Fleer Football, 1960–1963

1960 Fleer: the new AFL

The inaugural Fleer football issue centers on the new American Football League. Names such as Jack Kemp connect the cards to the league’s early development. A player may be a veteran professional and still be appearing on an early mainstream card; avoid equating every first card with a first playing season.

1961 Fleer: a broader roster

The 1961 issue includes both NFL and AFL subjects. Bart Starr’s card belongs here alongside AFL players, unlike an AFL-only collecting assumption. For a team set, record the league and printed team name rather than using a modern franchise name as the only identifier.

1962 Fleer: return to AFL subjects

Fleer’s 1962 issue is an AFL-focused set. Billy Shaw is a recognized rookie-card target. Do not borrow the 1961 checklist or card count when judging whether a 1962 group is complete; the similar manufacturer name masks a meaningful change in scope.

1963 Fleer: players plus an unnumbered checklist

The final issue in this run contains 88 numbered player cards and an unnumbered checklist. Len Dawson is a familiar key card. A lot advertised as all 88 player cards does not automatically include the checklist, and a marked checklist should be described as such.

Condition beyond the star cards

Check borders, registration and reverse staining on every example. For a set project, the most frustrating gap can be a clean checklist or well-centered common rather than the headline player. Separate the standard set from promotional pieces and later reproductions.

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