1977 Topps Star Wars is one of the most popular and iconic trading card sets of all-time. It offered an introduction to the franchise at a time that it was new. With the film selling out theatres and becoming a phenomenon, the cards took on a life of their own. In the decades since, that popularity and history have kept the first major set of Star Wars trading cards relevant even to young collectors. It has also created a situation where a handful of 1977 Topps Star Wars trading cards have become more valuable than the rest.
10 Best and Most Valuable 1977 Topps Star Wars Cards
1. Luke Skywalker #1
The first card in the first set of Topps Star Wars trading cards makes this a landmark to begin with. Not only does it introduce collectors and fans to one of the most successful hobby franchises ever, but it’s also the first appearance in the line from the movie’s central character.
The 1977 Topps Star Wars #1 Luke Skywalker has emerged as an iconic entertainment trading card. While movie and TV sets don’t have traditional rookie cards like their sports counterparts, this one has become like one. And plenty have followed in the decades since.
This one is also bolstered by the grading market as high-end collectors chase top grades for their sets and bragging rights. It is, by far, the most submitted 1977 Topps Star Wars card submitted to PSA. It’s also extremely tough to find in Gem Mint or even Mint condition, even when comparing stats and rates with other cards from the same set.
2. C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) #207 Golden Rod Error
Without question, the C-3PO “Golden Rod” is the most infamous 1977 Topps Star Wars trading card. Talk to a Star Wars fan who doesn’t know much about cards and they’re still likely to know the card where the droid has a boner.
Besides the juvenile humor and appeal, the card does have some intrigue behind it, which makes it more interesting. Was the photo selection intentional or was it an accident? There are a couple of scenarios floating around.
3. May the Force Be with You! #63
When it comes to the most valuable 1977 Topps Star Wars trading cards, pretty much all of them act as character introductions. This is the exception. But it boasts a line of dialogue that transcends any one character — or even film. “May the Force be with you,” is a simple but iconic bit of writing that encapsulates the entire saga — movies, TV shows, books, comics, all of it.
Pulling it all together is the great shot of Luke Skywalker in his X-Wing fighter gear, a far cry from the whining moisture farmer from the start of the movie.
4. The Villainous Darth Vader #7
He might not be quite as ominous today, but in 1977 when Star Wars first came out Darth Vader was one of the most evil and imposing bad guys to ever grace the big screen. Even with Vader’s eventual redemption and comedic interpretations in the decades since the movie’s release, Vader is still one of cinema’s most memorable characters. This is the card that introduces him by name, imposing disposition and all.
5. Space Pirate Han Solo #4
Realizing that Han Solo is a pirate hits a little bit differently. Galactic ruffian? Sure. But pirate? They’re generally considered to be bad. Han has a lot of grey in him and his motivations, but he’s also extremely likeable and charming. At any rate, by introducing one of the most popular characters in blockbuster movie history, this ranks easily as one of the top 1977 Topps Star Wars trading cards.
6. Princess Leia Organa #5
Visually, this is a stunning card. Sure, there’s Leia in, arguably, her most iconic outfit. But it’s much more than that. The contemplative portrait captures her strategic side. Delving deeper is the look that’s a mix of deep thought and concern. Bring it all together and it’s much more than beauty. Strength is the overriding theme her, perfectly encapsulating Leia Organa’s essence. And it just so happens to be her first card on the 1977 Topps Star Wars checklist.
7. See-Threepio and Artoo-Deetoo #2
Card #2 in 1977 Topps Star Wars is a two-for, introducing a pair of lovable sidekicks that lightened the mood through much of the original trilogy and beyond. Today, the Star Wars bible is very exact when it comes to merchandise and anything connected to the franchise. It’s part of a billion-dollar corporation. But back in 1977, things were a lot looser and still evolving. This card gives some obvious evidence of that with the droids’ names being spelled out rather than the more common C-3PO and R2-D2.
8. C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) #207 Corrected
With the uproar that the Golden Rod C-3PO caused, Topps went back and did a little pre-Photoshop magic, fixing (pun may or may not be intended) the droid. It doesn’t have the juvenile humor so not as many people are chasing it. While print runs aren’t known, the corrected #207 C-3PO actually seems to be available in smaller numbers. Still, collectors are willing to pay a premium for infamy so values here aren’t as high.
9. Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi #6
A better portrait of Obi-Wan Kenobi does not exist on a trading card. Perfectly cropped and positioned, it captures the wizardly wise man’s aging hermit side as well as a certain level of uncertainty and would reveal itself more as the Star Wars franchise unravelled and revealed itself. A couple of other 1977 Topps Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi cards of note include #59, which name drops actor Alec Guiness, and #329, which has Guiness sitting alongside George Lucas.
10. Grand Moff Tarkin #8
Grand Moff Tarkin is one of the great villains in the Star Wars franchise. While he’s popped up in a couple of prequels and TV shows since, his brief impression in A New Hope was enough to solidify his place. Played by Hammer Horror veteran Peter Cushing, Tarkin comes across as pure psychotic evil in the first film. His trading cards introduction in 1977 Topps Star Wars captures that essence perfectly.
