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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, November 14, 2008

Topps to sell inaugural Obama trading-card set

 •  Obama says he will resign seat in Senate

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Associated Press photos

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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CHICAGO — Wanna trade Obamas?

Topps Company Inc. — the maker of commemorative sports memorabilia and "Bazooka" gum — announced the sale of 90 "Inaugural Edition" trading cards yesterday spanning the life of President-elect Obama.

The color photo collectibles are packed with Barack Obama facts and quotes and will be sold for $1.99 in foil-sealed packs of six before the January inauguration.

The cards document the 47-year-old Obama's political life, including his time as an Illinois senator and his presidential acceptance speech in Chicago's Grant Park.

The cards also feature snapshots from his childhood in Hawai'i, at Harvard Law School and his work as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago.

"Our tribute to Barack Obama carries on the company's proud tradition of documenting significant and newsworthy moments in time," said Topps CEO Scott Silverstein in a statement. "These cards will resonate with the millions of Americans whose passionate outpouring of support provided President-elect Obama with one of the most memorable and historic victories ever."

An Obama spokesman declined to comment on the cards yesterday.

Topps has made similar historic trading card sets, like one for President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s. And earlier this year, the New York-based company produced cards featuring candidates running for the 2008 General Election.

But Topps also is known for its lighter side.

Currently, it sell cards of Hannah Montana, Lord of the Rings and a series called "Hollywood Zombies," which pictures stars like Michael Jackson and Paris Hilton as grotesque caricatures.