1952 Topps -- Card Gallery

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by irv

If I read/understand it correctly, that is the number one reason why Sy Berger changed the first print run to white/red backs as he said the black backs made the fronts of the cards too dark. Some are definitely darker/worse than others but yes, there is a definite difference.

My BB Jansen.

Thanks, Dale. I had not heard that before.

[irv]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Thanks, Dale. I had not heard that before.

You're welcome.

Although this article doesn't specifically say Sy changed the back colors, in another article I read, that I can't currently find, it read that he did.

I also know I read a few articles, likely around 4-5 yrs ago, that read that black backs were more rare/more valuable than red backs but the general consensus with members on this site say that is not true.
I know some black back cards are way tougher than some red backed cards (pop report) so those will command a premium in high grade but I guess that is as far as it goes?

"Existing in both black-back and red-back variations, it’s apparent that the red-back cards consistently offer superior picture quality, leading to speculation that Topps was not happy with their first attempt and resolved to make improvements by increasing the quality while changing the reverse color to red as a sort of “clean slate” approach. The Johnny Sain and Joe Page “wrong back” errors (#48 and #49) exist only in black-back form as they were corrected before the switch to red; only the correct version exists on the red-back variety. All cards after the first series are in red-back form only. High grade specimens of the black-back cards are almost always scarcer then their corresponding red-backs, suggesting that the switch from black to red happened fairly early in the process and considerably fewer black-backs made it into circulation.
https://milehighcardco.com/blog/the-...-is-new-again/

Here's some other great stories about the 52 Topps cards, how they came to be and how they changed the hobby/card collecting forever.
Enjoy.

http://www.sportscardradio.com/1952-...intage-review/
https://www.cardboardconnection.com/...seball-cards-2
https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.co...opps-baseball/
https://www.psacard.com/articles/art...than-meets-eye

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by irv

You're welcome.

Although this article doesn't specifically say Sy changed the back colors, in another article I read, that I can't currently find, it read that he did.

I also know I read a few articles, likely around 4-5 yrs ago, that read that black backs were more rare/more valuable than red backs but the general consensus with members on this site say that is not true.
I know some black back cards are way tougher than some red backed cards (pop report) so those will command a premium in high grade but I guess that is as far as it goes?

"Existing in both black-back and red-back variations, it’s apparent that the red-back cards consistently offer superior picture quality, leading to speculation that Topps was not happy with their first attempt and resolved to make improvements by increasing the quality while changing the reverse color to red as a sort of “clean slate” approach. The Johnny Sain and Joe Page “wrong back” errors (#48 and #49) exist only in black-back form as they were corrected before the switch to red; only the correct version exists on the red-back variety. All cards after the first series are in red-back form only. High grade specimens of the black-back cards are almost always scarcer then their corresponding red-backs, suggesting that the switch from black to red happened fairly early in the process and considerably fewer black-backs made it into circulation.
https://milehighcardco.com/blog/the-...-is-new-again/

Here's some other great stories about the 52 Topps cards, how they came to be and how they changed the hobby/card collecting forever.
Enjoy.

http://www.sportscardradio.com/1952-...intage-review/
https://www.cardboardconnection.com/...seball-cards-2
https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.co...opps-baseball/
https://www.psacard.com/articles/art...than-meets-eye

From the PSA price guide website (see below), it actually says the red backs sell for a premium, but in the SCD, it says black backs used to sell for a premium but now they are basically the same so who knows what to believe.

Notes about 1952 Topps
First series 1-80 Red Back variations usually sell for approx. 15-20% more than the listed price

[Vegas Cards]

Definitely need to work on my '52 game. I've been watching this thread and waiting for my number to come up.

Anyway, here's mine. Anyone know why he's holding up 7 fingers? I see on the back it says he has 7 kids...

[RCMcKenzie]

one more than Jordan...

[irv]

Originally Posted by jayshum

From the PSA price guide website (see below), it actually says the red backs sell for a premium, but in the SCD, it says black backs used to sell for a premium but now they are basically the same so who knows what to believe.

Notes about 1952 Topps
First series 1-80 Red Back variations usually sell for approx. 15-20% more than the listed price

I can't help but think that is a typo where they meant to type/write black instead?
With little, or next to nothing, written about print runs, it's highly unlikely we'll ever know what the black to red back printing ratio ever was? Like what I wrote above, I think, once upon a time, that black backs were slightly more expensive/viewed as more rare, but through the years, as more info likely came forward, that is no longer the case?

[irv]

Originally Posted by Vegas Cards

Definitely need to work on my '52 game. I've been watching this thread and waiting for my number to come up.

Anyway, here's mine. Anyone know why he's holding up 7 fingers? I see on the back it says he has 7 kids...

http://boblemke.blogspot.com/2016/02...ocreative.html

[riggs336]

Originally Posted by Vegas Cards

Definitely need to work on my '52 game. I've been watching this thread and waiting for my number to come up.

Anyway, here's mine. Anyone know why he's holding up 7 fingers? I see on the back it says he has 7 kids...

I read that he had just had his seventh child when the picture was taken.

[cardsagain74]

Supposedly Jansen's arm was shot in his mid 30s after a few great seasons (over a five year period), but I'm wondering if his legs gave out instead w/ all those reproductive bedroom appearances

[LincolnVT]

Beautiful example!

Originally Posted by Vegas Cards

Definitely need to work on my '52 game. I've been watching this thread and waiting for my number to come up.

Anyway, here's mine. Anyone know why he's holding up 7 fingers? I see on the back it says he has 7 kids...

[LincolnVT]

Here is my copy.

[irv]

Grady.