1952 Topps #18 Merrill Combs
1952 Topps #18 Merrill Combs
About Merrill Combs
Born 1919 in Los Angeles, CA (d. 1981), Merrill Combs was a left-handed shortstop who debuted in 1947 and played 5 major-league seasons. He batted .202 with 73 hits, 2 home runs, and 25 RBI over 140 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 | 740 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 90 | 161 | 188 | 239 | 2 |
| SGC | 106 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 20 | 63 | 2 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 57 · Red Back 49
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.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Merrill Combs card?
It is card #18 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Cleveland Indians player, and is his rookie card.
Does the 1952 Topps Merrill Combs 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 Merrill Combs 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.