1940’s – 1950’s Basketball Cards
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Bowman launched the first official basketball card set in 1948, and despite only a few cards issued in 1951 by Berk Ross, it wouldn’t be until 1957 when Topps issued another official basketball set. Thus, pickings are quite slim for the early days of basketball cards, although it still feels like some of them get relatively overlooked by basketball card collectors.
Key cards include the 1948 Bowman George Mikan Rookie Card, 1951 Berk Ross Bob Cousy, and 1957 Topps Bill Russell Rookie Card.
Featured Resources:
A History Of Basketball Cards
The 30 Most Valuable Basketball Cards Of All Time
These Rare Vintage Basketball Cards Are Up For Auction
1948 Bowman Basketball Set Profile and Checklist
The first official full basketball release happened in 1948, with the introduction of the 1948 Bowman Basketball Set. This would be Bowman’s first and only basketball issue.
1951 Berk Ross Basketball Set Profile and Checklist
The 1951 Berk Ross Multi-Sport set only featured cards of four basketball players, but with one being HOFer Bob Cousy, we felt it was worthy to include here.
1957 Topps Basketball Set Profile and Checklist
In 1957, Topps issued their first basketball issue. Yes, there were nine years between official basketball issues! This was the first year Topps produced card issues for all four major sports.
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1957-58 Topps Basketball #54 Earl Lloyd RC
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PSA 2 1957 Topps Basketball Dolph Schayes # 13
 | $19.99 (1 bid) End Date: Monday Apr-21-2025 20:00:00 EDT Bid |
1957 TOPPS BASKETBALL #17 BOB COUSY
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1957-58 Topps Basketball Bob Burrow Minnesota Lakers #64 EX-MT+
 | $7.50 (4 bids) End Date: Sunday Apr-20-2025 00:11:33 EDT Bid |
1957 TOPPS BASKETBALL #24 BOB PETTIT RC SGC 4 VG-EX HOF ROOKIE
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1957 TOPPS BASKETBALL LOT OF 6: RISEN,MEINEKE,McGUIRE,SCHNITTKER,PHILLIP,CONLIN
 | $42.24 (11 bids) End Date: Sunday Apr-20-2025 14:56:46 EDT Bid |