Two weeks ago we spent the morning going to local rummage sales and I scored two boxes of Garbage Pail Kids — for $2.
I was too old for the cards back in 1985 when the cards were originally released, but for $2 I figured I’d have some fun with them. (Seems I am more cheaply entertained & less mature as a 40-something than I was as a 20-something.)
The first box had cards grouped together, held by rubber bands, all of which seem to be, as the boxes state, from the 3rd series of Garbage Pail Kids. From the check list (one of the 7 cards is marked), it seems the original owner was able to get all the cards in the series too. I looked at one stack and then moved to the next box.
This box had cards in the wrappers. Being a jaded collector, I figured the cards were just stored in wrappers neatly refolded around them — but the package didn’t flip open so easily… I picked up a few more packs, and they looked sealed too. But still, I figured heat from storage, or even just the warmth of the sun at the sale, had effectively resealed the wax packs.
I gently, but firmly, opened a package and inside with the cards, a piece of the retro bubblegum, broken in two pieces. I quickly felt the other packages and felt the presence of gum — far more delightful the the old gum I’ve discovered under tables and other pieces of furniture, because not only is this gum un-chewed, but perhaps an indication that the packages keep their virgin integrity.
This made me question the likelihood of the age of the cards. While the cards and packaging state a copyright date of 1986, I’m not sure these aren’t reproductions or older cards bearing the original date the art was created. Turning to the collector’s number one research tool, Google, I look-up Garbage Pail Kids.
The 3rd series does hail from 1986 (making the cards 22 years old), and all signs indicate these are original cards.
Also, they appear to be the first printing of the 3rd series. In the 3rd series, copyrights changed from print to print, making these cards a bit more difficult to identify & therefore collect.
There were three printings of the 3rd GPK cards. Here’s how Wayne’s Garbage Pail Kids References explains their identification:
The packs with 25¢ on the front of the wrapper and “MADE & PRINTED IN USA” near the bar code or have that the wrapper code 0-490-21-01-6 can contain cards with or without (only one or the other for the entire box (not both)) the copyright information on the puzzle pieces.
The packs without 25¢ on the front of the wrapper or that have the wrapper code 0-490-21-02-6 contain cards with the copyright information on the puzzle pieces.
The packs with 25¢ on the front of the wrapper and “GUM MADE IN CANADA” near the bar code or that have the wrapper code 0-490-21-03-6 contain cards without the copyright information on the puzzle pieces.
It should also be noted that the wrapper code is not the bar code. For example, the bar code on my wrappers (for both the t-shirt and sweatshirt wrappers) is 4111600490, but the wrapper code is 0-490-21-01-6. The wrapper code is only visible when the wrapper is opened (found in the bottom right corner, beneath the shirt size chart), and therefore the collector has a decision to make.
Of course, if you want to see the cards, you’ll have to open them anyway; but if you’re looking to save cards in the original packaging, you’ll never really know what you’ve got for certain. Even though I’ve an opened pack from the first printing, I cannot verify for certain that all of the 28 remaining wrappers contain cards from the first printing. Or, in fact, that these wrappers were never opened and resealed.
Wayne also makes the following recommendation to collectors:
It probably is best to buy a 3rd Series set without the copyrights and then buy another set with copyrights because most dealers do not sell (or even know about) the copyright variations as part of their sets.
The 3rd (and the 4th) series of the backs of US Garbage Pail Kids cards have near exact copies of a 1960′s poster set by Topps called “Wanted Posters”, which may bring additional delight to collectors.
Topps began making Garbage Pail Kids as a parody of Cabbage Patch Kid dolls in 1985. They began as a way for little brothers to annoy their little doll-toting sisters, and they eventually moved past just the dolls to a general gross mockery of many things — except for President Lincoln, as noted at Barron Aaron’s Garbage Pail Kids World:
This John Pound Unpublished GPK was completed late in 1985 and was intended for the 3rd series. Topps decided the piece was too gruesome and ended up rejecting the artwork for this release. The piece was originally intended for the 3rd series set with only one bullet through the hat and the character holding a “PlayBill” which was changed to “SlayBill” for the 5th series card with Abe’s hat with two bullets and one bullet through his forhead, but the piece was removed late in production.
