1952 Topps Question:

[clydepepper]

I have just noticed that in addition to red and black backs, there are what is described as gray backs...and they are selling for extremely high prices.

I have been working to complete the first 280 cards in the set.

My copy of the Standard Catalog of Vintage Baseball Cards only mentions the red and black backs, stating that the difference in their values has diminished over time, but doesn't mention the gray backs at all.


My question is this: Are the 'gray' backs that much rarer than the others?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Raymond

[ALR-bishop]

Not sure of the year of your Catalog but SCD does list the gray backs for 52 and 54 in separate listings just after the regular listings. They are referred to I think as Canadians, which may be a misnomer. There are several good threads on the gray backs and their values in this forum. Gray and white back differences in the same series exist in 52, 54, 56, 59 and 60, but 52 and 54 carry the biggest premiums, and are hardest to find

[Republicaninmass]

yes they are very rare, some more than others. However, the ones for sale on ebay which are raw, with a strict "no return" policy, irk me. Each one I seem to see an edge I think might be trimmed or shaved, and the prices are phenomenal

[ALR-bishop]

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...952+gray+backs

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...952+gray+backs

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...952+gray+backs

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...952+gray+backs

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...952+gray+backs

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrJ7...oUOV86gZ7Me8A-

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Not sure of the year of your Catalog but SCD does list the gray backs for 52 and 54 in separate listings just after the regular listings. They are referred to I think as Canadians, which may be a misnomer. There are several good threads on the gray backs and their values in this forum. Gray and white back differences in the same series exist in 52, 54, 56, 59 and 60, but 52 and 54 carry the biggest premiums, and are hardest to find

I see that listing now...thanks

[clydepepper]

Just checked mine and of course I'm not lucky enough to have any grays in the series 131-190.

Thought I may have gotten lucky, but it seems my super powers which I thought were limited to grocery and bank lines has spread.


.

[irv]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

Just checked mine and of course I'm not lucky enough to have any grays in the series 131-190.

Thought I may have gotten lucky, but it seems my super powers which I thought were limited to grocery and bank lines has spread.


.

I went through all mine a bunch of times as well, but like you, Raymond, unfortunately I also don't own any.

I would, however, like to have a real/proven gray back in hand to compare to with some of mine as some are very suspect in my less than experienced mind.

Also, just to let you know, Mr. Hodges arrived safe and sound!

Thanks again for the deal.