OT (by about 15 yrs) 1956 Topps Gray/White Question

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Posted By: Misunderestimated (Brian H.)

Which cards in the 1956 Topps set are in Gray OR White? And, of those cards with both possibilities which is less common (ie generally sells for more)? Any ideas on what the ratio is; or why this variation exists in the first place.
I'm pretty sure that someone here can explain this thoroughly.

Thanks in advance.
Sorry about the OT --> I did make an effort to figure it out myself... I checked some of other resources but the answers were unsatisfactory.

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Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

DELETED

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Posted By: whitehse

I think his question was referring to the 1956 Topps and not the 1952 Topps set. Great read anyway!!

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Posted By: MW

<< Which cards in the 1956 Topps set are in Gray OR White? And, of those cards with both possibilities which is less common (ie generally sells for more)? Any ideas on what the ratio is; or why this variation exists in the first place. >>


Brian,

1956 Topps baseball cards were issued in white and gray backs for the first two series. Numbers 1-100 are more commonly found with white backs, which often possess a washed-out or faded and somewhat "whitened" appearance. First series gray backs are valued at a slight premium since they are in shorter supply. Furthermore, only the first series was available in Canada and all of the cards are found with white backs. There are three team variations for this series. Teams with the name left and name centered are possible with both gray and white backs while the dated teams are only found with white backs.

The second series features some of the most difficult post-WWII baseball cards to find in NM-MT or better condition. Numbers 101-180 are most commonly encountered with gray backs and are fairly easy to acquire in top grade. However, the second series white backs are several times more difficult to locate and are exponentially more scarce than their gray back counterparts in better than NM condition. The fronts of the white backs possess extremely fragile surfaces and are particularly susceptible to creasing and chipping.

If you check eBay regularly, any second series white back will sell for a significant premium over a gray back -- typically 5 to 10 times as much for equivalent grades (EX or better). Since the early 1970s, advanced collectors and savvy dealers have also been combing 1956 Topps inventories in order to locate a quality, white back #135 Mickey Mantle -- the "white whale" of the 1956 Topps Set in NM-MT (or Mint!) condition.

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Posted By: leon

Brian- why is this post here and not in the post war section? It's because of the people that know better, and don't use it, that the post war side of Net54 gets little activity. It's a shame too.....You would think educated folks would get it....Nothing personal, Brian....you aren't the only one. best regards and hope to see you at the National....

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Posted By: dennis

there was a post about this in the post war board awhile ago.

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Posted By: Mark L

At least this thread reminds us that some interesting questions can come up about post war issues.

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Posted By: leon

If this thread was tried on the post war side first then my apologies. I don't see it over there on the front page though it could have been a little longer ago.

I always ask folks to give a post war topic a try over there first and if it doesn't work out then it's ok to post it here. Obviously this side gets much more activity. It should as it was in existence for about 7 yrs before we tried a post war side. Thanks to those who help our community by participating and not just being bystanders.... I get emails every week from lurkers about different topics. I guess folks mainly don't want to get into the public domain....regards...(and again this wasn't personal towards the original poster, who is a friend, it was a plea to give the correct venue a try first)

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Posted By: Misunderestimated (Brian H.)

Leon -

I apologize -- I should have posted the question on the other board.
I honestly didn't even think about it . I knew that there were knowledgeable people here so I went with it when I got frustrated at my own inability to get satisfactory information.


To whomever else is reading this don't post these kinds of questions -- do as I say not as I did.

And, to avoid keeping this post going: if you want to share more info about this w/out posting you can email me at bhodes@rcn.com or post on the other site.

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Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

I collected the 1956 set while growing up in Canada. I always loved the look of this set. Back then (perhaps 20 years ago), nobody discussed the color of the backs (not in Canada, anyhow). I'm sure my Mantle is white-backed, but it would unfortunately only grade a 1 or 2! Any ideas as to the premium attached to its value despite the condition?

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Posted By: leon

No worries at all....Just a friendly moderator request more than anything. In reality, per the forum rules, you are permitted to talk about this stuff over here as you are a regular poster.....I appreciate your understanding though.....talk to ya' soon.