontally, with a large headshot and a smaller full-length photo of each player, both in colour. This unique format, coupled with the set's overall smaller size, makes the 1955 Topps set desirable to collectors.
Additionally, the 1955 Topps set includes the rookie cards of Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew, and Sandy Koufax, further increasing its value and desirability. These factors all contribute to the challenge of finding the 1955 Topps set in high grade.
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Frequently asked questions
The 1955 Topps baseball cards measure 2-5/8" by 3-3/4”.
There are 206 cards in the 1955 Topps set.
The three big rookie cards in the 1955 Topps set are Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew, and Sandy Koufax.
The value of the 1955 Topps cards varies depending on the series. Generally, the price increases with the series. The first 150 cards are the cheapest, followed by #151-160, and then the last series, #161-210, are the most expensive.
