1952 Topps Mays: Mystery Mark

[AGuinness]

Hi,
I've been reading boards here for a while but just now registered. First post.

In looking at 1952 Topps Willie Mays, I noticed that some have a small mark on the back just to the side of the "Lifetime" stats. Its just a small dash, but it repeatedly appears on it - although definitely not on every one - and I found numerous slabbed cards featuring the mark.

Here are some that sold on eBay with the mark:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-2...p2047675.l2557
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-2...p2047675.l2557
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-W...p2047675.l2557
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-TOPPS-W...p2047675.l2557

From what I've seen, most of the cards do NOT have the mark, but it's also not a rarity.

My understanding is that the Mays card was not a DP (like the Mantle with the two types). Anyone know anything about this mystery mark? I haven't been able to find anything online about it.

Thanks.

[irv]

Originally Posted by AGuinness

Hi,
I've been reading boards here for a while but just now registered. First post.

In looking at 1952 Topps Willie Mays, I noticed that some have a small mark on the back just to the side of the "Lifetime" stats. Its just a small dash, but it repeatedly appears on it - although definitely not on every one - and I found numerous slabbed cards featuring the mark.

Here are some that sold on eBay with the mark:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-2...p2047675.l2557
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-2...p2047675.l2557
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-Topps-W...p2047675.l2557
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-TOPPS-W...p2047675.l2557

From what I've seen, most of the cards do NOT have the mark, but it's also not a rarity.

My understanding is that the Mays card was not a DP (like the Mantle with the two types). Anyone know anything about this mystery mark? I haven't been able to find anything online about it.

Thanks.

Just checked mine and it looks like it has it as well? I know nothing about what your asking but it is an interesting observation.

[ALR-bishop]

Recurring print defect. They can be found in almost all sets and there are several in the 52 set, front and back. Another big name card with a back recurring print defect is Campanella. The Mantle, Thompson and Robinson also have back differences ( front too), but because they are double prints tend to be viewed as variations rather than print defects. The Campos black star could be a variation or recurring print defect. The Campos missing front border is likely a scarce recurring print defect

So far not much hobby recognition of the Mays and Capanella in terms of value. The black star is hobby lore. The missing front border not so much

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Recurring print defect. They can be found in almost all sets and there are several in the 52 set, front and back. Another big name card with a back recurring print defect is Campanella. The Mantle, Thompson and Robinson also have back differences ( front too), but because they are double prints tend to be viewed as variations rather than print defects. The Campos black star could be a variation or recurring print defect. The Campos missing front border is likely a scarce recurring print defect

So far not much hobby recognition of the Mays and Capanella in terms of value. The black star is hobby lore. The missing front border not so much

And here I thought he needed psychiatric care.

[AGuinness]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Recurring print defect. They can be found in almost all sets and there are several in the 52 set, front and back. Another big name card with a back recurring print defect is Campanella. The Mantle, Thompson and Robinson also have back differences ( front too), but because they are double prints tend to be viewed as variations rather than print defects. The Campos black star could be a variation or recurring print defect. The Campos missing front border is likely a scarce recurring print defect

So far not much hobby recognition of the Mays and Capanella in terms of value. The black star is hobby lore. The missing front border not so much

Thanks. I knew that was a possibility, but thought it might be something stranger (nix, hoped it would)...

[ALR-bishop]

Who knows. The yellow tiger House does not have formal recognition but has achieved status among 52 collectors and increased in value, particularly the gray back version. Many believe it is a true variation. Maybe the 52 Mays will catch fire at some point

The 54 Mays has a more prominent recurring print defect ( variation ?), a white band on his arm on the front. It has not caught much attention either

By the way, welcome AG

[AGuinness]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Who knows. The yellow tiger House does not have formal recognition but has achieved status among 52 collectors and increased in value, particularly the gray back version. Many believe it is a true variation. Maybe the 52 Mays will catch fire at some point

The 54 Mays has a more prominent recurring print defect ( variation ?), a white band on his arm on the front. It has not caught much attention either

By the way, welcome AG

Thanks!

That white band one is so obvious, I'm surprised it hasn't garnered attention.