Even more than a century later, it’s too soon for a gruesome Lincoln joke. (Additional proof that everyone loves Lincoln — more on that another time; remind me to tell you about that…)
Topps created a cash cow with GPK; even little girls fancied the gross cards & Topps began making more, betting that the more names the icky kids had, the greater the chance they could seduce kids to the dark side of dolls if they found cards had their name on them. But in 1988 Coleco, maker of the Cabbage Patch Kids, sued Topps for trademark infringement. They settled out-of-court, with Topps agreeing to modify, beginning with the 10th series, the appearance of the Garbage Pail Kids so they wouldn’t so closely resemble the Cabbage Patch Kids, but even with card production continuing, the fad was on the outs.
In 2003, Topps, fueled by the possibility of a nostalgic cash cow (real money for them; warm fuzzy memories for you), resurrected GPK, complete with virtual Garbage Pail Kids “alive” online.
As for me, I’ll share the cards with the kids, maybe sell a few… I’m really more apt to get the warm-n-fuzzy laughter over Wacky Packages. I know they are out there; just haven’t found boxes of them for $2. Yet.
Tags: 80's, cards, collectibles, collecting, collecting cards, garbage pail kids, gpk, humor, retro, TOPPS, trading cards
Permalink | 36 Comments »
June 29th, 2008 at 3:06 AM
[...] Deanna’s recent exploration of Garbage Pail Kids, and the upcoming Magic : The Gathering National Championships that have brought back some old [...]
August 21st, 2008 at 2:50 PM
OWWW man your sooo lucky i really need some gpk’s i cant find em anywhere all i got is the card my sister gave me (1 locomotion and like 10 cards (tad bit bent on tips) and you said “As for me, I’ll share the cards with the kids”
You mean that.. you will give away or… u willjust upload the image
PM me back here: http://dragonzscapenew.smfforfree4.com/index.php at general forum
December 29th, 2008 at 10:18 PM
i need them i love thim can you give them 2 me im only 10 and love to collect weird things like them
February 21st, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Are you selling them? My ten year old is looking for them like crazy. I just cannot find them for him. If you would let me know. I would love to get some for him. He would be so excited and suprised. Thank you!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:26 AM
I have alot for sale. One box I put together is:
Garbage Pail Kids
Complete Series + Non-complete
NO Doubles!
No. in () is how many missing!
Includes:
Series 1: (2) cards ONLY
Series 2 : 42ab – 83ab: Almost Complete (6)
Series 3: 84ab – 124ab: COMPLETE!
Series 4: 125ab – 166ab: COMPLETE!
Series 5: 167ab – 206ab: COMPLETE!
Series 6: 207ab – 250ab: Almost Complete (2)
Series 7: 251ab – 292ab: Almost Complete (15)
Series 8: 293ab – 334ab: Almost (12)
Series 9: 335ab – 378ab: Almost (20)
Series 10: 379ab – 417ab:(30)
Series 11: 418ab – 459ab: (34)
Series 12: 460ab – 500ab: (40)
Series 13: 501ab – 540ab: MISSING ALL!
Series 14: 541ab – 580ab: Missing: (7)
MOST OF THE CARDS ARE IN VERY GOOD – GOOD CONDITION! A FEW FAIR
Series 1 & 2 most Valuable!
GREAT LOT FOR STARTING A VINTAGE COLLECTION!
Asking Price $260 which includes shipping to the USA!
Also, if you need any I will sell for $1.00 each except Series 1 or 2
Thanks for reading!
May 18th, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I would like to offer u 150 dollars 4 all the cards i collect them just because when i was a kid i loved them.if you still have them all please contact me,thankyou.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:36 AM
You are so lucky…
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 AM
hey its me nick i am ready to purchase your entire garbage kid collection.i can only go as high as 50 dollars it may seem a bit low 2 you but really its not.a whole unopened box of series 3 kids sells for 70 to 99 bucks.your collection is not a whole unopened box.my first offer of 150 was me thinking you had 2 complete unopened boxes.so i have fifty dollars 4 you if u want 2 sell them please contact me and tell me where u want me 2 send u the money.thanks hope 2 hear from u soon.if u need me 2 pay shipping i can do that.
August 31st, 2009 at 10:18 AM
hello can you give me a call and give me an address where i can send wants list and money orders.You have some garbage pail kids i would like to buy.My computer brokedown so i would like to order from you via the mail.You can call anytime between 1pm and 8pm.Thank you,i hope to hear from you soon.My pnone number is 410-848-0365. please dont email me i cant use that address anymore
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 PM
I have a lot of cards from the 1st-4th Series USA printed GPK’s. They are all currently in plastic card sheets. I am interested in selling, these are all original cards! Please email me if you have any interest. Thx! Get them before the 2010 reproduction of most memorable cards in February!
