1964 Topps Beatles Cards 12-Pc Lot w/ Diary #22A John Lennon

Twelve Topps Beatles trading cards issued by T.C.G. (Topps Chewing Gum) in 1964, spanning three series of the complete 165-card run plus one additional color photo card. The 1st Series carries blue-bordered backs numbered within a "series of 60 photos"; 2nd Series backs are printed in orange (#61–#115); 3rd Series backs in green (#116–#165). Photo card faces present candid and posed images — individual portraits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo alongside outdoor group shots, backstage scenes, and performance stills — each overprinted with a blue facsimile autograph naming the pictured member. Every verso bears a small inked "X" in the upper corner, consistent with a collector's checklist notation. All facsimile signatures are printed; this is not a hand-signed set.

The standout piece is Beatles Diary card #22A, a subset card with a teal border designed to resemble a lined diary page. It carries a typewritten entry signed "John" referencing the writing of "Can't Buy Me Love" and "A World Without Love," with the aside that if the songs weren't recorded soon, another group might use the tune. Also included is one color photo card depicting Paul McCartney performing at a microphone with guitar; this card is from a different series and is not part of the standard 1964 Topps Beatles photo run.

CONDITION

Good overall, consistent with a circulated childhood collection. Cards display edge and corner wear, light surface soiling, and scattered minor creasing throughout. Beatles Diary #22A shows a small dark stain or punch mark near the upper-left corner and edge rub to its teal border, though the diary text and "John" facsimile remain fully legible.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Twelve (12) cards total
• Each card: 3.5" × 2.5"
• Publisher: Topps Chewing Gum (T.C.G.), Printed in U.S.A., 1964
• Color photo card — Paul McCartney at microphone with guitar; separate series, not part of the 1964 Topps Beatles standard run
• All signatures are printed facsimiles — not hand-signed
• Small inked "X" notation on verso of each card
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale