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2021 Panini Prizm Baseball Cello Box
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$69.991 × $69.99
2021 Panini Prizm Baseball Cello Box
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2021 Panini Prizm Baseball Cello Box
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The 1977 Topps Star Wars set was released during the infancy of the Star Wars universe. Today, the Star Wars franchise is one of the largest entertainment franchises in the world.
It spans multiple generations and boasts an expansive universe filled with beloved characters, thrilling adventures, and iconic moments.
As expected from a franchise with such a dedicated fanbase, Star Wars collectables are highly sought after, especially trading cards from the first Star Wars set – the 1977 Topps Star Wars set. The 1977 Topp Star Wars set holds a special place in the hearts of Star Wars lovers.
These cards feature vivid images of characters, thrilling action scenes, and stunning landscapes from the Star Wars film. Indeed, the 1977 Topps Star Wars set is amongst the most popular trading card sets in the hobby’s history.
This article shall cover everything about the 1977 Topps Star Wars set, from its release to its reception among fans and the value of these cards in today’s market.
George Lucas’s Star Wars franchise burst onto the scene in 1977 with the release of the first film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Its groundbreaking special effects, compelling characters, and richly detailed universe made it an instant hit. Star Wars quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning various merchandise, sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and a dedicated fan base.
Amidst the activities surrounding the release of Star Wars were plans for a trading card set. According to Gary Gerani, a Topps’ creative team member at the time, in his book Star Wars: The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume One (Topps Star Wars), Donruss had the first shot at making the Star Wars trading cards.
Donruss was a subsidiary of the Kenner group, which landed the license to produce Star Wars toys. Hence, they could make trading cards for the film if they wanted to. However, Donruss turned it down and opened it up for Topps.
According to Gerani, there were objections within Topps to land the license. While Baseball trading cards were massively popular in the 70s, the few non-sports sets were not massive hits. Trading card sets based on movies was particularly tricky as the movie’s failure also meant a loss on the trading card end.
However, despite initially declining, Topps president Arthur Shorin decided to take a chance with this movie set, giving birth to one of the most iconic trading card sets in the hobby’s history.
Topps released their first Star Wars set in 1977 to coincide with the release of the first Star Wars blockbuster – A New Hope. The cards were issued in five different series distinguished by the color of their borders:
These cards featured stills from the film, promotional photos and behind-the-scenes images. Each series contains 66 cards and 11 stickers. Combined, the five series includes 330 cards and 55 stickers.
Series 1 was the first Star Wars trading card set. It contained 36 packs per box with 7 cards and 1 sticker in a pack.
Released in June 1977, the set showcased images from the film and behind-the-scenes photographs inside its now-famous blue borders. The reverse of the card featured a “Story Summary”, a “Movie Fact” theme or parts of a larger image that could be joined together like a puzzle to make a complete image.
One was a photo of Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Han Solo, and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Millennium Falcon. The second was the Hildebrandt Brother’s poster for A New Hope by artist Augie Napoli.
The card list for the 1977 Topps Star Wars Series I includes:
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope performed spectacularly at the box office, and the Star Wars Series 1 trading card was a massive hit for Topps. Before the end of the year, Topps followed it up with two more 1977 Star Wars trading card sets.
The 1977 Topps Star Wars Series 2 continued where the first set left off, running from card #67 to #132.
Just like Series 1 cards, these cards feature images from the film and behind-the-scenes photographs. However, unlike Series 1, some cards feature images from deleted scenes that never made it to the film. An example is Card 85 from the deleted scene of Luke repairing a moisture evaporator.
To differentiate these cards from their Series 1 counterparts, Topps used red borders rather than the blue borders used in Series 1. The borders are a solid color, unlike Series 1, which had a space design worked into it.
The front of the card features a caption that explains what’s depicted on the card, while its reverse side is a mix of story summaries and picture puzzles.
The card list for the 1977 Topps Star Wars Series 2 includes:
The third series of the 1977 Topps Star Wars card has a similar layout to the previous two series. It delivers an additional 66 base cards and 11 stickers. The cards run from #133 to #198 and feature images from the blockbuster movie. The front of the card has a similar design to the first two sets but with bright yellow borders.
The reverse of Series 3 cards also differs from the first two Series as Topps introduced “Official Descriptions.” These descriptions act like a mini Star Wars encyclopedia.
The cards provide detailed information on characters, spaceships and other Star Wars items. Some backs also feature picture puzzles that can be combined to create a large picture.
