2025 Topps Chrome® Disney | History of Pinocchio Cards + Pinocchio’s 85th Anniversary

Celebrating Pinocchio’s 85th Anniversary

Pinocchio’s story began not with Disney, but in Italy. In 1883, author Carlo Collodi introduced the world to The Adventures of Pinocchio, the tale of a mischievous wooden puppet carved by Geppetto who longed to become a real boy. The character quickly became a cultural symbol of innocence, morality, and imagination, and decades later, Walt Disney brought him to animated life in the 1940 feature film Pinocchio. The film cemented his place as one of Disney’s most beloved characters, and his popularity soon spread to the world of collectibles, including trading cards.

Pinocchio’s trading card history spans 85 years, beginning with the 1940 Castell Brothers set in the U.K. From international releases to modern Topps Chrome Disney products, his most recent milestone is the 2025 85th Anniversary insert — a tribute connecting classic Disney history with today’s Chrome Refractor technology.

One of Pinocchio’s earliest cardboard appearances came in 1940 with the Castell Brothers Pinocchio set, a non-sport series released in the United Kingdom to coincide with the film’s debut. Printed on thin stock and featuring colorful artwork, the set highlighted key characters and moments from the movie, including Geppetto, Jiminy Cricket, and the Blue Fairy. Today, these cards are highly collectible pieces of both Disney and trading card history.

Pinocchio’s presence continued internationally through the decades. In the 1970s, he appeared in the Swedish Disneybilder series, a numbered set of cards that featured Disney characters from across the studio’s library. Then in the 1990s, he returned to the spotlight with Inkworks’ The Adventures of Pinocchio, a 90-card set tied to the 1996 live-action film adaptation. This series gave collectors a fresh take on the character while keeping his legacy alive in trading card culture.

In recent years, Pinocchio has been embraced by Topps as part of its premium Disney line. He appeared in Topps Chrome Disney 100 in 2023, including inserts like “Once Upon a Time” and “Iconic Moments,” which captured memorable scenes on Chrome Refractor stock. These releases placed Pinocchio alongside other legendary Disney characters in one of the company’s most ambitious Disney products.

Now, in 2025, Pinocchio’s cardboard journey reaches a milestone moment. As he celebrates his 85th anniversary, he takes center stage in Topps Chrome Disney 2025 with a dedicated insert. This modern Chrome tribute connects his earliest appearances in the Castell Brothers set of 1940 to the dazzling Refractor technology of today. For collectors, it’s both a celebration of Disney history and proof of Pinocchio’s enduring charm — 85 years after his story first lit up the silver screen.

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Top Pinocchio Cards to Collect

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1940 Casell Borthers Ltd. Jiminy Cricket & Pinocchio

2024 Topps Chrome® Disney #113 Pinocchio Purple & Green Pulsar

2023 Topps Chrome® Disney 100 Once Upon A Time #OU-1 Pinocchio Black Kaleidoscope

2025 Topps Chrome® Disney Pinocchio 85th Anniversary #PN-1 Pinocchio SuperFractor 1/1

Pinocchio Collector FAQ

• What was Pinocchio’s first trading card?
  • Pinocchio debuted in the 1940 Castell Brothers set, issued in the U.K. to promote Disney’s animated film.
• Which modern Topps set features Pinocchio?
  • Pinocchio appears in Topps Chrome Disney 100 (2023), 2024 Chrome parallels, and the 2025 85th Anniversary insert.
• Are Pinocchio cards popular in The Hobby?
  • Early sets like the 1940 Castell Brothers cards are highly collectible. Modern Refractor parallels and anniversary inserts also draw major attention.
• Did Pinocchio win any awards?
  • Yes, Disney’s 1940 Pinocchio won two Academy Awards — for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
• How can collectors identify authentic 1940 Pinocchio cards?
  • Authentic Castell Brothers Pinocchio cards are printed on thin stock with colorful artwork. Look for age-related wear and U.K. printing marks.

Key Facts

• First card: 1940 Castell Brothers set (U.K.)
• Appeared in Swedish Disneybilder (1970s) and Inkworks (1996)
• Featured in Topps Chrome Disney 100 (2023) and 2024 parallels
• 2025: Celebrates 85th anniversary with SuperFractor insert

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More Topps Disney

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