Yesterday's post about the Leaf Spook Stories cards got me a little nostalgic for the days when every drug store, variety store, and even liquor stores had at least a few boxes of trading cards on or near the check-out counter. Today they're tucked away a bit, mostly because I think that when they are purchased they don't go any further than the buyer's collection. In other words, the cards aren't actually "traded" much anymore. The one type that seems to keep going strong is sports cards.
Not to say that "non-sports cards", and in particular, monster and related cards aren't in demand. While the Spook Stories cards can usually be purchased for a couple of bucks each for common numbers, rarer cards are considerably more expensive.
For instance, take these card collections that were auctioned off by Robert Edward Auctions. Somebody laid down some serious cash for these items. Smaller quantities of these cards are still generally available and I have filled a couple of binders with card sleeves full of monster and TV cards that I've purchased from various sources. Happy hunting!
1960s Sci-fi & Monster Card Collection (976)
Collection of 976 non-sport cards related to science-fiction and film monsters, from five different classic issues from the 1960s. 1) 1961 Nu-Cards "Horror Monster Series": 34 assorted green borders (16 different) and 194 assorted orange borders (58 different). Plus 29 two-card perforated panels, and 14 unopened cellophane packs , each with three two-card panels and a single card (total 7 cards) enclosed. Also includes a "Shock Monsters" green display box (clear tape on four corners, otherwise Vg-Ex). This is a great looking box and very rare. 2) 1962 Topps "Mars Attack": 124 assorted cards with 39 different. 3) 1963 Rosan "Terror Monsters": 56 assorted cards with 35 different. 4) 1963-1965 Leaf "Spook Stories": 510 assorted cards with 109 different. 5) 1964 Bubbles Inc. "Outer Limits": 229 cards include complete set of 50 cards (Ex to Ex-Mt) plus additional 179 assorted (44 different). The cards in this collection range in grade from Vg to Nr/Mt condition, averaging Ex overall. From the Macaluso Collection. Total 976 cards, one display box, and 14 unopened cellophane packs. Reserve $800. Estimate $1,500/$2,500. SOLD FOR $3,190.00.
[Robert Edward Auctions, 2005]
1960s Topps Sci-Fi, Space, and Monster Card and Card-Related Collection (421 cards & 9 wrappers)
Collection of 421 nonsport cards (113 three-card panels, as issued, representing 339 cards plus 82 additional cards) related to science-fiction and film monsters from three different classic issues from the 1960s: 1) 1963 Topps "Monster Laffs" (Midgee): 113 three-card panels representing one complete first series set (cards #1-108 on 36 three-card panels as originally issued), two near-complete first series sets (one set missing one panel and the other set lacking three panel), plus nine duplicate three-card panels. Overall Ex to Nr/Mt condition (with ten lesser), appearing pack-fresh in many instances with minor centering issues. Also included are seven wax-pack wrappers in Nr/Mt condition. 2) 1963 Topps "Astronauts": 40 cards (39 different). Ex to Ex-Mt condition with ten Nr/Mt. Also included are eighteen 3-D viewers and one wax-pack wrapper, all Nr/Mt condition. 3) 1964 Bubbles Inc. "Outer Limits": 42 cards (31 different). Overall Vg-Ex to Ex-Mt condition (averaging Ex). Also included is one wax-pack wrapper in Nr/Mt condition. This is a very sharp-looking collection of cards from these three popular nonsport issues. Total: 421 cards (113 in three-card panels) plus 18 viewers and 9 wrappers. Reserve $200. Estimate $400+. SOLD FOR $2,370.00.
[Robert Edward Auctions, 2013]
1960s Topps Monster Stickers Uncut Sheets (3)
In the 1960s Topps came up with the "monster sticker" concept: stickers featuring the art of Basil Wolverton, Wally Wood, and others, with monsters that were hideous and funny, sometimes with names (so you could really bother your friends), sometimes with amusing captions. They were antisocial, irreverent, surreal, and exactly what every parent would really, really prefer their child not to have. They were, of course, a hit. Several different sets were issued over the years. This lot is comprised of three rare 132-card uncut production sheets, each from a different series: 1965 "Ugly Stickers," 1966 Topps "Make Your Own Name" Stickers, and 1969 Topps "Slob Stickers." Ideal for display. All three sheets are complete production sheets in Nr/Mt-Mt condition. Total 3 sheets. Reserve $300. Estimate $500/$1,000. SOLD FOR $1,160.00.
