Despite being dark, violent and edgy (at least for the first couple of films), The Terminator franchise has been fairly well represented in the hobby. This reaches into the modern era where sets for Terminator 2, Terminator 3 and Terminator: Salvation have included autographs. While none of the Terminator trading card sets has brought together a definitive list of signers, together, they cover most of the main cast from the films that people actually remember.
A Late Signature Start
2003 Artbox Terminator 2 FilmCardz is the first trading card product to have autographs for the franchise. Top to bottom, it’s probably the best as well. While there’s no Arnold Schwarzenegger, the checklist does have Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor), Edward Furlong (John Connor) and Robert Patrick (T-1000). These also have the best design of the various Terminator autographs.
The Terminator 2 FilmCardz Autographs are inserted one per box with seven included in the main part of the set. There’s also a Dan and Don Stanton dual autograph that was distributed as a case topper.
Comic Images put together another strong checklist for their Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Autographs. They landed the big fish with Arnold Schwarzeneggar. Other signers are Kirstanna Loken, late special effects legend Stan Winston and director Jonathan Mostow. Nick Stahl, the new John Connor, was given out as a case incentive.
The two top autographs in the Terminator 3 set, Schwarzeneggar and Loken, are only in hobby packs where signed cards land 1:96 packs. Retail packs have autographs land 1:144 packs.
2003 Comic Images Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Autographs are signed on cards that look a lot like base cards so they don’t stand out as much as they could. Winston signed his cards on the back.
Termination Papers
2009 Topps Terminator: Salvation is a disappointment to say the least. While the set does have six autographs (1:24 hobby packs), none of the lead cast are part of the checklist. As far as designs go, it’s not bad. Some of the images, like those in the main set, are less that ideal and low quality. However, the real drawback outside of the names is the fact that they use stickers for the autographs.
Terminator Autographs Gallery
You can see all of the Terminator autographed trading cards using the tabs below. Included are full galleries, checklist, notes about the various sets and more. If you’re looking to add any of the cards to your collection or want to look at current market values, click on the links to check them out on eBay.
Terminator 2
2003 Artbox Terminator 2 FilmCardz Autographs
- Inserted 1:24 packs.
- The Stanton dual autograph is a case topper and not in packs.
Terminator 3
2003 Comic Images Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Autographs
- Inserted 1:96 hobby packs, 1:144 retail packs.
- Schwarzenegger and Loken are only in hobby packs.
- Stahl is a case incentive
- Mostow has blue, red and black ink versions.
Print runs:
Schwarzenegger – 300
Loken – 300
Winston – 600
Mostow – 600
Stahl – less than 300
A1 Arnold Schwarzenegger as T-800
A3 Stan Winston – Special Effects Genius
Terminator: Salvation
2009 Topps Terminator: Salvation Autographs
- Inserted 1:24 packs.
