1952 Topps Gray Backs-looking for feedback/info
 

1st post, looks like a great group. I found this group because I lucked into acquiring two 1952 Topps Gray Backs(Roy Smalley and Bob Rush) and wanted more info. I felt they were in really good condition so sent off to PSA(my first ever PSA submissions) and they came back with a 4(Rush) and a 4.5(Smalley-only 4.5 out there with only three 5's better). Anyway...I have never sold a card let alone a card like these two. I would like to eventually sell and I hear there are some super gray collector's out there but I don't even know where to start. The more info I can get about these cards, the collector's of these cards that are out there, potential value of these cards, etc that would be great. If anyone in here can give me some leads to collectors or anyone potentially interested in buying these(or someone with more info on how to best find buyers) that would be great. I am probably looking to avoid ebay if at all possible as I have never sold on ebay and assume that my lack of feedback would hurt any potential interest. I have reached out to a few card shops and facebook groups in the last day or so in hopes of drumming up more info/interest. Thank in advance for any feedback.

Nice cards, nice score. I'm always on the lookout for gray backs and have sold several. You'll probably get some PMs from collectors here based on this post. Ultimately, it's your decision. Consigning them is always a good option (PWCC, Probstein, any auction house) but that can take a month or two to get paid on. You can always sell directly at a price you're comfortable with and I'm sure you'll get a couple offers here.

It's always tough to value grays and the hammer price can vary significantly. It can depend on which particular card it is and if two people who really want it get into a bidding war. Strangely enough, there's been an influx of grays on eBay over the last month so there's quite a few comps to look at. I'd say you could expect anywhere from $1k-$2k from each card so somewhere around $2k-$4k total.

Good luck.

Edited to add: the Smalley appears to be the even more scarce 'glossy white' gray back for what that's worth. The glossy white versions don't have the dulled out look most gray backs have. Maybe 1 out of 50 is glossy white. Doesn't always mean the sell price will be significantly more...but it's worth noting.

Edited to add (again): There's a 4 Smalley and a 4 Rush on eBay in sold listings. Combined sell price was $2,300. You'd lose about 13% in fees so net about $2k. The 4.5 would probably go for a little more and the glossy white may add a premium...Maybe not. So combined total of $2-3k is probably more realistic.

You don’t mention how much you paid for the cards, nor do you supply scans of the cards backs. How much to get the cards graded? This way we know how much difference in the selling value vs. what you have in them. Good luck!

Hi Tom, I apologize I am new to all this. To be honest, I bought them for very cheap not even realizing at the time what I had(bought a bunch of 1952's for under $100). I sent in the Smalley and Rush gray backs to PSA with 30 day service, if I recall that cost around $80ish. Honestly, I am trying to potentially maximize my profit to offset what I have spent trying to put together a complete Topps Cubs set from 52'-present. I would love to keep them in my collection but the potential profit I could make is something I just can't pass up. I will try to get some more scans of the backs and of the Rush card when I get home from work. Thanks!

No problem. The Cubs high numbers could run you.

Yep haha...there are quite a few Cubs in that high number series!

Here is a pic of the Smalley back as well as the front and back of the PSA 4 Bob Rush. Again, thanks for all the guidance so far!

What relevance does that have? Does it matter if he paid a dollar or $500? The questions he is asking are about current values, he doesn't need to disclose anything else about them.

I agree a back scan is important, which he complied with, and that's all that needs to be asked, imo.

Congrats on the P/U's, Cubscollector. I am sure you will have no trouble moving them, but do your homework first.

Good luck. :)

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