Rare 1966 Batman trading card sells for record six-figure sum
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 17:38 · Archive
A 1966 Topps Batman trading card from the original 55-card 'Black Bat' series has sold for a record price at auction.
An original 1966 Topps Batman trading card from the 'Black Bat' series has sold for a record price at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas on 23 October. The card, numbered 1 and titled 'The Batman', introduces the Caped Crusader and is considered the key card for the entire 55-card series. It is frequently characterised by collectors as Batman's rookie card.
The set was produced during the height of the ABC television series starring Adam West and Burt Ward. Each card featured painted artwork on the front and part of the unfolding story on an orange reverse. The dynamic artwork was created by illustrator Norman Saunders and comic artist Bob Powell. The black bat-shaped logo distinguishes this initial release from later Red Bat and Blue Bat series.
The Mirror reports the card sold for £163,000, while the New York Post reports it fetched $218,683, rising to $219,600 with buyer's premium. The card earned a PSA Mint 9 grading, with only thirteen examples known at this grade and none at the higher Gem Mint 10 level. High-grade examples face obstacles including centering, corner wear, print quality and vulnerability of the coloured borders after six decades.
How it is being reported
- Original 1966 Batman trading card sells for nearly $220k at Texas auctionThe "Batmania" craze swept across popular culture in 1966 and found one of its most memorable collecting expressions in Topps' original Batman trading cards.New York Post · 2 Nov, 17:22
- Original Batman trading card from first-ever release in 1966 sells for six-figure sumThe Adam West 'Black Bat' series of the Topps trading card game has maintained massive popularity 60 years after it was released, if a recent sale at auction is anything to go byThe Mirror · 2 Nov, 16:56
In this story: Adam West · Burt Ward · Norman Saunders · Bob Powell · Topps · Heritage Auctions · Dallas
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
Comments (0)