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Additionally, discover how to assess the worth and sell your rare Garbage Pail Kids cards
The Garbage Pail Kids cards from the 1980s were both controversial and wildly entertaining, becoming a major part of childhood nostalgia. If you’ve kept any of these cards in storage, whether in your attic or basement, you could be sitting on a small fortune. Let's dive into the 25+ most valuable Garbage Pail Kids cards in circulation and uncover how to accurately assess the worth of your collection.
Which Garbage Pail Kids card holds the highest value?
The priciest Garbage Pail Kids card is Adam Bomb, from the inaugural GPK series released by Topps in 1985. The card showcases a baby in a suit with a mushroom cloud explosion emerging from its head. A pristine glossy version of this card, complete with a checklist on the back, was once sold for an astounding $25,100.
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Top Garbage Pail Kids Cards Worth a Fortune
Adam Bomb 8a (Series 1, 1985) Adam Bomb is an iconic character, portrayed as a baby in a suit and tie holding a button, with an explosive mushroom cloud erupting from his head. The card’s value skyrocketed, with a mint condition Adam Bomb once fetching $7,643 on eBay, but a rare glossy version featuring a checklist on the back hit a stunning $25,100 at auction!
Nasty Nick 1a (Series 1, 1985) Nasty Nick is the Garbage Pail Kids’ take on Dracula, complete with fang-filled smile, flowing cape, and menacing doll. As the very first GPK card released, its value has only grown, with one of these mint-condition cards fetching an impressive $17,900 at an auction!
Corroded Carl 19a (1985 Series 1) Corroded Carl is a grotesque character, covered in pus-filled pimples, with zit cream and acne lotion in hand. Mint, authentic versions of this card have sold for as much as $16,000 on eBay due to its unique, disgusting charm.
Blasted Billy 8b (1985 Series 1) If you recognize Blasted Billy, it’s because he's the ‘B’ variant of Adam Bomb, with an almost identical look. Mint copies of Blasted Billy typically go for around $4,000, but one rare edition with a print error listed on eBay is priced at $5,000.
Electric Bill 4b (1985 Series 1) Electric Bill is one of the most provocative Garbage Pail Kids designs, featuring a kid in a prison uniform being electrocuted in the electric chair. Due to its controversial nature, glossy, mint-condition versions of this card have been known to fetch up to $4,999 on eBay.
Fryin' Brian 4a (1985 Series 1) Fryin' Brian is the alternative version of Electric Bill. Most GPK cards come in at least two variations with the same design but different names. If you have a Fryin' Brian instead of Electric Bill, don't worry – these cards can still be sold for as much as $4,311.
Evil Eddie 1b (1985 Series 1) Evil Eddie is the counterpart to Nasty Nick, looking almost identical to the 'A' version. While you might make a few hundred dollars for a well-kept card, a mint non-die-cut error version could be worth as much as $3,999 on eBay.
Junky Jeff 22a (2013 Chrome & 1985 Original Series 1) Junky Jeff is a character as close to a dumpster fire as you can get. Positioned in front of overflowing garbage cans, he has trash spewing out of his head. Regular graded versions of the 1985 card go for $100-$300, but a mint 2013 Chrome edition signed by artist John Pound can fetch up to $3,500.
Hot Head Harvey 87b (2020 Chrome & 1986 Original Series 3) Hot Head Harvey is a standout GPK, resembling a fusion of a Transformer and Thomas the Tank Engine with his armored body and moon-like face. Keep an eye out for two versions: the original 1986 card, valued around $600 in mint condition, and the Chrome 2020 version, which can sell for as much as $3,250.
Dead Ted 5a (1985 Series 1) Dead Ted is a zombie child emerging from his grave, complete with a tombstone in the background. Only glossy, mint versions of this card can command thousands of dollars, and the rarest edition, with the coveted checklist on the back, once sold for $2,599 on eBay.
Mean Gene 41a (1985 Series 1) Mean Gene has the menacing look of a guerrilla fighter, armed with dynamite in one hand and a machine gun in the other, ready to ignite chaos. A professionally graded Mean Gene in excellent condition can easily sell for over $1,000, with some reaching as much as $2,495 on eBay.
