1952 Topps Look 'N See Card # 115 John Philip Sousa - Composer (VG/EX)

1950s Entertainment Trading Cards

Part of a big surge in Topps entertainment releases, the 1950s Entertainment Trading Cards offer a strong mix of non-sport choices.

1950s Entertainment Trading Cards Sets

Browse 1950-1959 Entertainment Trading Cards sets and checklists and buy vintage 1950s non-sport cards using our detailed guides featuring entertainment cards produced in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1959.

1952 Topps Look ‘N See Trading Cards

1952 Topps Look 'N See is an eclectic historical set that remains popular today. It’s highlighted by vivid images, a design similar to 1952 Topps Baseball and a strong checklist.

Product Details

The 1952 Topps Look 'N See set is one of the most popular trading card sets of all-time. The set focuses on more than 150 years worth of famous figures that helped shape America. The set remains heavily collected today by both set builders and fans of individual figures.

1952 Topps Look 'N See Set Details

The 1952 Topps Look 'N See set consists of 135 cards, each measuring 2-1/16” x 2-7/8”. The set was issued in two series of 75 and 60 cards, respectively. Each cardboard collectible bears a remarkably artistic and colorful “painted” subject portrait within a white border. Similar to the more recent Topps American Heritage sets, subjects are divided up into several subsets. The first nine cards are U.S. Presidents. Cards 10 through 31 are dubbed "Famous Americans." Numbers 32 to 42 are Military Leaders and 43 to 46 are Famous Women. Subset themes continue throughout the rest of the set, but they're scattered. Other subjects include Explorers, Men of the West, Inventors and World Figures. A white rectangle toward the bottom identifies the world-famous luminary from history; that rectangle is bordered in yellow, with a small icon denoting the respective subset. Card backs are orange with white text detailing the subject’s biography. Each back also has a shield at the upper left corner identifying the card number, as well as a trivia question. (A red cellophane “decoder” that enabled fans to read the trivia answer accompanied each pack). 

The 1952 Topps Look 'N See Babe Ruth, Card # 15, is by far the most popular card in the set. He is the only baseball player on the checklist. In fact, he's the lone professional athlete. The key cards in the collection all originate from the second series and are thought to have been single prints: Rembrandt (#82), Julius Caesar (#84), Roald Amundsen (#88), Adlai Stevenson (#98), Daniel De Foe (#101), John D. Rockefeller (#112), Amerigo Vespucci (#118), Victor Herbert (#130), and Joan of Arc (#133).

Because of the wide variety of figures in the set, some cards sell for more than others. Not to take away from anyone's accomplishments, but Albert Einstein is far more popular that Elias Howe.

With its striking artwork, comprehensive checklist and storied history, 1952 Topps Look 'N See set remains a classic in the hobby. Its varied subject matter should ensure it remains highly collectible in both the near- and distant-future.

How We Grade:

Gem Mint (GMT): (10.0) A flawless card. To be in Gem Mint condition, a card’s borders must have a ratio of 50/50 side to side and top to bottom. 

Mint (MT): (9.0-9.5) A perfect card. Well-centered with parallel borders which appear equal to the naked eye. Four sharp, square corners. No creases, edge dents, surface scratches, paper flaws, loss of luster, yellowing or fading, regardless of age. No imperfectly printed cards – out of register, badly cut or ink flawed – or card stained by contact with gum, wax or other substances can be considered truly Mint, even if new out of the pack. Generally, to be considered in Mint condition, a card’s borders must exist in a ratio of 60/40 side to side and top to bottom. 

Near Mint/Mint (NM/MT): (8.0-8.5) A super high-end card that appears Mint 9 at first glance, but upon closer inspection, may exhibit a very slight wax stain on reverse, slight fraying at one or two corners, or a minor printing imperfection. Centering must be app. 65/35 to 70/30 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse. 

Near Mint (NM): (7.0-7.5) A nearly perfect card at first glance, but upon closer inspection, may have slight surface wear, slight fraying on some corners, slightly out-of-register picture focus, a minor printing blemish or slight wax stain on reverse. Centering must be 70/30 to 75/25 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Excellent/Near Mint (EX/NM): (6.0-6.5) Card may have visible surface wear or a printing defect. A very light scratch. Corners may have slightly graduated fraying. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. Card may have minor wax stain on reverse, may have very slight nothing on edges. Centering must be 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Excellent (EX): (5.0-5.5) Corners are still fairly sharp with only moderate wear. Card borders may be off center as much as 85/15. No creases. May have very minor gum, wax or product stains, front or back. Surfaces may show slight loss of luster from rubbing across other cards. Dark bordered cards may have one or two small nicks.

Very Good/Excellent (VG/EX): (4.0-4.5) Shows obvious handling, but still looks nice. Corners may be rounded or have minor creases. No major creases, tape marks or extraneous markings or writing. Surfaces does exhibit loss of luster, but the printing is intact. May have paper wrinkles. May show major gum, wax or other packaging stains. All four borders visible, though the ratio may be as poor as 95/5. Exhibits honest wear. 

Very Good (VG): (3.0-3.5) A well-worn card, but exhibits no intentional damage or abuse. May be “Mis-cut or Off-Center” with no border visible. May have major or multiple creases, however, creases are not so deep as to show the underlying paper. This card is completely readable, has not been written on, and has no tape marks or holes. Corner rounding may extend well beyond the border. 

Good (GD) (2.0-2.5) Shows excessive wear, along with damage or abuse. Will show all the wear characteristics of a Very Good card, along with such damage as thumb tack holes in or near margins, evidence of having been taped or pasted, perhaps small tears around the edges or creases so heavily as to break the cardboard. Backs may show minor added pen or pencil writing or be missing small bits of paper. Still basically a complete card. 

Poor (P): (1.0-1.5) A card that has been tortured to death. Corners or other areas may be torn off. Card may have been trimmed, show holes from a paper punch or have been used for BB gun practice. Front may have extraneous pen or pencil writing, or other defacement. Major portions of front or back design may be missing. Not a pretty sight. 

We believe that all our listings are 100% Original and Authentic unless otherwise noted. They are all covered by a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, if for whatever reason you are not happy with your purchase we will exchange it, replace it, discount it or you can return it for a full refund.

Standard/Combined 1st Class Shipping via USPS is $3.95 for the first card and $0.15 for each additional card, with a max. of (40) items per invoice. Subject to change as postal rates continue to increase. Estimated delivery is 3-5 days. Subject to change as postal delivery schedules continue to increase. Please see shipping tab for current postage rates. All cards will ship in penny sleeves, top loaders, team bag & bubble wrap envelopes.

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