Why do 1952 Topps Gus Zernial cards command such a high premium?

[jb217676]

I was wondering why 1952 topps Gus Zernial cards command such a high premium over other commons from the 1952 Topps baseball set. A PSA 7 sold last night for $223.00, while other PSA 7 commons usually sell in the $50.00-$70.00 range. Is it just because of the funky photo? (If anyone has a nice ungraded copy for sale, let me know!)

[Rich Klein]

That is a "novelty" type of 1952 card because of the baseballs: And the card is based on this photo

http://www.guszernial.com/photos.html.

You should be able to figure out which photo was used

Regards
Rich

[pwilk17]

Almost all of the 52 Topps Low number series (1-80 red or black backs) in PSA 7 will set you back at least $200. A few of the easier ones may go for $150, however many PSA 7 low numbers will set you back $300 to $500.

[tedzan]

His 1952 card reflects a record he set by hitting 6 HR's in 3 consecutive games. Actually, he followed it up with a 7th HR in the
4th game.

While with the White Sox in 1949, Zernial recalls meeting a young starlet by the name of Marilyn Monroe She came to Comiskey
Park to do a pictorial for a magazine.

He was a well liked ballplayer and collectors buy his cards, especially the unique 1952 Topps card.


TED Z

[jb217676]

Thanks for the help guys. I figured it was the combination of being a low-numbered card with a cool picture (that's why I want one!) Lookin' to buy a nice ungraded one if anyone has one for sale. Thanks.

[Chris Counts]

If I recall, there was a humorous passage about the card in "The Great American Baseball Card Flipping, Trading and Bubble Gum Book." That book was very popular with collectors back in the day (it came out in 1973) and I have no doubt it raised the popularity and value of a few cards, including the Zernial ...