Non-Sport Update

TOP 10

- BY ALAN BIEGEL

James Bond may be dead, at least for now, but collectors can keep him alive through his many autograph cards. While signatures from characters in the numerous Bond films are somewhat plentiful, cards that feature one of the James Bond actors are always extra special. While doing research for this column I was surprised to learn that Timothy

10. 2016 LEAF ROGER MOORE COLLECTION AUTOGRAPH CARD—GREEN

While not specifical­ly a

James Bond card, this oddity from Leaf still has all the proper Bond markings.

„e card front displays a photo of Mr. Moore in what is clearly a Bond pose while holding a Walther

PPK semi-automatic pistol,

Bond’s weapon of choice.

Narrative on the card back is all about Roger’s exploits as Bond and also includes this curious statement—“„e Card was produced exclusivel­y for Roger Moore and not distribute­d publicly by Leaf.” Available in a few other colors besides green, this card can usually be found at $200.

8. 2015 RITTENHOUS­E ARCHIVES JAMES BOND ARCHIVES AUTOGRAPH RELICS—DANIEL CRAIG

What Bond fan could resist an authentic on-card Daniel Craig autograph combined with a swatch of Craig’s screen-worn suit? A dapper card front photo shows Bond wearing the same suit on film in Skyfall. „e card is limited to 250, presumably because at that point they may have run out of suit! „e card was only available as a nine case incentive. Currently, the card eBays at the $700 mark.

Dalton has not signed for a Bond trading card, and neither did Sean Connery, although Rittenhous­e Archives managed to find a way around that sticky wicket.

Cards listed are not necessaril­y the most expensive (although some are), but these are subjective­ly perhaps the most interestin­g.

9. 2019 UPPER DECK JAMES BOND COLLECTION AUTO D8K—GEORGE LAZENBY

Although he only portrayed MI6’s super spy just once, Lazenby has been a prolific signer of

James Bond cards. „e d8k autograph card is notable in that it displays Bond’s heritage with him wearing Scottish Highland dress as an alternativ­e to black tie. Since this outfit was only shown in Lazenby’s sole outing it makes this autograph card rather special. Although this image has been employed on other cards, it’s use on this one is particular­ly striking. On the secondary market this limited-to-99 Hot Scot floats in the $200-$250 range.

7. 2006 RITTENHOUS­E ARCHIVES JAMES BOND DANGEROUS LIAISONS FULL-BLEED AUTOGRAPH— ROGER MOORE

Originally a six-case incentive, this auto card displays a classy full face portrait of the debonaire dude in a white tux. Prices vary but seem to settle around $360 to $475.

6. 2013 RITTENHOUS­E ARCHIVES JAMES BOND ARTIFACTS & RELICS AUTOGRAPH— ROGER MOORE

James displayed the proper attire while attending a horse race in 1979’s A View to a Kill.

Shown wearing a medium gray morning suit, the suave spy chose gloves and a dashing top hat as appropriat­e accoutreme­nts. Rittenhous­e lists the card as extremely limited and consumers value it at $185-$300.

4. 2010 JAMES BOND HEROES AND VILLAINS AUTOGRAPHS—DANIEL CRAIG

is one gains points for placing two Daniel Craig action photos from Casino Royale on the front but loses points for the back, which repeats one of the front photos while containing only minimal text. Mixing color and B&W photos is a nice touch, though.

2. JAMES BOND HEROES & VILLAINS DUAL AUTOGRAPH CARD—ROGER MOORE & GEORGE LAZENBY

Bonds… James Bonds. How could you pass up two Bonds for the price of one? is autograph card makes getting two easy with both Roger Moore and George Lazenby signing on the front. Surprising­ly, this one isn’t too hard to find and can be had for $200 to $350.

5. 2013 JAMES BOND AUTOGRAPHS AND RELICS MOVIE RELIC AUTOGRAPHS—DANIEL CRAIG

is Daniel Craig Autograph card contains an authentic piece of costume material from the movie Quantum of Silence. We rate this one higher than our #9 choice only because it is more limited at 155 cards and contains a slightly cooler Craig photo.

3. 2011 JAMES BOND MISSION LOGS FULL-BLEED AUTOGRAPHS— PIERCE BROSNAN

Although this card front Goldeneye Pierce Brosnan image projects a standard Bondian pose, the flaming background adds a nice shot of pizzaz. Look for this one at $700-$900.

1. 2017 JAMES BOND ARCHIVES FINAL EDITION—SEAN CONNERY

Since this cut signature issue is the only trading card autograph by Sean Connery its #1 spot on this listing was virtually assured. With its clean white front, classic Bond image and Aston Martin DB5 silver back, this sleek looking prize was only available in Archive boxes that came with an 18-case purchase. Prices are understand­ably all over the map, but some may feel finding it under S2,000 is a James Bond bargain.

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