THE BEATLES TRADING CARDS (1ST/2ND/3RD SERIES)
Complete collection of the three series of black-and-white photo trading cards dedicated to the Beatles
SERIES 1: NOS. 1–60
SERIES 2: NOS. 61–115
SERIES 3: NOS. 116–165
In May 1964, as the Beatles phenomenon was taking off, the U.S.-based Topps Trading Card Company jumped on the bandwagon by launching the first series of trading cards dedicated to the Beatles. These sets were just one of many products inspired by the band that were released that year. Topps, realizing the commercial potential of Beatlemania, even went so far as to delay the printing of its traditional baseball cards to prioritize the production of those dedicated to the Beatles. The U.S. market was thus flooded with various versions of collectible cards, with advertisements claiming that “kids just want more and more.”
The main series of cards was created by Topps (Trading Card Guild or T.C.G.), which produced seven sets totaling 344 cards that year. These cards measured 2½“x3½”, with a few exceptions. The wax wrappers containing the cards measured 5“x6” when fully opened. Each pack included a piece of pink chewing gum.
If the cards were printed in Canada (and bore that indication), they might have slight differences, such as a dark back instead of a white one, or four cards per pack instead of five.
The first set of the Major Series consisted of 60 black-and-white cards (numbered 1–60), sold for 5 cents per pack. This set included a variety of images, including live performances, candid shots, portraits, and playful poses.
The images ranged from group photos to individual shots of band members. The front of the card had a thin white border and a blue facsimile signature. Cards featuring more than one band member bore a single signature. The back was very simple, with only the card number printed in a small blue or green box.
The display box in stores was orange/red and contained 24 packs for sale.
The second set of the Major Series (numbered 61–115) picked up where the first had left off, adding 55 new cards. The design remained unchanged: a thin white border, a larger photo, and a facsimile signature. The back now featured a red (orange) or green box containing the card number, the sequence number, and the copyright notice (“©T.C.G. Printed in U.S.A.”).
The display box was the same as the first series, but with a large sticker reading “2nd Series.”
The third set of the Major Series (numbered 116–165) was the last of this design. The style was identical to the two previous sets, featuring black-and-white photos and a blue facsimile signature. The back featured a green box with the number, series, and copyright.
This set had its own blue display box.
No black-and-white cards were produced after the third set.
The backs of the cards featured blue ink (1–60), red ink (61–115), and green ink (116–165).
The packs contained five cards and a piece of chewing gum. There were two variations of the pack, with the “Big Twin Chews” advertisement printed on either the right or left side.
Printed in the U.S.A.