Collecting vintage baseball cards can get expensive, but the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams set presents a unique opportunity for the collector on a budget. It is an 80-card set, entirely devoted to the legendary Splendid Splinter, chronicling his life and career. It is a must-have for Red Sox fans, baseball historians, and/or any baseball card collector who just wants to own some awesome cards.
But securing a full set—especially on a budget—requires patience, strategy, and a little bit of luck. I’m starting to find out how true that is…
The History of the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams Set
Fleer really shook things up with their 1959 Ted Williams cards, creating a new kind of collectible series. Unlike traditional baseball card sets that featured multiple players, Fleer made the bold decision to dedicate an entire set to one individual—Ted Williams.
But why? I’m glad you asked!
Topps had a lock on baseball cards back then (sound familiar?), and had deals in place stopping Fleer from making regular player cards. So, Fleer got clever and started making cards of older or non-MLB players instead. But it would take a special kind of ball-player to be able to carry their own set AND be not under contract with Topps.
The perfect answer was Ted Williams
Williams, had just finished the 1958 season with the Boston Red Sox and wasn’t under contract with Topps.
Fleer took advantage of an opportunity and secured an exclusive agreement with Williams. This allowed them to produce an innovative set chronicling his life and career, marking a significant tribute to the world of baseball cards.
Fleer nailed it with Ted Williams! He was a baseball icon, super popular, and gave their brand new set some legs! And it’s still running today. They packed in everything about him – growing up, serving in two wars, that legendary hitting, and all his cool thoughts on the game. Basically, they made a mini-biography on cards.
The 1959 Fleer Ted Williams Set’s Rarity Over Time
The 1959 Fleer Ted Williams set is a popular choice for vintage card collectors. Some cards are harder to find due to condition issues and rising demand these days. Many have developed creases and discoloration from handling and storage, making high-grade examples increasingly rare.
Collectors face a shifting market where high-grade cards, especially those highlighting Williams’ key moments, fetch high premiums. Nonetheless, if you know where to look, mid-grade and raw cards remain affordable options for owning a piece of history.
How Fleer’s Move Challenged Topps
By the late 1950s, Topps dominated the baseball card industry with exclusive contracts that prevented competitors from producing sets featuring Major League players. In a bold move, Fleer created a dedicated set for Ted Williams, circumventing Topps’ restrictions and offering collectors something unique.
This strategy prompted the industry to reevaluate exclusivity agreements, leading to Fleer’s 1981 antitrust victory against Topps, which reshaped the trading card landscape. While Topps remained a leading force, Fleer’s innovative approach paved the way for future companies like Donruss, Score, and Upper Deck.
Why I Collect the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams Set
Collecting this set is about more than just baseball cards—it’s about owning a piece of history without breaking the bank.
- A Budget-Friendly Way to Own Ted Williams Cards – Let’s be honest—many of Ted Williams’ most iconic vintage cards, like his 1941 Play Ball or 1954 Bowman, can be incredibly expensive. The 1959 Fleer set, however, offers an affordable way to collect beautiful Williams cards, making it a poor man’s way to own stunning pieces of his legacy.
- Boston Roots & Red Sox Nostalgia – Growing up in the Boston area and being a Red Sox fan, this set resonates deeply. It tells Williams’ full story, from his early years to his final moments in baseball. Each card carries a sense of nostalgia, making it more meaningful than just another collection.
- SGC Over PSA – I always target SGC 5 to SGC 7 cards when buying these cards, insteads of PSA. SGC has earned a stronger reputation for grading vintage cards more consistently. Unlike PSA, which often carries inflated values based on popularity and gets it so VERY VERY wrong much of the time. SGC’s black slab and commitment to accuracy make it my preferred choice as many of you already know. With vintage cards, consistency matters, and SGC delivers.
Condition Drives the Price: Understanding Grading
While plenty of 1959 Fleer Ted Williams cards exist, condition is the single biggest factor in determining price. Here’s how grading impacts the set’s value:
- SGC 8-10 (High-Grade) – Sharp corners, clean surfaces, and nearly flawless condition, but often out of reach price-wise.
- SGC 5-7 (Mid-Grade) – The sweet spot—affordable, visually appealing, and well-preserved, making these grades the best balance between price and quality.
- SGC 1-4 (Lower-Grade) – More budget-friendly, but often feature heavy creases, stains, or miscuts.
SGC’s commitment to accuracy and their black slab “tuxedo” presentation make vintage cards pop, giving the 1959 Fleer set a timeless appeal.
The Infamous Card #68 & Budget Strategies
This is the NOT SO GOOD news, but it also makes the set that much more fun to collect.
One major hurdle in completing this set is the infamous Card #68, which was pulled from production due to contractual conflicts with Red Sox team sponsor, Wilson Sporting Goods. This rarity drives its price through the roof, often selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For budget collectors, skipping Card #68 or opting for a reprint might be necessary.
For budget-conscious collectors, here are some cost-saving strategies to acquire these vintage gems:
- Buy in Bulk Lots – Instead of purchasing individual cards, look for full or partial sets on eBay, collector forums, and estate sales. Sellers often discount bundles.
- Target Mid-Grade SGC Cards – Cards graded SGC 5 to SGC 7 offer the best combination of condition and price.
- Trade & Network – Connect with fellow collectors through sites like Blowout Forums and Facebook groups to trade for missing cards rather than buying outright.
- Prioritize Key Moments – If a complete set is too costly, prioritize cards that highlight Williams’ wartime service, Triple Crown seasons, or hitting tips.
- Attend Local Card Shows – Dealers at shows may offer better deals than online auctions, and haggling in person often leads to unexpected steals.
The Joy of the Chase
Completing the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams set takes time, but the thrill of finding affordable, well-preserved pieces is part of the fun. Whether you aim for the full set or selectively acquire favorites, this collection remains an iconic tribute to one of baseball’s greatest hitters.
Are you actively collecting this set, or thinking of starting? Let’s talk strategies!
