1977–78 Topps Star Wars Series 2–5: A Collector's Guide

After the blue series came red, yellow, green and orange. Here's how to collect the rest of the original 330-card run.

Topps' first Star Wars series sold so well that four more followed in 1977 and 1978. Each kept the same basic format, 66 cards and 11 stickers, but changed the border color, the back design and the mix of images. Together the five series make a 330-card run plus 55 stickers. Series 1 gets the headlines, but the later series hold some of the run's most interesting cards, including the most famous card in vintage Star Wars collecting.

The Five Series at a Glance

Our Series 1 guide covers the blue set in depth. Here's what sets the other four apart.

Series 2 (Red)

The red series moves deeper into the film's creatures and major moments. The backs form two puzzles, a Chewbacca puzzle and a Tusken Raider puzzle, and some backs carry "Actor's Profile" trivia. Series 2 stickers continue the thick-bordered portrait style of Series 1, with more scenes and ships.

Series 3 (Yellow)

The yellow series expands the storyline. Its backs build puzzles of Luke, Leia and Han, and of R2-D2, C-3PO and a mechanic, with "Official Description" text on other backs. From Series 3 on, the stickers switch to a filmstrip design and sometimes show behind-the-scenes images.

Series 4 (Green) and Card #207

The green series is home to card #207, the most talked-about card in vintage Star Wars. It exists in two versions:

• The original version, in which a problem with C-3PO's costume created an unfortunate appearance at the waist.

• The corrected, airbrushed version, issued after complaints.

Collectors often call these the "obscene" and "airbrushed" versions. The original is actually the more common of the two, but it's the one most collectors want. Card #207 is the single most valuable and most discussed card in the 1977–78 run.

Series 4 backs include a large Chewbacca and Han Solo puzzle.

Series 5 (Orange)

The final series includes behind-the-scenes photos from the production, a treat for fans interested in how the film was made. Its backs form a large Cantina patrons puzzle.

Condition Issues Across the Run

• Colored borders show every chip and edge touch. Each series' border color reveals wear differently.

• Centering. Well-centered cards are genuinely scarce across all five series.

• Card stock. Topps' 1970s stock was modest, and kids handled these cards like toys.

• Sticker edges. Dark sticker borders make top-condition stickers hard to find.

• Print defects: soft focus, print dots and roller lines.

Building the Full Run

Go series by series. Each series is a satisfying 66-card project with its own sticker run. Many collectors finish one before starting the next.

Use the puzzles. Each series' puzzle backs double as a checklist. Lay them out and you'll see exactly what's missing.

Decide on stickers early. A full run with stickers is 385 pieces. Plan for them from the start if you want them.

Settle the #207 question. Decide whether you want one version or both, and buy graded for either.

Prioritize eye appeal. In a long run, matched condition and good centering make a far stronger display than a few high-grade cards among rough ones.

Storage and Display

Standard sleeves and toploaders fit the cards. Nine-pocket pages organized by series show off the five border colors beautifully. Many collectors display one page from each series side by side.

Pricing the Later Series

Prices across the later series depend on character content and condition more than series number. Character and key-scene cards outsell general scene cards in every series, and well-centered copies sell at a clear premium. Card #207 is the exception to every rule, with its own market for each version. When you research a card, confirm the series by number and border color, and compare graded sales with graded sales.

Wax Packs and Boxes

Unopened 1977–78 Topps Star Wars packs and boxes from every series are collected in their own right, each with its own wrapper art. As with all vintage sealed material, buy only authenticated packs and boxes from trusted sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards are in the 1977–78 Topps Star Wars run?

Three hundred thirty cards across five series, plus 55 stickers.

What color is each Star Wars series?

Series 1 is blue, Series 2 red, Series 3 yellow, Series 4 green and Series 5 orange.

What is the Star Wars #207 card?

It's a Series 4 card of C-3PO that exists in an original version and a corrected, airbrushed version. It's the most famous card in the 1977–78 run.

Which version of #207 is rarer?

The corrected, airbrushed version is the less common of the two. The original version is the one most collectors want.

How many Star Wars stickers came in the 1977–78 series?

Fifty-five: 11 per series, one in each pack.

Do I need all five series for a complete set?

For the full 1977–78 run, yes. Many collectors start with a single series and expand from there.

Shop Vintage Star Wars at Crafted TCG

Browse 1977–78 Topps Star Wars cards and stickers from every series at Crafted TCG. Every listing shows the front and back.