The card list for the 1977 Topps Star Wars Series 3 includes:
While these Series 3 stickers still fell at one per pack, Topps changed the design used in the previous two series. They went with a background that resembles a film strip and ditched the previous space background design. Numbering for the 11 stickers expanded the existing checklist, running from #23 to #33.
The fourth series of the Topps Star Wars set was released in 1978. Like the first three series, it featured film images and promotional photos. Topps opted for a green border with the Series 4 cards on its front side.
Its reverse side features the Official Description introduced in Series 3 and a “movie Fact” theme. The usual puzzle back that could be pieced together with other cards to form a whole was also present.
The checklist includes 66 base cards—#199 to #264—and 11 stickers. As usual, Stickers come one per pack.
The 1977 Topps Star Wars Series 4 contains one of the most famous error cards in the hobby history – C-3P0’s card #207. When it came out, it led to so many speculations that were eventually explained away. We covered everything about the C-3P0 card in this article.
The card list for the 1977 Topps Star Wars Series 4 includes:
Series 5 marked the end of Topps’s initial Star Wars release. It had the same format as the first four series. Cards from this Series highlighted legendary film stars with a focus on behind-the-scenes imagery. Cards in this Series continued where Series 4 left off – numbers 265 to 330 – rounding up the complete 330-card set.
The front of the card had the same design as the previous series with an orange border. The reverse side was split, with some cards featuring the “Movie Facts” theme and others a picture puzzle that could be pieced together to form a whole image.
Stickers also continue. Falling one per pack, they are numbered 45 to 55 with the film strip design with orange borders.
The card list for the 1977 Topps Star Wars Series 5 includes:
While Series 5 rounded up Topps’s initial run of Star Wars trading cards, it was only the beginning. Topps has since created several dozen Star Wars sets showcasing stars and scenes from several movies, shows and animations. However, these first sets of cards hold a special place in the hearts of collectors as the set that started it all.
Within 330 cards, this set is a treasure trove showcasing beloved characters, memorable moments, and captivating artwork.
Let’s look at the top 10 cards in the 1977 Topps Star Wars set. This ranking was made purely based on their current value in today’s market.
The “Luke in Disguise” card is one of the standout cards from the 1977 Topps Star Wars set. It captures a pivotal moment from the film where Luke infiltrates the Death Star disguised as a stormtrooper.
As a collectible, this card is worth quite a lot, with PSA 10 going for over $2,000. At an average price of $400, PSA 9s are more affordable for collectors looking to add this card to their Star Wars collection. Even PSA 4 versions of this card still sell above $10.
Another top card from the 1977 Topps Star Wars set is card number 229, titled “Leia Wishes Luke Good Luck!” The artwork on this card depicts Princess Leia as she affectionately wishes Luke Skywalker good luck before he embarks on his mission.
It showcases a cherished moment of the Star Wars movie, and its value reflects that. A PSA 10 would set you back $2,639, while PSA 8s have an average price of $30.
Aptly named, this card showcases a few strange aliens inhabiting the Mos Eisley cantina, a dimly-lit tavern known for its strong drinks, hot tunes, and outbreaks of shocking violence.
This card is popular because of the Cantina scene rather than the characters depicted on it, as you’d be hard-pressed to identify anyone on the card. All that’s clearly visible is a bright white square in the middle and what looks like a hairy bigfoot?
As a collectable, this card carries ample value. A PSA 10 is worth $3,175, while the average price of a PSA 8 is $40.
This card showcases one of the creatures of the lawless Tatooine, a harsh desert world ruled by Hutt gangsters. The artwork on this card features one of the creatures native to Tatooine. A PSA 10 costs $3,200, and the average price of cards graded PSA 9 is $90.
Card 254 showcases one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history, Darth Vader. The artwork on this card depicts Darth Vader in his signature black armor, helmet, and imposing figure.
It’s easy to see why this card is one of the top cards from this set. A PSA 10-graded version of this card would cost at least $3,550, while the average price of a PSA 9 is $121—even VG – EX 4 graded cards cost as high as $30.
Princess Leia ranks among the galaxy’s great heroes, and her Topps 1977 card is one of the most cherished from the set. This card captures the iconic portrayal of one of the most beloved Star Wars characters.
The artwork on this card is a beautiful side-profile picture of Princess Leia in her classic white gown and bun hairstyle. A PSA 10-graded version of this card costs as much as $3,600, while the average price of PSA 9-graded cards is $162.
