Topps Sports Cards

Since the early 1950’s, Topps Sports Cards has been one of the largest and best- known producers of trading cards in the world.

Originally entering the baseball card market in 1951 and producing its full-size debut set with the iconic 1952 Topps series, Topps quickly established itself as an aggressive company.  During its early period Topps bought out a number of competitors, most notably the Bowman Company in 1955.  From 1956 through 1980, the company enjoyed a virtual monopoly and created much of the history of baseball cards for the latter half of the 20th century.

Today, Topps sports cards produces a number of different baseball card products under a variety of different brand names. In addition to the retail, hobby, and factory sets sold under the Topps name; the company has produced sets under the Tiffany, Bowman, Finest, Stadium Club, and Heritage brands.  It’s Triple Threads line has proven to be very popular with collectors who hope for one of the many autograph or memorabilia cards inside the pricey packs.

Topps Tiffany sets were produced from 1984-1991, and featured white cardboard with a glossier finish on the front.  These sets were produced in limited quantities, and are fairly collectible.

In 1989 Topps resurrected the Bowman brand, producing a set focused on promising minor leaguers and rookies.  The Bowman sets are known for their classic design, and are very popular among collectors.  Stadium Club was the first of the so-called ‘premium’ sets produced by Topps, and debuted in 1991. These sets featured borderless photos on the front, along with a high-gloss coating.

Topps Finest was marketed as the first “super premium” set with its release in 1993, and has produced some of the most expensive cards of the modern era. The Refractor inserts in the Finest sets have been known to sell for over $1,000. Topps sports cards has also released Heritage sets under both the Topps and Bowman names, featuring modern players but using the company’s designs from the 1950’s and 1960’s sets.  The Heritage line has proven enormously popular.

Topps produced football cards from 1955 through 2009 and at one time produced basketball, hockey and Major League Soccer sets as well.  One of the company’s hottest products is the Topps UFC sets featuring stars of the mixed martial arts organization.

For collectors looking to buy the most recognizable name in the industry, Topps sports cards is the way to go.

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