February 1st, 2010 at 3:04 AM
Several GPK’s 4 sale. Im 32 and has had them stored in tin cans away from heat, light and moisture. GREAT CONDITION.
March 20th, 2010 at 9:48 AM
these are cool i now have the new flashback cards
June 20th, 2010 at 10:49 PM
I love garbage Pail kids stickers
photos of women and girls in lingerie
locomotives pictures spending Money
suny Days women that take photos of trains any one who knows Debbie Lee
that went to issaquah high like the punks say back in the Day 78 79 1980
larry from tacoma
1021 1021 South 43rd street
tacoma Wa. 98418
hope to hear from You Debbie M.
Lee
July 26th, 2010 at 5:30 PM
Hey, I just picked up at least 50 un-opened packs at a yard sale yesterday. Should I leave them intact or open them to see what’s inside? Also, I’m looking for a good buyer.
August 8th, 2010 at 7:52 PM
I have some G.P.K. cards I’d like to sell.
August 14th, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Hi I want to buy , I’m not to worried with condition as long as they still look good and are still on card, please email me anytime and we can arrange payment.
August 16th, 2010 at 3:43 PM
Very interested in purchasing original 1st series GPK, either set or unopened packs. Thanks!
September 13th, 2010 at 6:21 PM
i have 300 old cards from 2 to 6 edition if you are interested send me a mail
October 6th, 2010 at 7:08 PM
i love these damn cards . im lookin to buy if we can arrange somethin please let me know . im not in it for the money or value im just a real collector that digs these things . im lookin for anything from series one . i have the complete series 3 and 4 so if u have anything other than that please get at me
October 6th, 2010 at 7:09 PM
tcbc77@hotmail.com…..
November 18th, 2010 at 10:40 PM
I have the complete series 1-3 if anyone is interested. They have been sitting in my attic since I collected them when I was a kid.
nhp467@hotmail.com
November 28th, 2010 at 10:21 PM
email me with a price in mind thanks!
November 28th, 2010 at 10:23 PM
motorcitylk@gmail.com is my email TODD for your 1rst through 3rd series give me a price
January 15th, 2011 at 11:26 PM
i will offer you $700.00 US for your collection .pls feel free too contact me asap regarding the sale of the garbage pail card collection thank you
January 21st, 2011 at 1:51 PM
I have some garbage pail kids cards realy a lot of them if any body interested contact me by email.
January 21st, 2011 at 1:54 PM
Sorry my email is topogigo74@gmail.com I have a lot of gpk cards.
January 29th, 2011 at 1:35 PM
hey that box with the 3rd series cards
If you wish to sale them I would love to complete my colection
drop an e mail
March 25th, 2011 at 8:40 PM
i have a lot of garbage pail kid cards i would like to sell
March 25th, 2011 at 8:41 PM
sandyd8028@yahoo.com
April 5th, 2011 at 11:18 AM
I’d be wary of people offering high prices for these cards, the internet is filled with people searching through blog postings, with a rip-off scam in mind. Be careful and if your going to deal with people make sure to do the transaction through Paypal merchant services… Even that can be a little risky but it’s a better way of protecting yourself.
It’s a whole lot easier to not have to be the bad guy, you can just let paypal do it.
Love reading stories like this, I’m garage sailing it up big time with my wife this summer, maybe I’ll start sharing my finds as well…
Love and pieces.
August 6th, 2011 at 3:40 PM
i have some cards not full sets anyone interested?
August 26th, 2011 at 10:29 PM
I would like to sell my cards and posters. My dad worked at Topps so everything is worth more cause they came from the factory. I have uncut series and uncut posters. If would and inrested please email me and howiesgirl4ever69@live.com. And give me a price thanks
March 19th, 2012 at 2:48 PM
I’m looking to buy buy buy! If you have any gpk cards email me
Ajbr55@yahoo.com
April 12th, 2012 at 1:35 PM
My husband has a suitcase full on GPK and we are looking to sale them.
April 16th, 2012 at 1:24 PM
Sha i would be interested in them
April 16th, 2012 at 3:03 PM
If you don’t leave an email address, no one will be able to contact you, Jessica!