[Robert Edward Auctions, 2005]
1960s Topps Monster Stickers Original Card Artwork (4)
In the 1960s Topps came up with the "monster sticker" concept: stickers featuring the art of Norm Saunders, Wally Wood, and others, with monsters that were hideous and funny, sometimes with names (so you could really bother your friends), sometimes with amusing captions. They were antisocial, irreverent, surreal, and exactly what every parent would really, really prefer their child not to have. They were, of course, a hit. Several different sets were issued over the years. This lot is comprised of four original artworks (each measures 3-3/8 x 4.75 inches), three from one series and an additional from a different series: 1) 1965 "Ugly Stickers" (3 artworks): #29 Doc (designed by Wally Wood and painted by Norm Saunders), 36 Margaret (designed by Wally Wood and painted by Norm Saunders), and 40 Charlie (designed and painted by Norm Saunders). 2) 1966 Topps "Make Your Own Name" Stickers: #22 (designed and painted by Norm Saunders). Ideal for display. This is an outstanding group. All four original artworks are in Near Mint condition. Total 4 artworks. Reserve $400. Estimate $800/$1,200. SOLD FOR $4,930.00.
[Robert Edward Auctions, 2006]
Huge 1960s and 1970s Non-Sport Card Collection (6,086 Cards)
Collection of 6,086 non-sport cards from the 1960s, with representation from twenty-nine different sets. 1) Circa 1960s Fleer "Pirates Bold" (59 assorted cards with 35 different). 2) Circa 1960s Topps "Man on the Moon" (280 assorted cards with 46 different). 3) Circa 1960s Topps "Man on the Moon" re-issue (67 assorted cards with 36 different). 4) Circa 1960s O-Pee-Chee "Man on the Moon" (45 assorted cards with 27 different). 5) 1961 Nu-Cards "Dinosaur Series" (two complete sets of 80 cards each plus 492 assorted cards with 76 different and a display box with 12 wrappers). 6) 1963 Topps "Astronauts" (200 assorted cards with 42 different [3-D reverse]; two complete sets of 55 cards each plus 30 extra cards ["Popsicle Space Cards" on reverse]). 7) 1964 Donruss "Combat" (complete set of 132 cards plus 378 assorted cards with 95 different). 8) 1964 Leaf "Munsters" (50 assorted cards with 27 different plus 3 complete stickers sets of 16 each with 50 extra stickers and 12 wrappers). 9) 1965 Donruss "Disneyland" (complete set of 66 cards [puzzle back] plus 117 assorted cards [puzzle backs] with 54 different and 20 extra cards with blue backs. Plus display box in Ex-Mt condition). 10) 1965 Fleer "Gomer Pyle" (two complete sets of 66 cards each plus 148 assorted cards with 55 different). 11) 1965 Fleer "McHale's Navy" (two complete sets of 66 cards each plus 15 extra cards). 12) 1965 Leaf "What's My Job" (49 assorted cards with 43 different). 13) 1965 Philadelphia "War Bulletin" (188 assorted cards with 63 different plus display box in Ex-Mt condition). 14) 1965 Topps "Battle" (136 assorted cards with 48 different). 15) 1965 Philadelphia "James Bond" ( two complete sets of 66 cards each plus 508 assorted cards with 65 different and four wrappers in Ex-Mt condition). 16) 1966 Philadelphia "James Bond - Thunderball" (375 assorted cards with 63 different and 14 wrappers in Ex condition). 17) 1966 Donruss "Marvel Super Heroes" (complete set of 66 cards plus display box and two wrappers). 18) 1966 Donruss "Green Hornet" (223 assorted cards with 43 different plus display box in Ex-Mt condition). 19) 1966 Topps "Green Hornet Stickers" (36 assorted stickers with 18 different). 20) 1966 Philadelphia "Green Berets" (296 assorted cards with 65 different). 21) 1966 Topps "Lost In Space" (98 assorted cards with 34 different and three wrappers in Ex condition). 