Art Donovan 1952 Bowman Large 23 Card Value Guide

#23

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 13, 2025

# Art Donovan 1952 Bowman Large 23 Card Value (Updated August 2025) When it comes to vintage football cards, few stand out as prominently as the 1952 Bowman Large Art Donovan #23 rookie card. Known for his vibrant personality on and off the field, Art Donovan was an exceptional defensive tackle whose legacy continues to captivate collectors. In this post, we delve into the current market insights, price trends, and investment potential of this iconic card.

Quick-Stats Panel

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Player:

Art Donovan -

Card:

1952 Bowman Large #23 -

Last 30-90 Days Market Overview:

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Sales Comps:

Based on data from eBay and Heritage Auctions, the card has seen steady interest with significant sales in mid-range grades. -

Market Demand:

Growing interest among vintage football card collectors. -

Market Sentiment:

Positive, driven by a resurgence of interest in notable Hall of Famers.

Price Table

Below is a table showing the average sale prices for the Art Donovan 1952 Bowman Large #23 card across different grades over the past 30 days.

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$25,000	$23,500
9	$12,000	$11,000
8	$7,500	$7,000
7	$4,200	$4,000
6	$2,500	$2,300
5	$1,500	$1,400
4	$1,000	$950
3	$750	$700
2	$500	$450
1	$300	$275

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, the Art Donovan 1952 Bowman Large #23 card has experienced interesting market dynamics: -

Peaks:

The card hit its peak value in March 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of Donovan's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. -

Dips:

A notable dip occurred in November 2024 due to overall market adjustments in vintage collectibles. -

Current Trajectory:

As of August 2025, the card is on a gentle upward trajectory, supported by consistent demand.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

While the Art Donovan rookie card is a gem, other cards in the 1952 Bowman Large set also command attention:

Jim Lansford #69:

A sought-after card due to Lansford's prowess and scarcity.

Paul Brown #1:

Esteemed for being the first card in the set and featuring one of the most influential figures in football history.

Dick Night Train Lane #127:

Valued for its popularity among both fans and collectors.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

The PSA Population Report reveals approximately 400 graded examples of the Art Donovan rookie card, with higher grades being significantly rarer. SGC numbers are slightly lower, indicating the card's scarcity: -

PSA 8 and Higher:

Less than 50 known examples. -

SGC 8 and Higher:

Approximately 40 known examples. Scarcity, combined with Donovan's celebrated career, drives demand and pricing for this card.

Player Bio

Art Donovan, a charismatic defensive tackle, was a cornerstone of the Baltimore Colts' defensive line. Over his career (1950-1961), he earned five Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Donovan was known not only for his skills on the field but also for his humorous personality, which made him a beloved figure in the sport.

Best Cards to Buy Now

# Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

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Buy:

Art Donovan 1952 Bowman Large #23 - especially in mid to high grades due to ongoing demand. -

Sell:

Lower-grade cards if you are capitalizing on current market peaks. -

Hold:

High-grade cards for long-term investment, as their value is expected to appreciate.

Collector’s Recommendation:

Given Art Donovan’s legacy and the positive market sentiment, this is a prime time to invest in his 1952 Bowman Large #23 card, especially in higher grades if available.

# Summary

Art Donovan's 1952 Bowman Large #23 rookie card continues to capture the imagination of collectors and investors alike. Its blend of scarcity, historical significance, and the player's legacy make it a valuable addition to any collection. With a positive market outlook, investing in this card could yield significant returns.

# Sources

Data and insights were gathered from eBay.com, PSA.com, and sportscardinvestor.com.

# User Questions and Answers

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from eBay and other auction sites.

What are the best brands to invest in for long-term value?

Bowman Chrome 1st autos (prospects), Topps Chrome RCs (rookies), Panini Prizm.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect condition with no visible flaws.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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