The story is one of the most often-recited tales in the sports collecting hobby. Topps couldn't sell its leftover cases of the last series it produced in its debut issue of 1952, so several years later they had them dumped into the ocean to gain some room in the warehouse. It’s a great story and it’s apparently true and that’s why today there simply aren't enough 1952 Topps high numbers to go around. Heck, even the only known surviving empty case from the ’52 high number series is worth a lot of money. Those collectors who are putting the set together gather around them like vultures whenever fresh copies hit the market. Even lower grade ’52 highs are valuable for that reason. This week, our eBay auction listings include a large group of those elusive, 61-year-old beauties and the action is hot and heavy. The majority of the cards we’re offering are in ‘affordable’ grade and they’re being sold card by card. Most are commons but there is a Jackie Robinson attracting a lot of looks (and bids) as well as a Dick Groat. All have been graded by PSA or SGC. We've handled numerous 1952 Mantles (including a nice SGC 50 just recently), Mays and Robinsons in the past but this set is so popular with collectors that the most impressive sales and aggressive bids often come from those common cards that can be crossed off a want list without missing a mortgage payment. Whenever we acquire vintage baseball cards for our auctions or inventory, we try to make sure we find the best looking cards for the grade because we know that’s what your customers prefer. If the technical grade is lower than the aesthetic appearance, we think the collector benefits by not having to pay quite so much for a nice card. Even if you're not actively collecting the entire set of 1952 Topps, this is a great opportunity to add a ‘type card’ from the most legendary part of his hobby icon. Bidding closes Sunday night.
