The Standard Catalog suggests that serial number dates to 1979. I also believe the price... Final MSRP by 1993 was $908.

Plug either a $500/1979 or a $908/1993 in to any inflation calculator right now and then check your favorite market for a clean, gorgeous used S&W Model 52 pistol and you will see the value in these pistols in possibly a different light than before.

They are simply amazing handguns and if the casual reader hasn't at least handled one (let alone shot one!) then you honestly may not know what you've been missing.