1954 Topps Canadian Jackie Robinson???

[bobbyw8469]

I am confused by this auction. Why is Goodwin & Co calling this card a Canadian issue, when it says no such thing on the label, and the back of the card clearly says "Printed in the USA"? I'm hoping some of the 1954 experts can chime in....

http://www.goodwinandco.com/1954_Top...-LOT31579.aspx

[bbcard1]

I don't know anything in particular about that issue, but I suspect the stock is the tip off. Also the catalogue writer is trying way too hard.

[Laxcat]

Think '52 gray backs. But, I believe, much more difficult.

[ALR-bishop]

The SCD Standard Catalog has a separate listing for the first series gray backs in 54 and the mid series gray backs in 52. It refers to them as Canadians based on speculation they may have been printed and distributed in Canada. That theory is contested by many. Ted Z or David H, or others may chime in.

Very tough to complete a super master set with those backs

[glynparson]

A Canadian back since the early 1990 s at least. Many contest that but regardless they are extremely difficult to find and even more so in such spectacular condition. So even if erroneous Canadian is how many have referred to this issue for at least 20-25 years.

[CharleyBrown]

The card is incredibly difficult to obtain, and usually sells for quite a bit more than the card in its typical stock. I've owned 3 of them - really regretted selling my first 2 (PSA 3 and PSA 5 I believe) - was really glad to have picked up the PSA 2 in the last Heritage auction. The pop report tells all - I think there are 6-8 total Gray Backs vs. 2600 or so regular backs.

Here's a comparison between the two:

[MW1]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

The SCD Standard Catalog has a separate listing for the first series gray backs in 54 and the mid series gray backs in 52. It refers to them as Canadians based on speculation they may have been printed and distributed in Canada. That theory is contested by many. Ted Z or David H, or others may chime in.

Very tough to complete a super master set with those backs

The Canadian origin is the correct one. The 1952 Topps Canadians are actually much tougher in top grade than the 1954 Topps Canadians, with the exception of just a few players.

[Stampsfan]

CharleyBrown, thanks for the scans. The back color of the Robinson card in the Goodwin auction almost seems to be between the colors of your scans. The grey in yours in quite dark. IYO, have you seen differing shades of grey, or might it be the scans?

Thanks...
Bob

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by MW1

The Canadian origin is the correct one. The 1952 Topps Canadians are actually much tougher in top grade than the 1954 Topps Canadians, with the exception of just a few players.

Micheal-Do you have a source for this information? Generally, most hobby origin stories have an element of truth but I always like to go back to the source if possible and would love to see that here.

[MW1]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I am confused by this auction. Why is Goodwin & Co calling this card a Canadian issue, when it says no such thing on the label, and the back of the card clearly says "Printed in the USA"? I'm hoping some of the 1954 experts can chime in....

http://www.goodwinandco.com/1954_Top...-LOT31579.aspx

Bobby,

As mentioned elsewhere, the only thing that distinguishes one issue from the other is the color of the reverse side, not the text. What might be problematic, however, is that the card in the auction does not appear to be a gray back. Either that or it's a really bad scan.

If the label is indeed correct, that's one heck of a rare card.

Update: I have been told that the Jackie Robinson comes from a reputable source and is indeed a 1954 Canadian Topps gray back. I'm not sure why I was contacted by an intermediary, however. The owner of the card should just supply an alternate scan/image to the auction house.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by MW1

Bobby,

As mentioned elsewhere, the only thing that distinguishes one issue from the other is the color of the reverse side, not the text. What might be problematic, however, is that the card in the auction does not appear to be a gray back. Either that or it's a really bad scan.

If the label is indeed correct, that's one heck of a rare card.

Here is an archived photo of one, it definitely looks different from Bill's which is next to it. Then again, Bill's scans are not always the best, it would be surprising if PSA mislabeled this.