This advertisement from the back cover of the February 1977 issue of The Trader Speaks highlights the most gorgeous cards ever produced: 1976 SSPC!
Why would someone call a collector’s issue one of the most gorgeous sets ever produced? Well, because of the set that influenced its design…
1976 SSPC is a 630-card “collector’s issue” released by TCMA. Dubbed the “Pure Card” set, the design was based loosely on the 1953 Bowman set. The set was available exclusively via mail order and was advertised in the nascent Hobby Media, such as it was in the mid-70s.
Despite the cards bearing a 1975 copyright, the set is considered a 1976 set as it was not released until then.
SSPC was not licensed by either MLB Properties or the MLBPA, and shortly after its release, was sued by Topps. As part of the settlement, SSPC agreed to never reprint their 1976 set, and to never attempt to produce a similar product ever again.
Keith Olbermann, then still in high school, edited the copy on each card.
BaseballCardPedia
Dean’s Cards added that it was the only full baseball card set ever issued during the Topps monopoly, so the hobby saw it as a refreshing change of pace from the predictable Topps issues.
And lastly, if anyone has any other advertisements offering these cards, please get in touch with me.