1952 Topps High Numbers

The 1952 Topps high numbers are some of the rarest regular series cards of the post-World War II Era. Several major stars are contained in the last two series, including Mays, Bobby Thomson, Jackie Robinson and the famous #311 Mickey Mantle.

The 1952 Topps baseball series was printed in six series. These were printed on sheets of 100 cards. The first four series are the most plentiful; the fifth series (251-310) is slightly rarer. The sixth series (#311-407) is so rare that many collectors consider a 1952 Topps set with cards #1-310 “virtually complete.”

For collectors seeking a 1952 Topps set of 310 cards, the fifth series is slightly rarer and more collectible. Cards #251-280 and #301-310 were double printed, while #281-300 were single printed. Willie Mays’ first Topps card is included in this scarce fifth series of 1952 Topps high numbers, and Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm’s rookie card is #392.

For serious collectors, and those up to a great challenge, the sixth series of the 1952 Topps baseball set is known as the most rare, regular-issue Topps series of all-time. Cards #311-407 are the quintessential Topps high numbers. This series contained 97 single-printings and three double-printings. The three double-printings are the ultra-famous #311 Mickey Mantle as well as the tough #312 Jackie Robinson and #313 Bobby Thomson. Single-printed Roy Campanella is #314.

This sixth series is extremely rare, apparently due to Topps not distributing a large amount of the series at year’s end. Cards that were distributed from this series were also apparently concentrated in the northern states and Canada. Some legend surrounds the fate of the 1952 Topps high numbers, but apparently Topps dumped a large amount of unopened 1952 “inventory” into New York Harbor when doing some housecleaning around 1960.

Card #407, Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews, is extremely rare in top conditions. In addition to the high number scarcity, Matthews would have ended up on the bottom of a collector’s baseball card stack—subject to the same wear and tear as the 1952 Topps Andy Pafko (#1). Some collectors consider the Matthews card in high grade as one of the rarest Topps issues.

Common cards in the 1952 Topps high numbers were selling recently on eBay in the $150-$300 range for cards graded PSA 4-6. Common cards grading PSA 7 were listed in the $450 range. Common cards grading higher than PSA 7 are rare and extremely collectable and will command prices nearing and exceeding $1000.

Still, the 1952 Topps high numbers are accessible to collectors, especially in lower grades. Another option for collectors may be to see the high number cards in the 1952 Topps Reprint set issued in 1983; these cards are available for a few dollars each. The entire reprint set sells on eBay for $100-$350.