A brief history of Santa Claus trading cards
There isn’t a concrete origin story of Santa Claus trading cards, but some of the first examples in the United States date back to the late 1800s. Ohio-based company Woolson Spice created several artistic Christmas trading cards featuring Santa sitting around the tree with children or on his sleigh. Woolson Spice used the back of the cards to advertise its products, such as Lion Coffee.
There technically isn’t a card from the 19th century that’s coined as Santa’s “true” rookie card among the collecting community, but one of his most known from the time can be found in the 1890 Duke Holidays set. The popular tobacco company produced a 50-card set featuring three Christmas cards, but only the U.S. variation included Santa Claus. According to Professional Sports Authenticators’ (PSA) graded population report, the company has authenticated less than 15 copies. An example of the card is even in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.
A Santa Claus trading card for the ages
In the late 1980s, the sports card industry exploded in popularity and began producing more and more sets. One of the first Santa Claus cards that caught the attention of modern collectors is the iconic 1989 Pro Set Football card. The promotional card was given to card shop owners and dealers during the holidays and could not be pulled out of packs, which heightened demand for it.
The front of the card lists Santa Claus as a “player-coach” and depicts him wearing a baseball cap bearing his own name and a red satin jacket emblazoned with the NFL logo. Inexplicably, he is holding up the very same trading card that he is on, creating a mind-bending card-ception loop. Behind Santa Claus, through a snow-covered window are two Pro Set executives dressed as elves. The back of the card features Santa Claus’ vital info and a scouting report.
Modern Santa Claus trading cards
In recent years, Topps has produced more Santa Claus autograph and relic cards for its holiday baseball sets. In the most recent Topps Holiday set releases, collectors can pull rare chase cards of other classic North Pole characters such as Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbread Man, and more.
Over the last decade or so, the hobby’s annual holiday set releases have produced more Santa Claus trading cards than ever before. In the most recent Topps Holiday set releases, collectors can pull rare chase cards of other classic North Pole characters such as Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbread Man, and more.
Holiday-themed sports sets
The sports card industry offers a few holiday-themed sets that bring a seasonal vibe to collecting with unique player-worn holiday sweater cards and festive super short print variations.
The main baseball card release centered around this festive time of the year is Topps Holiday. First produced in 2016, the set has holiday-inspired designs of the MLB’s rookies and stars where you can find hidden elves, snowflakes, and Christmas lights on cards. Collectors can pull autograph cards, player-worn Christmas hat relics, and those aforementioned rare relic/auto cards of Santa Claus. Topps Holiday sets are retail exclusives that can be found online and in stores like Target and Walmart.
Classic holiday movie trading cards
One of my favorite holiday traditions is to sit back with a glass of eggnog and watch Christmas movies — a genre that is also making its way into trading card forms now. This year, actor Chevy Chase released a Christmas Vacation 35th Anniversary Box Set that offers signed cards of the Griswold family and personally used Chevy Chase relic cards. The limited edition release of 300 boxes quickly sold out, but a few have made it to eBay.
Cryptozoic Entertainment and Marquee Trading Cards recently put out a similar set based on the beloved holiday movie “A Christmas Story” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film’s release. Collectors have the chance to pull single and dual autograph cards signed by the cast, hand-drawn sketch cards, and serial-numbered chase cards. Sealed boxes are available on eBay for around $130 and a 1/1 Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) autograph card inscribed “I want a Red Ryder!” has already been pulled from a pack and sold for a penny shy of $1,000.
Conclusion
Santa Claus trading cards may not be as well-known as sports cards or cryptocurrency, but they have a special place in the hearts of collectors. With the holiday season upon us, it’s a great time to explore the world of Santa Claus trading cards and see what unique and festive additions you can add to your collection.
FAQs
Q: What is the rarest Santa Claus trading card?
A: The 1890 Duke Holidays set is considered the rarest and most valuable Santa Claus trading card, with only less than 15 copies authenticated by PSA.
Q: What is the most valuable Santa Claus trading card?
A: The 2022 Donruss Football Santa Claus Downtown insert is the most valuable Santa Claus trading card, with a PSA 10 copy selling for over $1,500.
Q: Can I find Santa Claus trading cards in stores?
A: Yes, you can find Santa Claus trading cards in retail stores like Target and Walmart, as well as online through various marketplaces and card shops.
Q: Are Santa Claus trading cards worth collecting?
A: Absolutely! Santa Claus trading cards are a unique and festive addition to any collection, and they can also increase in value over time.