22) 1966 Topps "Rat Patrol" (complete set of 66 cards plus 157 assorted cards with 55 different and 68 assorted Army insigna rings with 20 different). 23) 1966 Topps "Man from U.N.C.L.E." (two complete sets of 55 cards each plus 130 assorted cards with 41 different). 24) 1967 Donruss "Monkees" (three series A display boxes and one series C display box). 25) 1967 Leaf "Garrison's Gorillas" (complete set of 72 cards plus 130 assorted cards with 65 different, and one display box and seven wrappers, all in Ex to Ex-Mt condition). 26) 1967 Philadelphia "Super Hero Stickers" (389 assorted stickers). 27) 1967 Topps "Who Am I" (27 assorted cards [no coating variation] with 21 different plus four different cards of the coating variation). 28) 1968 Philadelphia "Robert F. Kennedy" (display box and 12 wrappers). 29) 1972 Topps "U.S. Presidents" (199 assorted cards with 40 different, 3 complete sets of poster inserts [15 posters in each set] plus display box and wrapper - both Vg-Ex). The cards range in grade from Vg to Nr/Mt, averaging Ex overall. This is an extraordinarily substantial assemblage of 1960s cards, display boxes, and wrappers. From the Macaluso Collection. Total 6,086 cards, 12 display boxes, and 67 wrappers. Reserve $1,500. Estimate $3,000/$5,000. SOLD FOR $8,120.00.
[Robert Edward Auctions, 2005]
1960s Non-Sport Science-Fiction Set Collection (4)
Collection of four of the most popular of all 1960s non-sport card issues, each with a science-fiction theme, includes the following sets: 1962 "Mars Attacks," 1967 Leaf "Star Trek," 1966 Topps "Lost In Space," and 1964 Bubbles, Inc. "Outer Limits." All are complete sets, and each set is accompanied by an original wrapper. 1) 1967 Leaf "Star Trek" (72 cards): 50% range from Ex to Ex-Mt, 50% range from Vg-Ex to Vg-Ex/Ex. The wrapper is in Very Good to Excellent condition. 2) 1962 "Mars Attacks" (55 cards): The condition of this set is within the very narrow range of Vg to Vg-Ex, with the exception of the checklist card (#55) which is Gd. Still a very pleasing, and relatively affordable, complete set of one of non-sport card collecting's most classic issues. The wrapper is in Excellent to Mint condition. 3) 1966 Topps "Lost In Space" (55 cards): 95% Ex-Mt, 5% Vg-Ex. The wrapper has a small repair to a tear and is otherwise overall Ex. 4) 1964 "Outer Limits" (50 cards): 90% Vg-Ex to Vg-Ex/Ex, 10% Vg. Very attractive set downgraded almost exclusively due to edge and corner wear to the condition-sensitive black borders. The Outer Limits wrapper is in overall Excellent condition. Total 4 complete sets (232 cards) plus 4 wrappers. Reserve $800. Estimate $1,500/$2,500. SOLD FOR $3,480.00.
[Robert Edward Auctions, 2005]
1959 Topps "Funny Monsters" Original Card Artwork
Produced by Topps in 1959 specifically for sale during the Halloween season, the "Funny Monsters" series features artworks of monsters accompanied by amusing titles. Collectors commonly refer to the set as "You'll Die Laughing" from the joke heading on the back of each card (the "Funny Monsters" title is not printed on the cards). Offered is the original artwork (4.75 x 3-3/8 inches) for card #10 from the 1959 Topps "Funny Monsters" series, entitled "So You Really Think You've Re-Discovered the Jekyll and Hyde Formula, Eh, Twombley?" The artwork is beautifully executed with extraordinary detail. "Funny Monsters" is one of the classic "monster sets" of the era, and this card is an ideal representative of the set. The artwork is in Near Mint condition and is accompanied by an example of the issued card. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$600. SOLD FOR $1,276.00.
[Robert Edward Auctions, 2006]
NOTE: The description for this card omits mentioning that the artwork is by Jack Davis.
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