CGC Cards Registry Featured Set: 1963 Stancraft Playing Cards - Green Back
Posted on 7/11/2024
New inductees to the Football Hall of Fame will be enshrined on August 3, 2024, and we are featuring Glen Campbell’s Canton OH Tribute set of 1963 Stancraft Playing Cards - Green Back, which were released in conjunction with the opening of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 1963. Don't miss our Q&A with the set owner here.
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| 1963 Stancraft Playing Cards Jim Brown Ten of Hearts - Green Back graded CGC Gem Mint 10 Click images to enlarge. |
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Issued as two 54-card decks that each feature the same players and coaches, the 1963 Stancraft Playing Cards came with either red backs or green backs. The sets contain the images of 48 players and coaches that were illustrated in brown ink and include their name, position, years played and team directly below the image. The other six cards (the Aces and Jokers) feature the NFL logo.
The inaugural Pro Hall of Fame class of 1963 included 11 players and six coaches and owners; however, only nine of the 17 inductees were featured in the Stancraft decks. In addition, 37 of the 48 players and coaches included in the deck were eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Out of the seven cards in this CGC Cards Registry set, five of them earned grades of CGC Gem Mint 10, which is remarkable considering the cards were released more than 60 years ago. Campbell's set also contains some of the most notable players in the deck, including NFL legends Jim Brown, Mike Ditka, Otto Graham, Lou Groza and Johnny Unitas.
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| LEFT: 1963 Stancraft Playing Cards Johnny Unitas Three of Hearts - Green Back graded CGC Gem Mint 10 RIGHT: 1963 Stancraft Playing Cards Mike Ditka Five of Diamonds - Green Back graded CGC Gem Mint 10 Click images to enlarge. |
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Q&A with the CGC Cards Registry Set Owner
How did you get into collecting sports cards?
I started collecting cards in 2017. I used to collect baseball cards in my childhood and had the itch to get back into it.
What are your favorite sports teams and/or athletes to follow?
I am a Cleveland fan for life — the Browns, Indians and Cavs have my loyalty!
What was your favorite card once you got into collecting?
My favorite card was any of my Nick Chubb cards. I am a huge fan of his play, and he was the first player I started building a personal collection around.
Do you have a different favorite card now?
My current favorite card is my 1950 Bowman Marion Motley rookie graded CGC 8. I love the idea of having something so old and significant in such a high grade.
We’re featuring your 1963 Stancraft Playing Cards set. What drew you to collecting and building this set?
I have lived my entire life in the Stark County, Ohio area. When I discovered that the Stancraft Playing Cards were originally released when the Pro Football Hall of Fame opened in Canton, Ohio, it piqued my collecting interest because it was tied to my home. When I looked at population reports and noticed that there are not many Green Backs in high grade, it made me want to put the set together even more.
Is there a card out there you’re hoping to add to your collection? Similarly, is there a set you hope to complete someday?
The main card I am looking to get before I finish my collecting journey is the 1958 Jim Brown rookie card. I am currently trying to build an entire Cleveland Browns team set from 1950-1959 and the Jim Brown is the most elusive of that era beyond the 1950 Otto Graham rookie, which I already own.
What do you enjoy most about adding your cards to the CGC Cards Registry?
I enjoy seeing how my collection stacks up against others with similar interests.
What would you say to other sports card collectors who may be on the fence about adding their cards to the CGC Cards Registry?
The CGC Cards Registry is a great way for new collectors to get in on the ground floor and compete with a new group of collectors who are not married to other registries like many long-term collectors.
About the CGC Cards Sports Card Registry
The CGC Cards Registry is a free online platform where collectors can register and display their CGC-certified sports cards. The Registry helps you to organize your collection and interact with other collectors. Begin adding your CGC-certified cards and create CGC Cards Registry sets here. Your sets are automatically considered for the annual CGC Cards Registry Awards, where winners receive a prize package that includes a $500 CGC Cards grading credit. For more information on the CGC Cards Registry Awards, you may find the announcement here.
If you don't see a set for your cards, you may request a set. Please review our CGC Cards Registry FAQs for details on how to add requests for sets and slots.
The CGC Cards Registry team is here to help. Questions or comments? Go to the CGC Cards Registry Chat Boards.
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