Flashback Product of the Week: 1951 Topps Red Backs/Blue Backs

With the release of 2015 Topps Baseball Series 1 this week, I thought it would be nice to look back at the very first baseball product Topps made.  In 1951 Topps issued their famous Red Backs/Blue Backs series of cards.  Since then, Topps and MLB have been in a relationship that continues to this day.

The 1951 Topps Red Backs/Blue Backs set consists of 104 cards altogether.  There are 52 Red Backs and 52 Blue Backs.  On the front of each card you’ll find the player’s photo, name, and short write up.  All of these cards were meant to be played with in some type of game.  That is why the backs resemble something you would see in a deck of cards.  Cards with blue backs seem to hold more value than the red ones.

For being the first baseball product that Topps made, it doesn’t get the attention you would think it would get.  Most of the cards are relatively affordable, unless you have some that are in perfect condition.  Even sealed packs can be found for $200.00, which isn’t a lot compared to what other packs of the time sell for.  The fact that these were made as part of a game is probably why the popularity hasn’t always been there.