1972 Topps Football Forum

Is there an argument to be made that the 3rd series should be considered a separate set given that much of it was released long after 1972? Should cards 1-263 be considered the complete standard set? 

No.

I'd say not. While it is hard to come by, everywhere lists it as a 351 card set. Now if they had called it Topps Traded back in 1972....

No, I don't think so. There are big names in the high numbers who are obviously supposed to be in the set.