Schizo Fran 49b (1985 Series 2) Schizo Fran isn’t disturbing in a grotesque way, but the unsettling concept of a girl with two heads fighting in a schizophrenic frenzy is enough to make you feel uneasy. Collectors find this card highly desirable, with mint versions going for as high as $2,399 on eBay.
Nerdy Norm 24b (1985 Series 1) The title 'Nerdy Norm' is a bit misleading, as this GPK card shows a child surrounded by soda bottles and steaming cups of coffee while chain-smoking in his diaper. A mint-condition version of this card fetched $2,002 on eBay in 2021.
Heavin' Steven 3b (1985 Series 1) Some Garbage Pail Kids cards may turn your stomach, and Heavin' Steven embraces that theme fully. This card, showing a baby vomiting onto a blanket, has glossy, mint editions that have sold for up to $1,694.
Sumo Sid 83b (1985 Series 2) Sumo Sid is designed as an over-the-top child sumo wrestler, complete with tiny briefs and a playful ponytail. If you're looking to add this mint card to your collection, be prepared to spend anywhere from $600 to $1,499 on eBay.
Leaky Lou 23b (1985 Series 1) Warning to those with trypophobia (fear of holes): Leaky Lou is a nightmare for your phobia! This card depicts a character with so many holes in his body that water pours out of them as he drinks from a glass. If you're brave enough to collect Leaky Lou, mint and graded versions could cost you between $799 and $1,299.
Dead Fred 57b (1985 Series 2) If you love gangster movies or the 1983 film Scarface, you'll appreciate Dead Fred. This card features a character in a pinstriped suit, clutching a Tommy gun, as he's gunned down by an unseen assailant. It’s a bit grim, but for fans of the genre, expect to pay around $1,099 on eBay for a mint version.
Jolted Joel 53a (1985 Series 2) Jolted Joel is a relatively tame GPK card compared to others. It shows a young rock star being electrocuted by a lightning bolt while holding his electric guitar. Graded and mint versions of this card typically sell for around $1,000 online.
Jenny Genius 27b (1985 Series 1) If you've ever heard someone called 'brainy,' it doesn't compare to Jenny Genius! This card features a girl with an enormous skull containing a massive brain. You can find this fun and quirky card in near-mint condition for about $750-$800, with one mint version fetching $964.95 in 2024.
Soft Boiled Sam 58b (1985 Series 2) Soft Boiled Sam is definitely having a rough day. His eggshell-like skin is cracked open by a baby bird emerging from his head, while egg yolk oozes from his right shoulder. This rare Garbage Pail Kids card can fetch up to $875 at auction if it finds the right collector.
Buggy Betty 39a (2020 Chrome & 1985 Series 1) Buggy Betty is far from your typical neighborhood girl. She's a curious mix of child and bug, and she has a deep affection for trash. The 1985 version of this card, in near-mint condition, is typically listed between $400 and $800, while the 2020 Chrome Sapphire edition in orange can be found for around $400-$500.
Brutal Brad 55b (1985 Series 2) Brutal Brad's illustration, which shows him roughly grabbing a female character by the hair like a prehistoric caveman, might rub some people the wrong way today. However, if you happen to have a mint condition version of this card, it could be worth up to $689.
Semi Colin 355a (1987 Series 9) Semi Colin stands out not just because he's a half-human, half-lizard hybrid, but because his card is a misprint. Missing its card number in the top right corner, this error makes it a rare find. Mint versions of this unique card have sold for as much as $610.
April Showers 7b (2020 Chrome & 1985 Original Series 1) April Showers's card depicts her getting struck by lightning while sporting a yellow raincoat and holding a red and white umbrella. The 1985 original can sell for over $300 in mint condition, but the real gems are the 2020 Sapphire Series cards, which can go for more than double that amount.
Matt Ratt 66a (1985 Series 2) Matt Ratt is one of the less celebrated Garbage Pail Kids cards, and it's easy to understand why. The illustration features a rat-boy trapped in a mouse trap, reaching for a piece of cheese. Compared to other GPK cards, it's relatively mild. However, if you manage to find a mint condition version, it could be worth up to $500.
Bad Breath Seth 70a (1985 Series 2) Bad Breath Seth may appear like a cute baby from the neck down, but his mouth tells a different story: a dark, gaping hole emitting toxic fumes. His breath is so foul, it’s created a nuclear wasteland around him! Despite the unsettling imagery, this card isn't as disturbing as others, so it typically sells for $100-$300, or around $339 for a mint version.
