Congratulations your cards are part of the Original Series (OS) release of Garbage Pail Kids. Topps released a total of 15 series from 1985-1988. Generally our collections we had when we were kids were not stored well, ex. Rubber Bands = Bad. Also keep in mind collectors aren’t going to pay anything extra for sentimental value. Continue on to get a general idea how much your cards are worth.
- Step 2 – Is there writing on the backs on your cards? STOP! Your cards are close to worthless. Condition is everything to collectors. Generally collectors only want Near Mint – Mint condition cards. For a detailed description of card conditions check out PSA’s website.
- Step 3 – Is there gum stains/wax stains on your cards? STOP!Your cards are close to worthless. Condition is everything to collectors. Generally collectors only want Near Mint – Mint condition cards.For a detailed description of card conditions check outPSA’s website.
- Step 4 – Look at the corners of the cards, are they fuzzy, rounded in any way, are there any creases? STOP!Your cards are close to worthless. Condition is everything to collectors. Generally collectors only want Near Mint – Mint condition cards.For a detailed description of card conditions check outPSA’s website.
- Step 5 – Are your cards off centered? Is the main picture centered within the border? PAUSE! If the centering is 70/30 or better and the card is otherwise in nice continue, otherwise, STOP!Your cards are close to worthless. Condition is everything to collectors. Generally collectors only wantNear Mint– Mint condition cards.For a detailed description of card conditions check outPSA’s website.
- Step 6 – Check the card #’s on the card.
- If your card # is 41 or less you have OS 1 cards. These are generally the most valuable of the OS cards. Cards will have either a Matte or Glossy finish on the back. Glossy backs are more rare, and will fetch more money. Most OS 1 cards in nice condition will go for between $5 – $8 each. Except 1a/1b and 8a/8b, you will get much more for those, I encourage you to check eBay for a good idea on those.
- If your card # is 42-83 you have OS 2 cards. These also came in Matte or Glossy backs. Matte backs are rarer and will fetch more money. Glossy OS 2 cards will get .50 – $1, while Matte will get $2-$3 each.
- If your card # is 84 – 580 you have OS 3 – OS 14 cards. I’m sorry to say these aren’t in large demand, and can be found easily online for sale. Complete sets will go in the $25-$50 range, while you can only expect to get .05-.10 or less per card in lots. Collectors looking to complete their sets might go .50-$1 for the few remaining cards they need.
- If your card # is 581 – 620 you have OS 15 cards. These came in die-cut and non die-cut versions. The die-cuts are more rare, and will fetch more money. OS 15 non die-cut cards will get .50-$1, while OS 15 die-cut cards will get $2 each.
- Step 7 – Do you have any highly collected error or variation cards? The exception to the prices above are with the various error and variations found in OS 1 – OS 15. For a detailed list of error and variations check out our Errors & Variations page. I would encourage you to check eBay as prices for errors and variations tend to fluctuate greatly. You might have a $2 card or a $150 card.
You now have a general idea how much your Original Series GPK cards are worth. Click here to go back to the start of the guide.
See Also
Garbage Pail Kids