At the beginning of the 1980’s, Fantasy Trading Card Company, owned by Mark Macaluso, also a long time Non-Sports card dealer, wanted to create a series of Star Trek cards. Although Topps still owned the rights to create standard sized Star Trek cards, they didn’t appear interested in creating a set, but Paramount wasn’t willing to offer the rights to another company. FTCC obtained the rights to create an oversized trading card set based on ST:2 TWOK. After this initial set, FTCC was able to acquire the rights to create standard sized trading cards, which they did for both ST III and IV.
Since no major companies were interested in the Trek license at this time, it was great to have FTCC to step up.
Star Trek II oversized card set
Release Date: 1982
30 card base set
2 Cards Per Pack
12 Boxes Per Case
Production Run <350 boxes
Checklist
Card Images
Their first set was a 30 card set based on ST II TWOK in 1982. The set was oversized and came packed in 4 different wrappers. The layout was simple, with no text beyond the ST II movie logo on the back. According to FTCC, 18,000 sheets were printed. Out of this, 250 12 box cases were made, which accounts for about 7200 sets. The rest of the cards were broken down and sold as sets.
Inserts
There were no inserts for this set
Promos
There were no promos for this set.
Misc. Items
Four different wrapper images.
Star Trek III card set
60/20 card base set
4/1 Cards Per Pack
36 Packs Per Box
12 Boxes Per Case
Production Run-350
Checklist
Card Images
Their second set, The Search for Spock, was a 60-card set with a 20-card ship subset. The 60 cards featured scenes from the movie while the 20-card subset featured images of all the ships seen in the movie from various angles. The back of the cards featured the number of the card along with some text about the scene being shown. A pack had 4 base cards and one spaceship card.
Inserts
There were no inserts for this set
Promos
Two oversized promo cards were produced for this set in an era where promo cards were just beginning to be utilized. They are considered the earliest Trek promo card.
Misc. Items
Blank backed test sets (normal front)
Star Trek II oversized card set
Release Date: 1986
5 Cards Per Pack
60 card base set
Production Run <350 boxes
Checklist
Card Images
Their third and last card set, based on the Voyage Home, consisted of 60 cards. The backs have a slightly more fancy layout, with images of whales and the earth and text that summarizes the card front’s scenes. Card #51 appears to be a behind the scenes shot, whether on purpose or accident, as the wind isn’t blowing and you can see some of the backdrop.
Inserts
None
Promos
None
Misc. Items
Blank backed sets and blank front test sets exist.