Vintage Cubs Cards: 1951 Bowman one of the most valuable and collectible sets

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

1951 Bowman one of the most valuable and collectible sets

Number of Cards

The 1951 Bowman set included 324 cards featuring 19 Cubs players.

Size of Cards

These old cards measure 2-1/16" by 3-1/8."

Basic Features

Many of the fronts are simply enlargements of the 1950 set, and the cards feature color art reproductions of actual photographs. Cards numbered 243 to 324 were printed in smaller quantities and are scarce. The 1951 Bowmans are one of the most valuable and collectible sets of all. This is not because of great design but because of the great ballplayers in the set.

The player's name is printed in white within a darkened text box that surrounds a white border on the card fronts. The backs of Bowman Baseball cards are a little more involved, with a short bio, several lines of basic stats and information, and a sizable advertisement for "Baseball Picture Cards" at the bottom. It also includes the card number. The player's name is also highlighted in red so it stands out from the rest of the lettering on the back.

The 1951 Bowman Baseball Cards were believed to have been printed in seven series. As in the previous year, the printing would be contracted to the Zabel Brothers Co., Inc., at 5th and Columbia Avenues in Philadelphia.

Prices reflect value in Near Mint condition
Near Mint (NM):At first glance, the card appears perfect; upon closer examination, however, a minor flaw will be discovered. On well-centered cards, three of the four corners must be perfectly sharp. Yellowing or fading turn an otherwise mint card into NM.