Buzz
Celebrating 38 years since their debut, the Garbage Pail Kids trading cards by Topps continue to captivate with their outrageous and grotesque illustrations of kids in bizarre and often horrifying scenarios, much to the delight of children and the dismay of their parents.
Much like other nostalgic treasures from past decades, Garbage Pail Kids cards have become a highly sought-after collectible, with certain rare cards selling for thousands of dollars based on their condition and scarcity. (Unopened packs or complete boxes can also fetch significant sums.)
Here’s a list of 11 highly valuable cards that could be hiding in your collection. Note that collectors often seek cards graded by third-party services like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) to verify their condition. Additionally, GPK cards can vary in value depending on the name variant, as most cards came in two versions with different names. Cards with a glossy finish are also more valuable than the more common matte versions.
1. Adam Bomb (Series 1, 1985)
Adam Bomb. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYAdam Bomb, the iconic figure who revolutionized gross-out trading cards, remains a top prize for collectors. (His likeness was also heavily featured in promotional materials.) PSA-graded Adam Bomb cards with a perfect 9 rating have recently sold for nearly $1200 on eBay, though most cards in lesser condition are valued closer to $400. The alternate version, Blasted Billy, featuring the same artwork, can command prices exceeding $3500, though typical sales range between $200 and $300.
2. Nasty Nick (Series 1, 1985)
Nasty Nick. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYAs the inaugural Garbage Pail Kid, designated #1a in the first series, this bloodsucking character holds a special place in collector history. On the secondary market, Nasty Nick can fetch around $1500.
3. Semi Colin (Series 9, 1987)
Semi Colin. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYThis bizarre card is highly prized due to a printing error that omitted the card number (#355a). Prices can reach up to $1350, though some versions are available for between $100 and $600.
4. Corroded Carl (Chrome Series 1, 2013)
Corroded Carl. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYIn 2013, Topps released a limited-edition Chrome Series of Garbage Pail Kids. Due to their rarity, characters like Corroded Carl, even those from the 1980s, can fetch prices as high as $1200.
5. Jay Decay (Series 1, 1985)
Jay Decay. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYThis delightful undead character can sell for up to $742, though it typically trades for around $200.
6. Dead Fred (Series 2, 1985)
Dead Fred. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYThis law-breaking youngster with a penchant for firearms can sell for as much as $350.
7. Schizo Fran (Series 2, 1985)
Schizo Fran. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYSchizo Fran, a card that pushes boundaries with its politically incorrect depiction, exemplifies the edgy humor of the series. This controversial character typically sells for around $300.
8. Stinky Stan (Series 1, 1985)
Stinky Stan. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYThis endearing trash-themed character recently fetched $300 on eBay. His counterpart, Junky Jeff, can sell for up to $272.
9. Buggy Betty (Series 1, 1985)
Buggy Betty. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYThis bug-infested card can command prices as high as $180, though it typically sells for around $100.
10. Soft Boiled Sam (Series 2, 1985)
Soft Boiled Sam. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYThis egg-themed character is a rarity and can fetch prices of $150 or higher.
11. Hot Head Harvey (Series 3, 1986)
Hot Head Harvey. | Image courtesy of GEEPEEKAYThis clever nod to Transformers attracts collectors from both the Garbage Pail Kids and robot toy communities. It typically sells for around $100.
A version of this article originally ran in 2020 and has been updated for 2023.