Legendary Wookiee warrior and Han Solo’s co-pilot, Chewbacca, was part of the core group that restored freedom to the galaxy and a fan favorite.
This card showcases a memorable “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” moment. It shows Chewbacca as he poses as a prisoner to infiltrate the Death Star.
As one of the original trilogy’s central characters, his cards are exceptionally priced, and this is no exception. A PSA 10-graded version of this card costs $3,600, while the average price of a PSA 9 is $127.
The C-3P0 card is among the most popular cards from the 1977 Topps Star Wars set. We already discussed everything about this card in this article.
A PSA 10 graded copy of this card with the error costs as much as $5,000, while PSA 9 costs as much as $2,000. Even corrected versions of this card still command a premium, with the average price of PSA 8 graded cards being $62.
Built by the heroic Jedi Anakin Skywalker, the droid C-3PO has been involved in some of the galaxy’s most thrilling battles and defining moments.
He’s a beloved icon of the Star Wars franchise, and it’s no surprise that he takes the second spot on this list. The artwork on this card showcases C-3PO in his signature gold-plated humanoid form, with intricate detailing, standing tall and dignified.
PSA 10 graded copies of the Marvelous Droid cost at least $4,749, while the average price of PSA 9 graded copies is $51.
The most expensive card from the 1977 Topps Star Wars set is the #1 on the checklist. Luke Skywalker is one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known and ranks among the top three most influential people in the entire Star Wars galaxy.
The artwork on this card depicts Luke Skywalker wearing a Stormtrooper suit in a heroic pose, gazing determinedly into the distance. He’s a true hero of mythic proportions, and the value of his cards reflects that.
The most recent price paid for a PSA 10-graded version of this card was $55,255 at an eBay auction in 2021. The average price of PSA 9 graded cards is $4,050, and a PSA 8 card costs as much as $1,350. This card is the collector’s favorite and the most sought-after card in the set.
All prices quoted were sourced from the PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) database. It is worth noting that most sales data referenced were between 2017 and 2019, several months before the significant trading card market boom.
The one exception to this is the Luke Skywalker card. The previous record for the highest amount paid for the card was $7,388 in 2019. However, when it was available for auction after the trading card boom, it sold for over $50,000.
Considering the current market conditions, if PSA 10 copies of any of these cards were to become available for sale today, their value would likely be at least double the prices quoted in this article. However, given the scarcity of PSA 10-graded copies, such occurrences are highly improbable.
The Star Wars franchise is one of the biggest franchises in the world today, and they are not slowing down. Here are a few reasons why the original 1977 Topps Star Wars cards would always be in demand.
The Star Wars franchise is one of the largest entertainment franchises worldwide, with a massive and dedicated fan base spanning generations. This ensures that demand for Star Wars collectibles remains consistently high.
Star Wars isn’t a relic of the past but is continually expanding. The Star Wars universe continues to grow, with new movies, TV series, and books being released regularly. Each new addition revitalizes interest and drives demand for the 1977 Topps Star Wars vintage trading cards.
As the Star Wars series continually expands, trading cards showcasing scenes and characters from the first Star Wars movie hold ample historical significance. These cards marked the beginning of Star Wars’ journey from a groundbreaking film to a global phenomenon.
A limited number of 1977 Topps Star Wars cards are on the market. Over time, this number would naturally decrease due to loss, damage, and continued collector acquisition. This scarcity would drive up the value of these cards, making them increasingly valuable.
While some trading card sets hold value entirely due to their historical significance, this isn’t quite the case with the 1977 Topps Star Wars cards. The artwork and design of the 1977 Topps cards are excellent and well-loved by fans. The cards feature striking images of iconic characters and unforgettable scenes from the first Star Wars film.
With their historical significance, limited availability, and enduring popularity, these cards make great investments for anyone looking to add them to their collection.
Star Wars universe should continue to grow, and so would the value of the 1977 Topps Star Wars cards. However, this is a likely long-term investment rather than a quick flip.
Cards from the 1977 Topps sets are tied to a very significant moment in cultural history – the very first Star Wars film.
When Star Wars fans look at card releases, this release will surely come up as it is an integral part of the Star Wars phenomenon. Cards from any five series would make an excellent addition to any trading card collection.
While the prices of some of these cards are already beyond the entry point of most collectors, there are other cards worth collecting from the set at budget-friendly prices.
For new collectors embarking on a journey to collect 1977 Topps Star Wars trading cards, may the Force be with you, and may your collection of 1977 Topps Star Wars cards bring you joy for many years to come.
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