How to Find the Value of Garbage Pail Kids Cards
Check if your Garbage Pail Kids cards are from the Original Series 1. OS Series 1 cards (#1-#41) are generally the rarest and most valuable in the collection. If yours are in good condition, they can be worth $5-$8, and in mint condition, even more.
- If you own a full set of cards from the series, you may be able to sell them as a collection for a premium. For example, a complete mint OS Series 1 collection can fetch over $3000 on eBay.
See if your Garbage Pail Kids cards have a matte or glossy finish. Glossy finishes on OS Series 1 cards are rare and highly sought after, while matte finishes are more common in OS Series 2 cards. This distinction is one reason the glossy Adam Bomb card sold for over $25,000!
- Matte OS Series 2 (#42-#83) cards in good condition are generally priced at $2-$3 each, while glossy versions in this series usually sell for only $0.50-$1 each.
Check your Garbage Pail Kids cards for wear and tear. Any writing, stains, creases, rips, or uneven edges, or if the image is misaligned, could mean your card is more of a collector's piece for yourself than for resale. In this case, it likely won’t fetch much on eBay. However, mint or gem mint cards can potentially sell for tens, hundreds, or even thousands of dollars at auction!
- A mint card should look flawless at a quick glance, with only the tiniest imperfections, like a light scratch, yellowed edges, or a faint wax stain.
- A Gem Mint 10 card from Professional Sports Authenticator is virtually flawless, with only a slight allowance for minor printing errors.
Look for printing errors on your Garbage Pail Kids cards. Printing flaws are rare but highly prized, often increasing the value of a card by up to 25% (based on eBay prices)! Watch out for issues like ink smears, missing numbers, or uneven cuts that could make your card more valuable.
Check if your GPK card is autographed by the artist. Some GPK artists, like John Pound, sign the cards they create at conventions. If you have an autographed card, its value is likely much higher, like the $3500 Junky Jeff, which was signed by the artist.
Compare prices of similar Garbage Pail Kids cards on eBay. Use eBay to see what other sellers are asking for your card. If yours is in better condition than theirs, you could ask for more money. However, if your card is in worse condition, consider lowering your price accordingly.
Send your card to PSA to be graded to raise its value. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is a trusted third-party service that grades trading cards and autographs. They authenticate and assess your card’s condition, providing a grade that can go up to 10. A higher grade generally means a higher resale price.
- For example, a PSA 10 Dead Ted card can sell for up to $2600, while an ungraded Dead Ted might only go for $17.50.
- PSA's grading fees start at $25 per card and $19 per card if you submit 20 or more cards as a PSA Collector's Club member. Be sure to pack your cards properly and follow this PSA shipping guide for the best results.
Where to Sell Garbage Pail Kids Cards
Auction your Garbage Pail Kids cards on eBay. To kick off your listing on eBay, start with a low price to attract buyers and spark a bidding frenzy. Alternatively, you can choose a fixed price that you believe reflects the card's value and list it as a "Buy It Now" item.
Sell your cards in Garage Pail Kids Facebook groups. Join Facebook groups that cater specifically to Garage Pail Kids collectors where you can buy, sell, and trade. However, stay vigilant about scammers and never share personal credit card or bank details. Instead, always use a trusted third-party payment system like PayPal for secure transactions.
What are Garbage Pail Kids?
Garbage Pail Kids are trading cards that parody the Cabbage Patch Kids. When Topps released the first series of GPK in 1985, the Cabbage Patch Kids were already a massive trend – those quirky dolls with big eyes and round bodies. GPK's characters were designed as a satirical take on these beloved dolls.
- The likeness was so undeniable that the Cabbage Patch Kids owners filed a lawsuit against Topps for copyright and trademark violations. Surprisingly, the legal action only helped boost the popularity of Garbage Pail Kids cards among kids.
When did Garbage Pail Kids cards reach their peak popularity?
Garbage Pail Kids enjoyed their prime from 1985 to 1988 before being retired. The very first series of GPK cards debuted in 1985, followed by 14 more series until 1988. After the release of the 15th series, Topps decided to retire the cards for nearly two decades, only to bring them back in 2003. They've been continuously produced ever since.
