The Best Error Cards
Welcome, fellow collectors, to a whimsical journey through the topsy-turvy world of trading card mishaps and mayhem! As April Fools’ Day approaches, we embark on a delightful quest to uncover some of the most legendary error cards in trading card history. From hilarious misprints to baffling blunders, these cards have earned their place in the pantheon of prankster perfection. So grab your sense of humor and prepare to chuckle through this lighthearted celebration of the unexpected twists and turns that make collecting so delightfully unpredictable. Let the April Fools’ festivities commence!
Top Error Cards
1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #220 John Garrett
You’re probably thinking Garrett was once the Assistant General Manager for the Vancouver Canucks. And why wouldn’t one think such? The 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #220 John Garrett card says, “Now Assistant General Manager.” April Fools! Garrett actually never spent a day as the Canucks’ Assistant General Manager despite being offered the job. However, he followed up his 10-year career by becoming a broadcaster.
1981 Fleer #87 Graig Nettles
This is an honest mistake. How many Graigs roam the Earth? Met some Gregs. But Graig? A true rarity. So maybe Fleer could be forgiven for confusing Graig, the two-time champ, with Craig on the back of the 1981 Fleer #87 Graig Nettles. We try to be understanding.
1989 Fleer #661 Bill Ripken F*** Face
Zoom in. Take a look at the knob on the bat. There may or may not be some writing on it. And it may or may not say F* Face. Ripken said he accidentally picked up the wrong back, and there are several corrected versions, but this is a legendary e**** card.
1988-89 O-Pee-Chee #229 Kevin Lowe
Lowe was a fantastic defensemen who drew seven All-Star appearances and helped the Oilers to six NHL titles through his 19-year career. But let’s be clear. He never scored more than 10 goals in any year. On the misprint above, he’s credited with the great Wayne Gretzky’s stats from 1978-79 to 1986-87. Look closely at the goals, assists and points numbers. They look crazy, right? Lowe was great himself, but there’s not a defenseman in the history of the sport who’s ever topped 50 goals. Those are the stone-cold facts.
1954 Bowman Emlen Tunnell
Tunnell is the first African American to play for the Giants and make the Hall of Fame. He was and still is a big deal. But on his initial 1954 Bowman, they left one thing out: the second L in his last name. The error cards are actually more popular than the corrections, and they’re readily available.
1909-1911 T206 Piedmont Sherry “Magie” Magee
The T206 trading card set is one of the most legendary. That doesn’t absolve it from mistakes. Case in point: The misspelling of Sherry Magee’s last name on the initial 1909-1911. It’s Magee, not Magie! Regardless of the mishap, this one of the more coveted error cards.
1990 Topps #414 Frank Thomas (No name on the front)
This card appears to be of Frank Thomas, the guy from the Nugenix commercials who also goes by The Big Hurt and boasts a whopping 521 home runs. The only way to confirm is if one turns the card over. Why? Because the name is missing on the front, LOL. This mistake by Topps was quickly corrected, and supposedly, only 250-500 of the 1990 Topps #414 Frank Thomas (No name on the front) exist. This is a legendary error.
Bonus: 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays
Ahhh, the 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays. Yes, one of the most legendary and expensive cards ever. Guess what’s wrong, here? Absolutely nothing. April Fools.
