1952 Topps #72 Karl Olson
1952 Topps #72 Karl Olson
About Karl Olson
Born 1930 in Ross, CA (d. 2010), Karl Olson was a right-handed outfielder who debuted in 1951 and played 6 major-league seasons. He batted .235 with 160 hits, 6 home runs, and 50 RBI over 279 games.
Variations & how to tell them apart
Black Back / Red Back Series 1 (cards 1-80)
Every card in the first series exists with the back printed in either black or red ink. The black backs are the first printing and are scarcer; red backs (the second printing onward) are more common.
- Black Back — scarcer: First printing. Reverse printed in black ink. Scarcer, and typically carries a small premium over the red back.
- Red Back: Second printing onward. Reverse printed in red ink. The more common of the two.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 576 | 0 | 3 | 29 | 39 | 107 | 128 | 265 | 5 |
| SGC | 81 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 62 | 2 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 44 · Red Back 37
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-22. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8); totals are summed across each grader's listed variations.
Find this card
Search T206 Cards Find on eBay
As an eBay Partner Network affiliate, T206Cards.com may earn from qualifying purchases.
More Boston Red Sox cards
- Don Lenhardt
- Johnny Pesky
- Dom DiMaggio
- Billy Goodman
- Mel Parnell
- Ray Scarborough
- Leo Kiely
- Ellis Kinder
- Vern Stephens
- Maurice McDermott
- Gus Niarhos
- Ken Wood
- Al Evans
- Bill Wight
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Karl Olson card?
It is card #72 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Boston Red Sox player, and is his rookie card.
Does the 1952 Topps Karl Olson have back variations?
Yes. Every card in the first series exists with the back printed in either black or red ink. The black backs are the first printing and are scarcer; red backs (the second printing onward) are more common.
Is the 1952 Topps Karl Olson valuable?
Value depends on grade and (where it applies) the back variation. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.