There is an ongoing discussion on starwarscards.net about the true meaning behind the * & ** markings on the 1977-78 Star Wars Cards. While a couple suggestions have been made, no one seems 100% sure what purpose they truly serve.

It's been suggested that they indicate either print runs or card positioning on the sheets before cutting. It is also not known whether both * & ** are available for complete sets.

Any expert information on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!

They generally denote which sheet the cards were printed on. They aften used more than one sheet when printing cards, so the asteriks indicated which specific sheet the cards came from.

Right. The reason they put the * and ** on different printing plates was so that they could track down printing problems quicker.

For some Topps series, the cards on the two printing plates (with the same number) were occasionally different, either subtlely or obviously. One plate may have been fabricated at a different time from the other. This still can happen in recent sets; Wacky Packages All-New Series 3 had a variation where one plate had the copyright notice printed on the card back and the other one didn't.

But for most Topps series, including the SW sets, the * and ** cards are considered interchangeable. Only some extreme fanatics try to collect both varieties.

The Star Wars Collector's Bible says that every card and sticker from the early series was printed in both * and ** types.

I have a client actively seeking out the * and ** for Topps 79 Trek set. It was always my understanding that due to the way sheets were laid out 44 cards appeared on both sheets, making 44 cards more commpn then the other 44. Once upon a time, we avoided 44 card lots for sale since we knew we'd end up getting stuck with the **easy** 44.
But, his exhaustive search has odd results, 45 are * and 43 are ** and except for stickers (which do show up as both * and **), there are none with both a * and a **. I'd of expected 44 and 88 or 44 and 44 really, but 45 and 43?!!!!
And, here's a little tidbit from my ST Cards CDROM you might find if interest, this is the layout sheet for the Topps 76 stickers. It makes note of the * and the ** on the bottom.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: STCardGeek,

Lynne, you're not allowed to post in a Star Wars thread.

Hey, if Shatner can do it, I can do it:

Shatner at George Lucas' life time tribute dinner

Thanks folks for helping clear that up. Trekkies can be ok folks from time to time. hehe. May the Force be with you!