Is the 1952 Topps Andy Pafko an overrated card?

[Doug]

I was looking back through the pickup thread about the posts regarding the '52 Topps Mantle incorrectly being referred to his "rookie card" and it got me thinking. Do you think that the 1952 Topps Andy Pafko is overrated based on the perception that it's "the first Topps baseball card" just because it's the #1 card in the 1952 Topps set? As far as I'm concerned it's just a low series common that happens to be card #1. The fact that it sells for more than all of the 1-310 series Hall of Fame players with the exception of Willie Mays doesn't make sense to me at all. I don't really buy into that premium put on the first and last cards in set because that they were more prone to wear from being put into the front/back of stacks with rubber bands either. That might have a minimal effect on the population of higher grade examples, but why low grade ones sell at any kind of a premium since they are already worn anyway doesn't seem to add up either (although that's a different rant for another day ).

[scmavl]

Agreed, I think low grade examples should not carry such a premium. I bought a Pafko raw last year on ebay for fortysomething dollars when I was thinking of building the '52 set. I sold it earlier this year on ebay and I think it got around $150! It would've graded no higher than a 2 on a good day (likely lower) and it was still raw when I sold it.

[mintacular]

Yes, it is overrated and I too think the "1" and "Last Card" premium is more of an old wives tale than reality....I can't tell you how many people also don't understand the "NM" drop-off if the #1 card is not "NM", i.e. they want 10% on a low grade Pafko and when I try to tell them that high point is only relevant if the card is NM they get a glazed look on their eyeballs...Kinda like a dealer who sells low grade $20 t's for $60 cause that is 10% of book...

As for Pafko, it is a popular set, the first card in that set, and a recognizable card in that set so I think it deserves some premium over the other low # commons...

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by mintacular

Yes, it is overrated and I too think the "1" and "Last Card" premium is more of an old wives tale than reality....I can't tell you how many people also don't understand the "NM" drop-off if the #1 card is not "NM", i.e. they want 10% on a low grade Pafko and when I try to tell them that high point is only relevant if the card is NM they get a glazed look on their eyeballs...Kinda like a dealer who sells low grade $20 t's for $60 cause that is 10% of book...

As for Pafko, it is a popular set, the first card in that set, and a recognizable card in that set so I think it deserves some premium over the other low # commons...

I agree with Pat. I don't necessarily think it's overrated, but most people (well, actually most dealers) don't understand that "NM" drop off (and a significant one) that Pat is referring to.

[Zach Wheat]

I agree with Doug & Pat. I think there should be some premium, but the premium is overstated.

ZWheat

[toppcat]

The Pafko went through at least three printings and as well all know, is not a scarce card. As noted above, it does have some good things going for it and is a well composed card with great eye appeal. The whole first card/last card hype has elevated it to almost mythic status and that rising tide is lifting all boats. The fact it is a Brooklyn Dodger also helps boost it and that is true with any 50's card. I overpaid for my Pafko (a 2, with good eye appeal which I cracked) but was happy to get it. It's frustrating but that's reality.

[novakjr]

It is a very over-rated card...BUT at the same time it is a really, really nice card. I think Patrick hit it on the head, when he referred to the fact that most people forget about the NM drop off when it comes to first and last cards...But then again, people still pay a premium for those cards even when they're beat to hell. And as long as they keep paying, dealers will keep charging.. The Pafko however, has since been immortalized in Kevin Smith and Bruce Willis' collective brain-fart, "Cop Out". Hell, the card was pretty much the focal point of the plot. As a big Kevin Smith fan, it kinda adds to the appeal of the card though..

Off the top of my head, as far as high BV goes, the Pafko(I believe) is the 3rd or 4th most expensive standard issue Topps card ever produced. After the Mantle, Mathews and possibly the Mays. So, in any grade, it's a key card for anyone putting together a '51 or '52-current Topps run.. And that is probably the main reason that the NM drop off doesn't necessarily apply to the Pafko, or at least not to the extremes of other first/last.. It's basically a card, where the hype has created more hype..