REVIEWED BY MARK A. LARSON
Editor & Publisher
Some sports card collectors may still look down on non-sports cards as being either second-class collectibles or worthless junk. They shouldn’t.
As the old saying goes: “One person’s trash could be another person’s treasure.”
If you’ve ever purchased a large lot of cards — from another collector; at an auction; or at a flea market or garage sale — you might find some non-sports cards mixed in among the sports cards. A similar scenario might involve a friend or relative who discovers a stash of cards and gives them to you. Some might be sports cards that you’re familiar with, but others could be non-sports cards that might be hard to identify.
This is when older non-sports card guides can be of great value. Keep in mind that these guides are dated and card values listed in them are mostly out-of-date. However, the history and background on non-sports card sets — plus photos — can greatly aid in identification.
Even if it’s not likely you’re sitting on a goldmine, some of the cards may have values worth checking out. (With some digging, online sources or marketplaces can help determine current worth.)
Not only that, but who knows, maybe some unique cards will spark a new collecting interest and you’ll want to pursue more. If nothing else, learning about the hobby of non-sports card collecting can be fun and interesting. After all, non-sports cards go back 150 years … with some issued before any sports cards.
Here are six older guides covering non-sports cards from the 19th into the 21st century. Although printed years ago, most should still be obtainable.
• Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards •
The Sports Americana Price Guides
to the Non-Sports Cards
By Christopher Benjamin and Dennis W. Eckes
Several editions of the Sport Americana Non-Sports Price Guides were issued in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Depending on the volume, cards are covered all the way back to the 1880s. Some editions also focus exclusively on the 1930-60 era and the 1961 to 1990-ish period.
Even though prices listed are woefully obsolete, the books contain black-and-white photos and details on hundreds of non-sports card sets — making them an invaluable research tool. In addition, other information on non-sports card collecting is included. They make for fascinating reading even if you have no intention of pursuing non-sports cards. … Two card examples are show below:
Above: 1938 Gum, Inc. “Horrors of War”
Below: 1956 Topps “Davy Crockett”
• Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards •
The Vintage Trading Card Price Guide
By Todd Frye
&
The Encyclopedia of Non-Sport &
Entertainment Trading Cards
Compiled By Todd Jordan
Todd Frye’s “Vintage Trading Card Price Guide” focuses on 400-plus sets from 1960-85. It also includes black-and-white card photos and thorough set descriptions and scarcity details. Some of the information on varying sets provides more specifics than the Sport Americana Guides. Since the book was published in 2013, prices are, most likely, out-of-date.
“The Encyclopedia of Non-Sport & Entertainment Trading Cards” was published by the now defunct “Non-Sport Update” magazine in 2007. Make no mistake, it’s a gem of a reference book. It picks up where the “Vintage Trading Card Price Guide” mentioned above left off. This volume covers the period from 1985-2006. What makes it particularly special are the approximately 1,800 color photos and information on additional cards connected to each set. … Although it is described as Volume 1, this was the only guide published.
Above: 1977 Topps “Star Wars”
Below: 1999 Inkworks “Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Season 3”
• Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards •
Beckett Non-Sport Almanac
The “Beckett Non-Sport Almanac (2024 10th Edition)” boasts more than 200,000 prices listed. At two years old, it’s the most up-to-date non-sports card pricing in book form — as there has not been a more recent edition. Even though prices have most likely changed since its publication, the volume forms a good basis for current collectors. As a price guide, it’s great. As a card identifier, it is not. There are no photos or card descriptions for the sets featured.
If non-sports cards or card collecting hobby history intrigues you, one of the best ways to build your knowledge base is to utilize guides like those featured in this article.
Above: 2011 Cryptozoic “The Walking Dead” (Season 1)
Below: 2023 Upper Deck “Marvel Platinum”
• Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards • Non-Sports Cards •
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See related articles on BaseballCardFun.com entitled:
“Non-Sports Cards Offer Great Collecting Fun and Variety” Click Link Here
“BASEBALL HOBBY NEWS — Baseball Cards in Non-Sport Card Sets” Click Link Here
“Topps’ Wacky Packages Include Sports Card Packs” Click Link Here
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Text Copyright © 2026 by BaseballCardFun.com / Mark A. Larson
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“THE WRAPPER” MAGAZINE:
The Wrapper has been serving non-sports card collectors since 1978. It is full of articles mostly concentrating on classic non-sports sets, plus interviews and profiles of hobbyists. In addition, there are variety of ads in each bi-monthly issue that offer collectors a chance to obtain cards for their collections.
Click Link Here
