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 ...

[Steve D]

Originally Posted by 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 ...

Here's the passage:

"This is one of my all-time favorite cards. How do you suppose they got those baseballs to stay up there anyway? Nails? Scotch tape? Postage stamp hinges?

And why do you think Gus is giving us the high sign? Is he trying to assure us that everything is OK? Is he trying to indicate to us that he thinks the Athletics are a big zero? Does he want a cinnamon doughnut to go?

And why is he wearing a pink undershirt?

And what the hell is it all supposed to mean anyway?"


Steve

[Chris Counts]

Thanks, Steve. That's classic. How could you not want the card after reading that?

[cardguru67]

I found this sweet card at a yard sale one time for 50 cents! Crazy...