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Marc S.#1 cards are legitimately tough for a period of time --ending around the late 1950s. After that, there has been enough unopened and other well-preserved product to help maintain critical mass quantities of #1 cards in top condition. This is partially clouded by the fact that Topps often put a star/notable player in the #1 slot of many of its 1950 and 1960 sets. Star cards often are found more well-preserved than many commons for certain years.
Additionally -- sheet placement may be somewhat of a factor. Some issues over the decades have indicated that cards that are on the perimeter of the sheet tend to be cut off-center more than middle cards. This is not true for every issue -- and it happens more on the right side than on the left side of sheets, but it is something that may be worth more investiation.
MS