Looking through a near set of 1952 Topps cards, something caught our eye. It was a different looking Billy Martin card, somewhat "muted" in appearance, with off-white borders. We immediately knew what it was. This card was an extremely rare gray back variation of popular New York Yankee second baseman Billy Martin. The third series cards (#131-190) from the 1952 Topps set normally appear with the standard white/cream colored reverses. However, a small amount of cards are found with gray backs, similar to those in the first two series. And when we say small amounts of cards, these cards are so rare, only one or two completely known gray back runs are known, and both are in the hands of very long-time collectors. Several other long time collectors have been attempting to complete this 60 card variation set since 1970, and still do not even have half the set. As is with most known gray back varieties, this example has a yellowish front with a matte finish, missing all the gloss on the front. (As an aside, gray back examples with a "regular" glossy front are even more rare than the matte finish). The card has been authenticated and graded by PSA at VG-EX 4 with a very light crease along the left side and an area of darkness on the reverse. This darkened area has many collectors believing these gray backs were issued at some point in boxes of Doeskin tissues, and is the imprint of the tissue boxes. There are many other theories involved with these 1952 Topps gray backs, including they were issued in Canada. However, extensive research and discussions with long time collectors has convinced many veteran hobbyists these cards were not distributed north of the border, as the 1954 Topps gray back variations were. At any rate, does it really matter where these extremely rare cards were distributed? What really matters is these cards are so rare, many of these cards are still on veteran hobbyists want lists for over 40 years! And this card features New York Yankee favorite Billy Martin, the most well known player in this series and by default, would be the most in demand. PSA Graded VG-EX 4 but presents much nicer.