The 1952 Topps Baseball set is one of the most iconic and sought-after sets in the history of sports card collecting. Its historical significance and the star-studded checklist make it a centerpiece for many collectors. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) population counts provide insight into the rarity and condition distribution of these cards. Here’s a summary of the key aspects of the PSA population counts for the 1952 Topps Baseball set:
Table of Contents
General Overview
- Total Cards Graded: The 1952 Topps(eBay) set consists of 407 cards. PSA has graded tens of thousands of these cards over the years, reflecting their high demand and collectible value.
- Condition Breakdown: Cards from this set are graded on a scale from PSA 1 (Poor) to PSA 10 (Gem Mint). The majority of cards graded by PSA fall into the mid-grade range (PSA 4 to PSA 6). With very few achieving the highest grades (PSA 9 and PSA 10) due to the age and handling over the years.
1952 Topps Key Cards and Their Populations
- Mickey Mantle (#311): The most famous and valuable card in the set. PSA has graded thousands of Mantle cards, but very few are in high grades. As of the latest counts, there are only a handful of PSA 9s, and a PSA 10 is extremely rare, with just three known to exist.
- Willie Mays(eBay) (#261): Another cornerstone card. Mays’ rookie card has a similar grading distribution to Mantle’s, with a significant number graded but few in mint condition. PSA 8s and above are particularly scarce.
- Jackie Robinson (#312): Robinson’s card is highly prized. Like Mantle and Mays, there are numerous cards graded by PSA, but high-grade examples (PSA 8 and above) are limited.
- Eddie Mathews (#407): The last card in the set and one of the toughest to find in high grade due to its positioning and print run. PSA 8s and above are rare, making this a key card for collectors.
High Number Series (Cards #311-407)
The high number series, which includes Mantle, Robinson, and Mathews, is notoriously difficult to complete in high grades. These cards were released later in the season and were subject to lower production runs and higher rates of miscut and print defects.
- Scarcity and Demand: Cards in this series are in higher demand and often command premium prices, especially in PSA 7 and above.
1952 Topps Rarity and Collectability
- Low PSA Populations in High Grades: The combination of age, distribution methods, and the handling of these cards over the decades means that high-grade examples are extremely rare. This rarity drives the high prices seen at auctions for PSA 8, 9, and 10 graded cards.
- Mid-Grade Popularity: Many collectors focus on obtaining cards in PSA 4 to PSA 6 grades. Where the balance between affordability and condition is more accessible.
Conclusion
The PSA population counts for the 1952 Topps Baseball set underscore its status as a cornerstone of sports card collecting. The scarcity of high-grade examples, particularly for key cards like Mickey Mantle(eBay), Willie Mays, and Jackie Robinson, highlights the enduring value and allure of this iconic set. Whether in mid-grades for more practical collecting or in high grades for investment, the 1952 Topps set remains a symbol of baseball’s golden era and a prized possession for collectors worldwide.
Happy Collecting
