1952 Topps CREAM back vs GRAY back help???

[bobbyw8469]

Guys....I am trying to label this card. Can you tell me if this is considered a cream back or gray back?? I am color blind so that works against me. I am trying to find variations already graded, but they are no help.....Thanks in advance!!

[bobbyw8469]

Also...can someone tell me if these are Canadian Topps?? The fronts are really dull and muted. Isn't that a tell tale sign??

[tedzan]

Here are a couple examples of the White backs vs the Gray backs




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TED Z

T206 Reference
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[bobbyw8469]

Thank you Ted....and the look really dull and dirty on the front.......Hmmmm....I think I might have something here.

[111gecko]

Looks like they are gray backs to me. Nice....!!!

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by 111gecko

Looks like they are gray backs to me. Nice....!!!

They look really weird on the front. They look dirty without really being dirty is the best way I can describe them.

[painthistorian]

Its hard to tell with your scanner but that looks like it might be a toned cream back, there are die lots of cream reverses within printing range, the actual grey backs are very dark and the washed out fronts can be either type in 3rd series...THE best way to tell is take a cream back from any series and put reverse side by side with those other cards you pictured, if its slightly darker, its tonal but the greybacks are very clearly darker, good luck!

[111gecko]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

They look really weird on the front. They look dirty without really being dirty is the best way I can describe them.

I’ve owned a bunch of gray backs and those fronts are dead on for grays. They also have regular fronts that are gray backs as well, much rarer; but you found some.
Pretty exciting. Tell us more!

[bobbyw8469]

Nothing really to tell. I got them between 10-15 years ago and just boxed them up and forgot about them.

[bobbyw8469]

They were the only cards in the sleeve. Maybe the previous owner knew exactly what they were and that's why they were the only ones there. Then he dies, and his family consigns the lot? Then some dumb schmuck like me won it and didn't know what he had and just left it in the box and forgot about it for a decade or so. Sounds about right.

[irv]

You'll likely get more hits/info in the Post War section, Bobby?

I have no opinion as I have never had one in hand. I have some cards that I thought might be gray backs but members in the PW section cleared that up for me.

With so many different back shades and color variations, plus age and fading, it can be real tough, imo.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by irv

You'll likely get more hits/info in the Post War section, Bobby?

I have no opinion as I have never had one in hand. I have some cards that I thought might be gray backs but members in the PW section cleared that up for me.

With so many different back shades and color variations, plus age and fading, it can be real tough, imo.

No crap. That's what I am learning. I think a real good tale tell sign is the 'washed out/grayed out" front. And they got to be within a certain range of numbers.

[mckinneyj]

Reiser, Rojek and Erautt all appear to be gray backs. You'll find that the Reiser is pricey and in much demand...

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by mckinneyj

Reiser, Rojek and Erautt all appear to be gray backs. You'll find that the Reiser is pricey and in much demand...

The Reiser appears to be miscut, so even when real, I doubt it will get anything but AUTHENTIC only. Notice how the right and left edges look.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

The Reiser appears to be miscut, so even when real, I doubt it will get anything but AUTHENTIC only. Notice how the right and left edges look.

Reiser is quite valuable in any grade, there is a broad perception that he is much tougher than the other gray backs.


The Podbielan in first post is a basic white back. The batch of 3 look like grays from the front, back scans would help eliminate the possibility it is just toning.

[bobbyw8469]

Are these the same??? Or would the gray be darker than that??

[Republicaninmass]

188 bottom. Gray

[painthistorian]

#188, bottom card DEFINITELY grey variation...

[bobbyw8469]

Thanks for everyone's help in all of this. I had no idea. If I had , I wouldn't have teased ya'll by putting them on the Net54 auction thread!

[swarmee]

Did you need more help on this?
https://forums.collectors.com/discus...rays-vs-creams

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Did you need more help on this?
https://forums.collectors.com/discus...rays-vs-creams

LOL...nah...not really....just trying to live that board up some....it's dead over there.

[bobbyw8469]

I just wanted to take the time to thank EVERYONE who helped me on this thread!!! Even though I had been in the hobby over 20 years, I had no idea or clue about the 1952 Topps Gray back cards. I had a stash of around 8 of them, and just thought they were dirty looking. I sent the Reiser by itself to PSA because of the perceived value, and had to pay them more because they valued it higher than I did. It was confirmed to be a Canadian Gray and received a number grade. Anyway, I just wanted to thank all who pointed me in the right direction so I wouldn't get ripped off. You guys are the best!!!!