1949 Bowman Grey-White Backs

[G1911]

I have found the grey backs to be tougher, but only tougher relatively to the white stock. Neither is hard to find.

[GasHouseGang]

Can someone show the difference between the white and gray back. Are these white or gray backs?

[G1911]

The difference is pretty drastic in hand - this isn't a subtle white vs. cream type thing but a clear grey and a clear white. A scanner can sometimes make it look a little tough individually, but side by side it is hard to miss. White backs only exist for 1-3, 5-73, the first two sheets of cards (I am not aware of real evidence that this was 1 series or 2 series released).

[G1911]

Also, you can often tell the difference from the front because the stock is different there too.

Grey first, white second. The white backs often have a brighter image, and the border has a rougher and darker appearance.

[jayshum]

I agree that it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference from online scans, but in hand the difference in back color is clear. When I was working on the master set, there were several times I had to email a seller to make sure which back they had.