Trading Cards: Three trading cards of the Three Stooges, America's three most beloved knuckleheads of any era, recently sold for more than $75,000 on eBay. While many card collectors place emphasis on sports collectibles, it is somewhat of a twist that one of the largest trading-card transactions of the year consists of non-sports cards featuring Larry, Moe, and Curly.
The three trading cards in question are 1959 non-sports trading cards in mint condition issued by Fleer. All three are checklist cards, meaning the backside of each card lists out the cards in the series. There are only 223 of these cards known to be in circulation: 68 of Card #16; 73 of Card # 63; and 82 of Card #64. Additionally, only 13 of the 223 cards are in mint condition. PSA rates all three cards a 9--mint condition.
The limited production of the cards was due to technical difficulties. It was a list-minute decision by Fleer to even release the cards. Unlike the other cards in this series, the checklist cards were available only in gum packs and could not be ordered separately.
It is not the first significant sale involving the comedic trio, another Card #16, which was rated 10 by PSA, recently sold for $11,400, and a complete Three Stooges 96-card set went for $35,000 on eBay.
Star Cards of Value
The hoopla surrounding non-sports trading cards prompted Beckett's Graded Card Investor bi-monthly to add a six-page section that covers major non-sports trading cards released from 1933 to 1985. Also check out "The Sports Americana Non-Sports Cards 1930-1960" annual guide by Christopher Benjamin for further information.
More Nyuk! Nyuk! Nyuk!
C3 Entertainment keeps the Three Stooges a mainstream commodity worldwide with DVDs, video games, and general merchandise.
It soitently is worth a look-see at www.threestooges.com.
For LxM James Rothaar
Toby Ellsworth
Posted Apr 13,2009
My Father worked for Fleer in the mid to late 50's in advertising, and work on the Three Stooges card series.
To promote the card series, Fleer sent my Father to a trade show/ convention in Calf. to promote the new cards to buyers, with him was Moe Howard meeting and greeting buyers. I have the complete series ʊll 96) cards plus three unopen packs and a card that was used to give to buyers at the show to remind them of the new card series. it is the size of three card put together with a sample of three of the cards in the series on the front and on the back it says "Television's favorite with kids" and bellow that is a picture of the cover of the pack of cards and then "Now Available a Great New Card Series. 96 hilarious full color pictures of the Three Stooges. Every kid will want his own full set of the antics and wit that has made America laugh for generations.
Stock up- Supplies are limited- and order some Dubble Bubble, too!" I would like to find out what this card is worth?
stanley benson
Posted Jan 27,2009
I have a curley #1 card 1959 in very good condition also card #'s 48,49. Can you give me a ball park price on these. In a few articles I have read the 1,2,3 cards seem to be the most sought after cards?