Extraordinary 1962 Topps "Mars Attacks!" Uncut Panels (3 sheets)

Sold For:

$5,629

Year:

1962

Auction:

2012 Spring

Lot #:

1586

Category:

Non-Sports Cards/Sheets/Card Artwork

The release of the "Mars Attacks!" set in 1962 by Topps was a watershed event in the history of nonsports cards. The set, which tells the story of Martians attacking planet Earth, featured colorful, detailed artwork depicting some of the most gruesome graphics ever seen on cards, which of course made it a "must have" for any red-blooded American child. The fact that the set was condemned by most parents and teachers (how many cards were confiscated at school is anyone's guess) only served to further elevate its status within the hierarchy of trading cards being bartered on the nation's playgrounds that summer. Today "Mars Attacks!" cards are universally recognized as nonsport-card classics. They remain as popular as when first issued in 1962, and any and all significant items relating to the set are highly prized by advanced collectors. Presented is an extremely rare and fascinating near-complete set of forty-six (of the 55) 1962 Topps "Mars Attacks!" cards, on three uncut proof panels. Two panels have twenty cards each (approximately 18.5 x 10.5 inches); the third has six cards (approximately 11 x 6 inches). Together the three panels have the appearance of a nearly complete single sheet. Like all proofs, the colors are absolutely perfect, and the backs are blank. Almost every horrifying scene from the most famous nonsports sci-fi card set ever issued is represented, along with the checklist card (#55). These are the only "Mars Attacks!" uncut proof panels we have ever seen or heard of. The panels have very minor wear on the edges and corners, including two small pieces missing from the top border of one of the large panels. Most of the interior cards are virtually Mint. These spectacular uncut proof panels are of extraordinary significance, very likely the only surviving examples, representing one of the most important and popular nonsport sets ever issued. Total: 3 panels. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000+. SOLD FOR $5,629