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I'm confused about the 1952 Topps "Black Back" labeling, can anyone help?

detroitfan2detroitfan2 Posts: 3,335 ✭✭✭✭
in PSA Set Registry Forum
Hi,

I was under the impression that PSA just recently (in the last year or so) began using the "Black Back" descriptor on the label of 1952 Topps low numbers with black backs (allowing easier tracking for the 1952 master set registry). However, I just received this card in the mail today:

image

It has the "Black Back" descriptor, but a "zero" serial number, which leads me to believe it was graded quite a while ago. Based on the condition of the holder, it was graded a while back. When I won the card on ebay, I assumed it was recently graded (I didn't even look at the serial #).

So does anyone know the story on this? Did PSA once use the "Black Back" designator, stop using it, and start again?

Thanks!

Tom (detroitfan2)

Comments

  • TwinsthreepeatTwinsthreepeat Posts: 278 ✭
    My guess is that,

    Someone sent it in to have have it reholdered with the "black back" label. Thus keeping the same serial number.
  • lamontcarterlamontcarter Posts: 748 ✭✭✭
    I believe that the beginning few numbers of a cert refer to the grader at PSA who graded it, thus there are cards that are being graded right now that start with zero. Hope that helps.

    Scott
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    Could you scan the back? The reverse of the slabs show some info too.

    SD
    Good for you.
  • NickMNickM Posts: 4,895 ✭✭✭
    PSA did it once upon a time, stopped doing it, and then started doing it again this year.

    Nick
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  • lostdart58lostdart58 Posts: 2,938 ✭✭✭
    Even without seeing the back that appears to be an "early" label.
    Collector of:Baseball
    1955 Bowman Raw complete with 90% Ex-NR or better

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    Working on '78 Autographed set now 99.9% complete -
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  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    I agree. The 0 cert has not been used for some time. I was just making sure as Lamont claimed that it is possible.

    Thanks Nick


    SD
    Good for you.
  • detroitfan2detroitfan2 Posts: 3,335 ✭✭✭✭
    Thanks everyone very much for your replies, I was not aware that PSA used the "Black Back" designator in the past.

    Steve, to answer your question, the back has the silver "Collector's Universe" hologram on the right side of the label.

    I'm pretty sure this is an older label, although it does not have the old font.

    I also did not consider the "reholdering" possibility mentioned by Twinsthreepeat. That's a good thought. Does anyone know if a card is given the same serial # when it is re-holdered?

    Thanks again,

    Tom
  • DRSDRS Posts: 104
    Yes, when you submit a '52 Topps card for Black Back Labeling, the existing cert # will be retained.





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