Cosmo Kramer once asked, “Who’s gonna turn down a Junior Mint? It’s chocolate, it’s peppermint, it’s delicious.” And while many might roll their eyes at yet another article on vintage non-shiny oddball cards, take heed: if you’re tempted to skip reading any further, remember that a little knowledge can go a long way to truly lining your pockets. If you’re satisfied making a modest 10+ percent on a flip of a modern sports card, consider this: gems like these Junior Mint cards can yield returns in the hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars, offering a refreshing break from the routine and a true vintage payoff that modern cards rarely deliver.
While you might not want to know every obscure vintage issue out there, this isn't one you can easily forget, we all know Junior Mints. One day, you might stroll past a dealer’s showcase and spot one of these unassuming boxes or cards featuring a star player. Even seasoned vintage dealers often overlook these hidden gems, and you could be staring at something worth hundreds of dollars while its sticker price is likely an afterthought. Keep your eyes open and don't be blinded by the shimmer of new cards only, as the next big score might be one of these vintage pieces, sitting right under your nose.
A 2018 Private Sale of a Bobby Hull Box is confirmed at $600!


The Junior Mints box-cards represent a sweet piece of sports history that hasn’t received the spotlight it deserves. While the card industry has veered away from its hobby roots, often prioritizing manufactured scarcity over genuine rarity, these intriguingly obscure collectibles have managed to survive the test of time, although not in quantity. For type collectors and the person who says they have everything, these card present an exciting and unconventional avenue to explore. Embracing the charm of vintage pieces adds variety to your collection while celebrating the rich history of sports in a way that feels increasingly rare in today’s market.
Featuring top stars with the likes of : Mickey Mantle, Bobby Hull, Wilt Chamberlain, Richard Petty, and Lou Gehrig, this multi-sport set captures legends from land, sea, and air. With 50 cards allocated as R-427 in Jefferson Burdick's ACC (American Card Catalog), these were featured on the backs of National Biscuit Company's 7/8 oz size Junior Mints boxes. Designed for young collectors, the cards could be cut out directly from the packaging or saved by flattening the box, adding a hands-on element to the collecting experience. Measuring 3 1/8” x 1 7/16” without the white border, these cards invite you to engage with the nostalgia of collecting in a way that feels personal and discernible.
Although this checklist is not yet fully complete, it underscores the true rarity of this issue, I’ve been documenting these for at least a decade. The real challenge lies in finding a complete and accurate checklist anywhere on the internet, a testament to how elusive these cards are in the collecting world.

Over the past decade of documenting these cards, I would be remiss not to mention the possibility of short-prints. As if buying at least 50 boxes of Junior Mints to complete a set wasn’t challenging enough, one has to wonder: did the National Biscuit Company intentionally produce more of some cards and fewer of others? It almost seems so. While these cards rarely surface in the market, some appear more frequently than others, hinting that the company may have been strategically printing certain boxes more than others to drive patrons sales well beyond the set of 50.
But here’s where it gets interesting: each card highlights a “first” in sports or a notable record, offering a brief narrative about achievements. Instead of featuring actual images of the athletes, the cards utilize silhouette action pictures that capture the essence of the sports stars without directly representing them. This creative choice sidesteps licensing issues while emphasizing fact-based storytelling, celebrating monumental moments in sports history in a more abstract and imaginative way.



Interestingly, there’s no supporting advertisement found for this sporting release, which has led to the allocation of its issue date as 1969. The boxes reference feats only up to 1968, plus the manufacturer is noted as the National Biscuit Company, which shortened and changed its name to Nabisco in 1971. These cards predate the popular 1971 Milk Duds baseball player boxes and may soon gain traction among collectors who appreciate the uniqueness of unconventional items. Comparatively speaking, they offer a distinctive and affordable alternative to the allure of the numerous ultra-modern cards that flood the marketplace. We are yet to hear anyone boast that they have curated a full set of these cards/boxes.
Alas, many may overlook this article, and topics like these are unlikely to be prominently featured on influencer channels. But imagine if someone like Gary Vee; the proverbial disappearing and reappearing act influencer, were to showcase a Junior Mint box-card featuring Mickey Mantle. The “wow” factor could ignite interest among collectors, transforming a once-overlooked piece of sports history into a sought-after gem. This situation isn’t too far removed from Jerry’s predicament with the “big salad” where recognition matters. Suddenly, enthusiasts might find themselves pondering, “Maybe I should add that to my collection too?” We anticipate that these cards are soon to be graded in the very near future.

It’s worth noting that the allure of these Junior Mint box cards needs just a nudge—perhaps from an article like this to capture the spotlight, or maybe a boost from lesser-known vlogs and or influencer platforms. Much like the recent resurgence of the 1984 Star Jordan (sorry, no rookie prefix given), but without the vested interests driving its hype, these unique collectibles could easily reclaim the broader audience’s attention. Imagine a world where what was once obscure suddenly becomes sought-after, all at a fraction of the price compared to today’s modern, manufactured rarities.
In a "hobby" often overwhelmed by the demands of the disjointed "card industry", it’s easy to forget the simple joys of collecting nostalgia, personal connection, and the thrill of the hunt. Just as Kramer reveled in the simple pleasure of a Junior Mint, collectors can find delight in the stories and history these cards represent. Embrace the unconventional, savor the chase, and you might just uncover a hidden gem in your journey. And at least now, you’re armed with knowledge that most will never read this far to gain.
Bobby Burrell, the author of three price guides and over 100 published articles on vintage sports cards and collectibles over the past 20 years, now hosts a website and app called NEEDUUM.com. This platform serves as a repository for the anthology of his price guides and much more, including rare issues such as the 1969 Fantastic Firsts Junior Mints box-cards.
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