Advice Needed: 1954 Topps Set

[UD HighGloss]

Just a heads up this is cross posted in HobbyInsider.


In need of some serious advice and tips regarding a venture I would like to make. I've generally stayed in my lane collecting wise, sticking to more modern sets (1990 - Present) to ensure I have the knowledge and appreciation for the cards I collect. With that being said I have had a few vintage sets that pique my interest; I would like to take a shot at acquiring them. The set that I am truly enamored with is the 1954 Topps set, it might be the greatest work of art in all of Hockey cards.


With everything that has come to light regarding vintage and trimming I would like to say far away from trimmed copies of this iconic set. I also want this to be a slow chase, one that I can make a pick up every couple/few months on a good budget.


Therefore, What I am looking for when collecting this set:

1. PSA graded
2. Graded between 6-9
3. Centered
4. Good colour
5. NOT TRIMMED

So for all those with the knowledge about this set, I have a few questions. YES, I am still asking these questions even though I am buying PSA graded. This is due to the fact many altered and trimmed cards have been passed through and graded by PSA in light of the recent scandal.

How do I determine proper 50/50 centering for the set?

What is good colour without being altered (treated)?

How to tell if the colour has been treated/altered?

What size relative to the PSA holder dimensions is typical for a copy that hasn't been altered/trimmed?

Does this sets factory cut have a slant top to bottom? (notice this in a good amount of slabs)

Other information pertaining to this set that could be valuable when making a purchase.


For all those giving input, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really love the look of the set and believe this will be one of the most fun sets to put together.


Kyle

[penguinsChief]

As an owner of a 1954-55 Topps set I agree 100% about the look of this set, I just love it. I put together a rough set over the years, none are graded. My goal was to get one of each and then do what you are doing and slowly replace with graded versions. Good luck with your quest, it is a beautiful set.

BTW -- my Gordie Howe is nice, but I have also been told is has been trimmed (I agree it probably was), but don't care too much. Most of the set is all over the place with sizing so I know that is an issue regardless.

[Anish]

Hi,

Great set to collect.

For centering, look at the bottom text (in white).

These are oversized cards (like 1952 Topps baseball) and should fill the holder, but you should look up the cert # of any valuable cards (Howe, Sawchuk) to see if there are any suspicious cards nearby (ie possibly in the same submission).

If you are interested in this set as a long term (and expensive) project, it’s certainly worth buying some raw commons to see what the natural cut and color is like.

[UD HighGloss]

As an owner of a 1954-55 Topps set I agree 100% about the look of this set, I just love it. I put together a rough set over the years, none are graded. My goal was to get one of each and then do what you are doing and slowly replace with graded versions. Good luck with your quest, it is a beautiful set.

BTW -- my Gordie Howe is nice, but I have also been told is has been trimmed (I agree it probably was), but don't care too much. Most of the set is all over the place with sizing so I know that is an issue regardless.

Thanks, I believe it will be a worth while venture.

The trimmed part is my biggest concern even with PSA certified cards. Hopefully I can make sound decisions and end with a clean set without any alterations!

Would love an 8 or 9 of Howe but I have a feeling I will be settling with a 6 or 7 to keep costs down and have less chance it is trimmed.

Hi,

Great set to collect.

For centering, look at the bottom text (in white).

These are oversized cards (like 1952 Topps baseball) and should fill the holder, but you should look up the cert # of any valuable cards (Howe, Sawchuk) to see if there are any suspicious cards nearby (ie possibly in the same submission).

If you are interested in this set as a long term (and expensive) project, it’s certainly worth buying some raw commons to see what the natural cut and color is like.

Appreciate the advice, I will have to check certs for sure! As for the size of the card in the holder, I have looked at quite a few now and see what you mean. I have seen a few really good looking copies not fill as much of the holder as others (noticeable). If it is fairly evident like this, that make my job of vetting a little bit easier.

Definitely will be a slow 2+ year build for me as I have modern card priorities. End of the day I want the best un-altered set in a PSA 6 or above. I will be grabbing the high dollar cards around the 6 mark as I do want to keep costs reasonable.


Other than how beautiful the set is, I figure this will be a set to hold or increase value as well. Makes it all the more enjoyable to chase after.

[daxwills]

I would suggest avoiding 9's unless you get one hell of a deal. 9's from this set can go for major bucks and insane money for key cards. Unless you're a high roller in which case go nuts.

Now as for the rest, find a common in the condition you want, psa graded, then crack it out and use it as a benchmark for other purchases. Small investment, large dividends. If your primary concern is trimming find a jacked up common that's still solid enough to use as a comparative. It's unlikely anyone trimmed a jacked up common.

Good luck with it, it's a gorgeous set and pretty small from what I remember.