1954 Topps. Are any of these gray backs? (picture heavy)

[Ironheart]

Hey everyone. New member here with a questions regarding my recent pickup about 3 weeks ago. I picked up 36 cards, which mainly are 1954 Topps and a few 1959 tops. 26 of them are under #50 and me being in Canada, I figure that I may have had a better chance in picking up the elusive gray back versions of the 1954 Topps set. I have seen some examples of gray backs that actually have a whitish/cream tinge to them and not a distinct colour of gray, which is why I am posting these for some experts to take a look at.

The picture uploads are just of the backs since that is the main variation of these cards. I can upload the front, if needed. Please mind the cards with Crayon on the backside haha, regardless if they are or aren't gray backs, they are officially orange and purple, but I figure I'd upload them anyways.

Thanks in advance everyone.

[Ironheart]

Continued

[ALR-bishop]

Here is one of my gray backs

[G1911]

All look like normal white backs to me. Anyone ever seen evidence the gray backs are a Canadian parallel issue? This is stated frequently, but I’ve never seen the proof, if it exists, of this claim.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by G1911

All look like normal white backs to me. Anyone ever seen evidence the gray backs are a Canadian parallel issue? This is stated frequently, but I’ve never seen the proof, if it exists, of this claim.

Me neither, same with the 52's. Do the 54's have gum or wax stains? 52's do not IIRC, which means either vending or cello distribution. There is a good thread on here about the 52's.

[Ironheart]

The only reason why I still question whether these sre possibly gray backs is that there are a few Sold examples from eBay that are PSA graded, labeled as graybacks and do have a more whitish tone as do mine.

Crappy pictures, but here are a few examples.


Maybe I am just wanting to see something, that just isnt there. Mind you, who wouldnt want to find a whole stack of gray backs, am I right? Haha.

Thanks everyone

[BruceinGa]

I think you found another variation, the Crayola back!
Thanks for sharing.

[swarmee]

If the Billy Martin you linked says it's a Gray back on the PSA flip, they probably got it wrong.

[Ironheart]

Originally Posted by swarmee

If the Billy Martin you linked says it's a Gray back on the PSA flip, they probably got it wrong.

Quick search of 54 gray backs on the advanced eBay search shows just that. If you look, some other ones are questionable as well. But many have sold for $500-700 and more.

[tschock]

If you mix the gray backs into a stack of cards, the differences will jump out at you. Just like the 1968 Topps/MB back differences. Looking at them stand alone can be a bit more difficult, especially for worn cards. Can you guess the gray backs from this pic?

[ALR-bishop]

The one on the top and the one on the bottom ?

[ValKehl]

Ironheart, the last card you showed is Pete Runnels. I have both versions of the Runnels card. Here they are, next to one another, which will help you tell the difference:

[1954 topps]

I'm a graded '54 set collector but I always go back and look through the hundreds or thousands of raw '54's at every show I attend looking for gray backs. Sorry to say you don't have any there. When you see one, you'll know it as they stand out easily. Also, as others mentioned, I have seen non gray backs in PSA holders noted as such. Have to know what your looking for and knowledge is key, never trust a label.

Not surprised to see other collectors have one or two hanging around but they are extremely tough. I have found only one, #8 Bobby Young that I gladly paid $7 for at a small show outside of Cincinnati. It's in great shape other than a couple surface line impressions on the background. I'd guess it'd get a 4 or 4.5 from PSA for that reason otherwise, it's a 6 to 6.5 based on corners, centering, and print quality.