They are beautiful. They are violent. They are even a little bit educational (stressing a little bit). 1962 Topps Civil War News is also one of the most popular trading card sets of that tumultuous decade.
Mixing the fine art of Norman Saunders with one of America’s defining moments, the set takes something of an embellished look at the American Civil War. Likely in an aim to appeal to young collectors at the time, many of the paintings are filled with enough gore to make mothers cringe. Soldiers are stabbed, innocents impaled and all sorts of other gun shots and explosions are abundant.
While the may be rooted in fact, 1962 Topps Civil War News trading cards definitely take a sensational approach.
1962 Topps Civil War News Checklist Details
The set has a total of 88 cards. Fronts are detailed and often vicious portrayals. Most come from various battlefronts, although a couple focus more on famous figures. The location and date are noted on the front with the captions. Like the imagery, these also go over-the-top.
Backs are designed to resemble a newspaper, giving more details on the featured event.
Each pack also came with a piece of reproduction Confederate Currency. A variety of denominations are available. Given their size, currency was folded in half before making their way into packs.
1962 Topps Civil War News is up there in popularity. The subject matter and visuals both lend to its lofty status today. Cards aren’t particularly rare, however top-condition copies can be difficult to find. Centering is definitely an issue for a lot of cards and can be especially noticeable on the backs.
A couple of years later, Civil War News was reprinted in the UK by A&BC. These are slightly smaller and have brighter backs.
1962 Topps Civil War News Trading Cards Checklist
Click on links to shop for cards or check current market values on eBay.
Base Set
88 cards.
Buy on eBay:
1 The Angry Man
2 President Jeff Davis
3 The War Stars
4 Rebel Power
5 Exploding Fury
6 Pulled to Safety
7 Death at Sea
8 Destructive Blow
9 Savages Attack
10 Destruction at Sea
11 Attack
12 Bloody Combat
13 Dying Effort
14 Fight to the Finish
15 Nature’s Fury
16 Direct Hit
17 The Flaming Raft
18 Death to the Enemy
19 Pushed to His Doom
20 Death Fall
21 Painful Death
22 Wave of Death
23 Crushed by the Wheels
24 After the Battle
25 Hanging the Spy
26 Messenger of Death
27 Massacre
28 The Cannon Roars
29 Bridge of Doom
30 Charging the Bullets
31 Terror of the Sea
32 Death Struggle
33 Fight for Survival
34 Wall of Corpses
35 Gasping for Air
36 Midnight Raid
37 Death Barges In
38 General Grant
39 General Lee
40 Bullets of Death
41 Protecting His Family
42 The Battle Continues
43 Costly Mistake
44 Shot to Death
45 The Riverboat Explodes
46 Vicious Attack
47 Death Battle
48 Smashing the Enemy
49 The Explosion
50 Stolen Secrets
51 Horse Thieves
52 Friendly Enemies
53 Train of Doom
54 A Horseman Falls
55 The Silent Drum
56 Burst of Fire
57 Hand to Hand Combat
58 Angel of Mercy
59 Submarine Attack
60 Suicide Charge
61 The Flaming Forest
62 The General Dies
63 Ambushed
64 Jaws of Death
65 Flaming Death
66 Victim of the War
67 Deadly Duel
68 The Will to Win
69 Death in the Water
70 The Sniper
71 No Escape
72 The Cannon’s Victim
73 Through the Swamp
74 Fighting for Victory
75 The Family Flees
76 Blazing Cannon
77 Trapped
78 Sudden Attack
79 Council of War
80 City in Flames
81 Deadly Defense
82 Destroying the Rails
83 The Looters
84 Deadly Arrows
85 Attacked from Behind
86 Dynamite Victims
87 The War Ends
88 Checklist
Confederate Currency
16 pieces, 1 per pack.
Currency came folded in packs.
One Dollar (Richmond, June 2, 1862, No. 355)
One Dollar (Richmond, Feb.y 17th, 1864, No. 3691)
Two Dollars (Richmond, Feb.y 17th, 1864, No. 14505)
Two Dollars (Richmond, June 2, 1962, No. 2473)
Five Dollars (Richmond, September 2, 1861, No. 4763)
Five Dollars (Richmond, September 2nd, 1861, No. 24497)
Ten Dollars (Richmond, September 2, 1861, No. 77389)
Ten Dollars (Richmond, Feb.y 17th, 1864, No. 45956)
Twenty Dollars (Richmond, December 2nd, 1862, capitol)
Twenty Dollars (Richmond, December 2, 1962, people)
Twenty Dollars (Richmond, September 2nd, 1862, ship)
Fifty Dollars (Richmond, September 2d, 1861, No. 31351)
Fifty Dollars (Richmond, Feb.y 17th, 1864, No. 59204)
One Hundred Dollars (Feb.y 17th, 1864, No. 801)
Five Hundred Dollars (Richmond, Feb.y 17th, 1864, No. 33546)
One Thousand Dollars (Montgomery, May 28, 1864, No. 176A)
