Auction #15 - October 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2023
The 1953 Topps License Plates set is Topps third foray into a license plate set. They issued the extremely small 1949 Topps license plates set in small pieces of gum, the 1950 Topps License plates set that had scratch off areas and this third license plate set. This is the largest set in physical size, measuring 3-3/4" wide by 1-7/8" high. The 75 cards in the set do not have any variations like the 1950 set does.
This is a magnificent, high-grade specimen of this entertaining series, which features license plates on the front, and information about the issuing principality on the back. The backs also feature a “state capital” question, with the answer appearing in reverse script. Have a mirror handy! There are 48 cards for each of the then-admitted states, one card for Alaska, one card for Washington DC, and 25 cards for foreign states, on the continents of Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia, This set was painfully assembled over a period of years with an eye to high grade and superior centering. It excels on both fronts. Two cards have been graded by PSA, #13 (Mississippi, EX-MT 6) and #74 (Mexico, VG-EX 4). The Mississippi card is one of four cards graded at that level, with none higher. PSA has graded only four cards higher than #74, all EX-MT, so this specimen is one of the highest graded! All cards mounted in Cardsaver 1 plastic holders, displayed in plastic pages inside a sturdy looseleaf binder. Many Near mint cards, with overall excellent centering. A set you will be proud to show off!
Click above for larger image.