1955 Topps

With the player profiles and action photos, the 1955 issue is nearly identical to the 1954 issue, but you'll notice that this year Topps employed a horizontal layout (rather than the normal vertical orientation) for the first time. Unlike the 1954 set, both the full-length action photo and the player portrait are in full color, and this is one of Topps' most colorful sets ever, thanks to the bright and happy backdrops. Topps used a facsimile autograph and artistically created team logos on the front of the card once again. Topps introduced subsets for the first time in 1955, and two can be found. Topps Test Stamps (21 cards) and Topps Double Header (66 cards) from 1955.

Number of Cards

At 206 cards, this set remains the smallest of the regular Topps issues.

Size of Cards

The horizontal 1955 Topps cards measure the same 3 ¾ by 2 5/8" that was now the standard for the company. This size would last until 1957 when the cards became slightly smaller.

Basic Features

Topps changed their style in 1955 and issued a horizontal card. A colorful background, full-figure pose, and the giant portrait make for an attractive set. The fronts are similar to the 54 set, using a lot of the same images. The cards feature colorful team logos and facsimile autographs.

The back has biographical information and single-season and career stats (either major or minor league). Cartoon trivia boxes or game information add to the fun. Because of the competition with Bowman, the 1955 Topps baseball card set is missing 4 cards. The original players slated for those cards signed exclusive contracts with Bowman. The set consists of 206 baseball cards numbered 1–210.

Cards not issued are: 175, 186, 203, and 209.

Series I: 1-160
Series II: 161-210 (scarce)

Rookies:

6 Stan Hack
52 Bill Tremel
68 Jim Davis
179 Jim Bolger
196 Gale Wade

DP - Double Print (a card that was printed in double the quantity compared to the other cards in the same series)

172 Frank Baumholtz DP
184 Harry Perkowski DP

Chicago Cubs 1955 Topps Checklist

Number	Player
6	Stan Hack MG RC
28	Ernie Banks
45	Hank Sauer
52	Bill Tremel RC
68	Jim Davis RC
76	Howie Pollet
93	Steve Bilko
129	Elvin Tappe
172	Frank Baumholtz DP
179	Jim Bolger RC
184	Harry Perkowski DP
196	Gale Wade RC