Non-Sports Trading Cards – Page 9

Topps release of the 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards would be one of the most significant steps made in non-sports trading card history. This science-fiction card set told a story of nasty Martians invading Earth with 55 cards. The different cards showed battles, invasions, torture, kidnappings, and devastation. The end shows Earth fighting back and winning. The cards featured the work of Wallace Wood, a known science fiction artist in those days. The story was created by Len Brown and Woody Gelman, while the artwork was a group effort by Len Brown, Wally Wood, Bob Powell, and Norman Saunders. Martian Controversy There was a lot of controversy with these cards. As much as kids loved them, parents did not. Why? For its time, it was pretty gory and portrayed sexually aggressive behaviors from menacing Martians. In fact, Topps eventually stopped production due to the controversy. As a result of the limited production, 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards pull as high as $5,000.00 at online auctions for highly graded cards. Mars Attacks Card Set The entire Mars Attacks card set includes a total of 55 cards, including the checklist. Here’s a breakdown of each card and its card number. 1 The Invasion Begins2 Martians Approaching3 Attacking Army Base4 Saucers Blast Jets5 Washington in Flames6 Burning Navy Ships7 Destroying Bridge8 Times Square Terror9 The Human Torch10 Skyscraper Tumbles11 Destroy the City12 Death in the Cockpit13 Watching from Mars14 Charred by Martians15 Saucers Invade China16 Panic in Parliament17 Beast and the Beauty18 Soldiers Fight Back19 Burning Flesh20 Crushed to Death21 Prize Captive22 Burning Cattle23 The Frost Ray24 The Shrinking Ray25 Capturing a Martian26 The Tidal Wave27 The Giant Files28 Helpless Victim29 Death in the Shelter30 Trapped!31 Monster Reaches In32 Robot Terror33 Removing the Victims34 Terror in Railroad35 The Flame Throwers36 Destroying a Dog37 Creeping Menace38 Victims of the Bug39 Army of Insects40 High Voltage41 Horror in Paris42 Hairy Fiend43 Blasting the Bug44 Battle in the Air45 Fighting Insects46 Blast Off for Mars47 Earth Bombs Mars48 Earthmen Land on Mars49 The Earthmen Charge50 Smashing the Enemy51 Crushing the Martians52 Giant Robot53 Martian City in Ruins54 Mars Explodes55 Checklist The Value of 1962 Mars Attacks Trading Cards So what are 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards actually worth? In 2008, Card #1 sold for $3,600.00. This is one of the more valuable cards. In 2011, Card #1 sold for $5,654.00. This was a PSA 9 graded card. Speaking of grading, I recommend PSA graded cards above all, but there are several reputable grading services out there. So let’s talk about the values. Typically, PSA-graded cards will run anywhere from $10 to as high as $1000 for common cards. I wouldn’t recommend buying anything under a PSA 4 for investment purposes. Card #1 (The Invasion Begins) holds a higher value than most. This is the card that collectors go after. If you get your hands on one of these, consider yourself fortunate. These can go as high as $5400 for a Mint condition card. Another difficult card to find in good condition is the checklist. Expect to pay as high as $5k for one in Mint condition. Key Cards These 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards are the ones that you’ll want as a collectible investor: 1 The Invasion Begins6 Burning Navy Ships8 Terror in Times Square18 A Soldier Fights Back28 Helpless Victim39 Army of Giant Insects43 Blasting the Bug54 Mars Explodes55 Checklist Mars Attacks is Fun to Collect Personally, I have enjoyed my experiences with collecting and researching Mars Attacks collectible cards. The story is interesting and I find the artwork entertaining. If you’re considering collecting 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards, you’re in for a treat. You might also be interested in Star Trek or Disney Trading Cards. What Next? If you liked this set, take a look at these other sets as well: 1962 Topps Civil War News1963 Topps Astronauts If you’re looking to buy, eBay is a great source for these cards. I also have some available for sale. Just reach out to me.