In the period just before and after the American Civil War, baseball became woven into the patchwork of American tradition and culture. Baseball cards have been around since the early beginnings of the game. The original ones were made using hand print methods. People have loved to collect cards with their favorite players and teams. In the early 1950’s Topps baseball cards dominated the baseball card industry. Let us take a look at the Topps baseball card dynasty.

This exciting hobby was already popular when the Topps Chewing Gum Company of New York City decided to jump into the game. The first major issue of Topps baseball cards first appeared in 1952. These post-war era cards are some of the most valuable collectables among sports collectors today. Topps #311, Mickey Mantle is the most expensive card on the market today.

Topps baseball cards kept their tradition going from 1956 to 1980. Topps baseball cards were sold in packs of gum. Unknown too many collectors of these items, Topps also produced cards for Hostess and Kellogg. In 1968, Topps issues an experimental 3-D baseball card featuring Maury Wills. Topps tried many similar experiments as well but many of these did not take off among mainstream collectors. There are some who specialize in these special issue cards and consider them to be the most desirable. Since the 1950’s originals, Topps has tried to expand its market through many failed experiments. Among these are regional issues, 1963 Fleer cards that were sold with a cookie, 1976 Cranes Potato Chips Discs, 1950’s Armour Hot dog Coins and the 1950’s Kahn’s Meats cards. These ideas never took off and in the world of collectors, Topps baseball cards with gum remained king.

The most remarkable thing about collecting baseball memorabilia is that it is just as popular as it was in its hay day. They are sold in many stores that specialize only in baseball cards and in online stores. For the sports enthusiast, Topps baseball cards are still the most sought after among collectors. There is never a shortage for these items or places to buy them; the only problem is deciding which ones to buy because there are so many great cards out there.

There are some excellent online stores that offer a huge selection of old and new items for the avid collector. For those who are already into collecting, you can quickly find what you need. For those who are just beginning to collect, it is suggested that the beginner finds a specialty. There are so many sports items on the market, it is impossible to collect them all. Topps baseball cards are an excellent way to start for beginners. They are easier to find than some of the more obscure companies, but there are still enough of them to keep any enthusiast busy for many years. You can do a search online to find a store that offers a large selection of cards for both experienced and novice collector.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter recently sold his old baseball cards to a collector for a nice profit. His son ordered Topps baseball cards to give to his younger brother as a gift.

Category: Business
Keywords: baseball cards,Topps baseball cards