1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball Cards

Product Details

Although the values don't match the more storied sets from the era, 1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball cards offer one of the first releases from Topps Baseball.

As an early entry from the Topps Baseball brand, the simple set is part of collecting history.

See also: 1951 Topps Blue Backs Baseball Cards

1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball Set Details

1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball cards, and the similar 1951 Topps Blue Backs, are a hybrid collectible that combines baseball cards with a baseball-themed card game. Although the game never garnered much interest, the Red Backs remain relevant as one of the first baseball card sets produced by Topps.

Showcasing a design that mimics a standard deck of cards, the card fronts for the 1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball set are colorful. Yellow, green, red and blue are used to highlight a black-and-white photo that is centered in the middle of the cards with a diamond background. There are also additional elements in the corners, including a baseball drawing, red baseball graphic and play in two corners, and a brief player bio. The plays referenced, like double or strike, correspond to the card game.

The 52-card 1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball set matches the Blue Backs in total number, but the master set is actually 54 cards thanks to two variations that were issued for team updates (#36 and #52). Despite these similarities, the two sets are easily distinguished based on the color of the card backs. Also, the Red Backs are noted as "A Series" on the card fronts.

Another difference among the two 1951 Topps Baseball sets is the checklist. 1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball features eight Hall of Fame inductees, including the rookie card for Monte Irvin. Other top options include Yogi Berra, Duke Snider, Phil Rizzuto, Bob Feller and Warren Spahn. Variations include trade updates for Gus Zernial and Tommy Holmes.

Despite boasting the better checklist, the 1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball values are lower than their blue equivalent. This is due to the relative scarcity of the Blue Backs compared to the Red Backs. Card creasing also makes it more difficult to locate high-grade examples.

Additionally, 1951 Topps Red Backs Baseball cards are largely found in single-card form, but there is a more limited panel version that includes two cards attached with perforation. While the panel cards do carry a premium, both versions display the perforation edges. Although rare, factory sets of panels were also issued and have surfaced at auction.