Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball Cards: A History of the Unique and Collectible Series
Allen & Ginter was one of the earliest and most prestigious cigar manufacturers in the United States in the late 19th century. In 1885, Allen & Ginter began including premium collectible illustrations cards inserted randomly into their cigar packs as a promotional method to help sell more cigars. These early trading cards featured photographs of baseball players, but also included images from other topics like presidents, actors, leaders and more. By 1886, the Allen & Ginter cards had become immensely popular trading cards inserted in the cigar packs.
In 1987, trading card manufacturer Topps acquired the rights to produce sets of collector cards based on the original Allen & Ginter concept. Since that time, Topps has periodically released new Allen & Ginter baseball card sets that have become highly regarded by collectors. What makes Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards unique compared to the company’s standard baseball releases is their eclectic non-sports content mixed in with the baseball player photography.
Each Allen & Ginter baseball card set features traditional baseball cards of current MLB players. Inserted randomly in the packs are additional cards spotlighting other topics beyond just sports. These have included cards highlighting history, sciences, arts, entertainment and more. For example, in past Allen & Ginter sets collectors could find cards dedicated to historical figures, famous inventions, classic novels, pop culture icons and more. The mixing of different card subjects emulates the original 19th century Allen & Ginter cigar premiums that popularized the concept of trading cards.
Some key details about Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards through the years:
1987 was the first modern re-release of the set by Topps, featuring 360 total cards including 60 non-sports subjects mixed in.
Sets were then issued again periodically through the 1990s and 2000s with different checklist totals each year. Subject matter varied greatly set to set.
2012 marked the “retro” version of the set, paying homage to the original 19th century designs with vintage graphics and fewer baseball players featured.
Total cards included ranged from around 150 to over 500 between different years and versions. Pack quantity and available parallels also varied greatly.
Printing techniques advanced over time, from early paper stock to utilizing modern technologies like foil stamping, refractors, and autographs.
Checklists always incorporated baseball players, but the choice of additional subjects was eclectic – anything from famous chefs to classical artworks to board games to movie monsters.
parallels have also become a big part of more recent Allen & Ginter sets, with short printed, autographed, memorabilia, and numbered cards adding to the excitement.
Secondary market value of Allen & Ginter cards varies greatly depending on the player, subject, year, and specific parallel – with some early or low-printed items commanding huge prices.
The 2012 “retro” version is considered one of the most coveted in the hobby due to its nod to the original design and limited production.
New versions of the set continued to be released periodically through the 2010s with the 2020 installment being the most recent.
What makes Allen & Ginter such an exciting set for collectors is the true novelty and surprise with every pack. Not knowing if the next card will feature a baseball star, movie icon, artist, or historical event keeps collectors on their toes. Its uniqueblend of many collecting genres outside of just sports has captured the imaginations of both mainstream baseball collectors and eclectic hobbyists. Thanks to Topps’ revival of this pioneering concept, today’s fans can experience the thrill and variety that first made Allen & Ginter cards a beloved novelty over 135 years ago. Whether seeking valuable stars or uncovering surprising subjects, Topps Allen & Ginter continues to deliver a truly special collector experience every release.
