1954 topps graybacks

[tigerfan]

I am intrigued by the so-called 1954 Topps Canadian gray backs. What can anyone tell me about them.

[flkersn]

The first 50 cards in the set were produced using a grayer stock than the regular 54s. They were rumored to be produced in Canada and be fairly rare. A limited demand for them has held the prices down relative to the 52 gray backs.

[ALR-bishop]

The first 50 cards in the 1954 set can be found with gray, as opposed to the normal and predominant white backs. One hobby theory is that an abbreviated set of the first 50 cards was printed on different stock and distributed in Canada. I think there is still some debate about that theory.

Later cards from that set sold in Canada in O-Pee Chee packs of 4 for a nickel were white backed. In the US there were 6 cards to the pack.

A similar gray back "Canadian" subset exists in the 1952 set in cards 131 to 190 ( 60 cards)

The gray backs sell for high premiums over the regular cards in both sets. I have not followed the 54 prices recently, but in the 52 set they often sell for more than the high numbered cards in the set. They are fairly scarce, and mostly sought after by "master' set collectors

[tigerfan]

Thanks for the info. Do you have any scans where I can see the difference?

[ALR-bishop]

1954 on top, 52 on bottom

[tigerfan]

Thanks. Is anybody collecting any of these or have them for sale?

[ALR-bishop]

There are a couple of them from each year on ebay now

[toppcat]

Al-your 52 and the couple on eBay all show yellowing on the backs of the grays-is this a common thing with them?

[mattsedate]

Originally Posted by flkersn

The first 50 cards in the set were produced using a grayer stock than the regular 54s. They were rumored to be produced in Canada and be fairly rare. A limited demand for them has held the prices down relative to the 52 gray backs.

I guess something is only rare if more people want it than examples available.