1956 Topps Davy Crockett: A Collector's Guide

King of the Wild Frontier in two series, with the orange backs and the scarcer green backs.

In 1955, Disney's Davy Crockett episodes set off one of the biggest crazes of the decade. Kids across America wanted coonskin caps, and stores couldn't keep them in stock. Topps followed in 1956 with two Davy Crockett card sets built from stills of the Disney production starring Fess Parker. Today, they're a classic piece of 1950s pop culture and a great example of how the TV boom shaped trading cards.

The Two Sets

The orange back set is the first series and the more common of the two. The green back set followed and is much scarcer, so it carries a premium.

The Orange Back Set

• Cards: 80.

• Card #1: "King of the Wild Frontier."

• Card #80: "Bowie's Last Stand."

• Fronts: Stills from Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, which first aired in 1955 as part of Disney's Disneyland TV series. The stills fill most of the card, with a small white border and a caption in a small red box.

• Backs: The caption and card number at the top, a detailed write-up in a white box, key art from the production at the bottom, and a small illustration of the Alamo.

Key Cards

• #1 King of the Wild Frontier. The opening card and the set's key, condition-sensitive like every #1.

• #80 Bowie's Last Stand. The last card, part of the Alamo story that ends the series.

• Alamo cards near the end of the set, which tell the story's dramatic finale.

• Portrait cards of Fess Parker as Davy Crockett, the images fans want most.

Condition Issues to Inspect

• Corner and edge wear, common on cards kids handled during the craze.

• Centering, often off on 1950s Topps.

• Creases and surface wear.

• Gum and wax stains on the backs.

• Print quality. Color photos from the era can look faded or muddy.

Raw cards are relatively affordable and easy to find if condition isn't a priority. High-grade examples, especially graded ones, are much harder to find and command strong premiums.

Building the Sets

Start with the orange backs. The 80-card orange back set is very achievable and makes a satisfying first project.

Add green backs patiently. Green backs are scarcer, so building that series takes time. Check the back of every card you buy. The two series are easy to mix up in lots.

Choose a condition band. A matched mid-grade set looks great. High grade is a long-term goal.

Grade selectively. #1, the Alamo cards and high-grade green backs are the natural grading candidates.

Who Collects Davy Crockett Today

Davy Crockett cards appeal to several groups: 1950s TV nostalgia collectors, Disney collectors, Western fans and Alamo and Texas history buffs. That crossover gives the sets a steady buyer base. As with other 1950s TV sets, most buyers are older collectors, so the cards move best as clean, well-described sets and singles.

Storage and Display

Standard vintage sleeves and toploaders fit the cards. Nine-pocket pages in number order let you read the story from frontier to Alamo. A frame of the opening card and the Alamo finale makes a great display.

Pricing Davy Crockett Cards

Orange back singles are affordable, and mid-grade sets come up regularly. Green backs cost more because they're scarcer. High-grade graded cards in either series can sell for strong premiums. When you research prices, always confirm the back color, since listings sometimes mix the two series. Compare graded sales with graded sales, and expect the opening card and Alamo cards to sell above commons.

Wrappers and Packaging

Original 1956 Davy Crockett wrappers and packs are popular display pieces for collectors of Disney and 1950s TV memorabilia. As with all sealed vintage material, buy only from trusted sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards are in the 1956 Topps Davy Crockett orange back set?

Eighty, numbered 1 to 80.

What's the difference between Davy Crockett orange backs and green backs?

They're two separate series. The orange backs came first and are more common. The green backs followed and are much scarcer.

Who is pictured on the 1956 Davy Crockett cards?

Fess Parker as Davy Crockett, in stills from Disney's Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.

Who starred in Disney's Davy Crockett?

Fess Parker played Davy Crockett in the Disney production, and his portrait cards are among the most popular in both sets.

Are green back Davy Crockett cards worth more?

Generally yes. Green backs are much scarcer than orange backs, so they usually carry a premium.

Shop Vintage TV Cards at Crafted TCG

Browse 1956 Topps Davy Crockett cards at Crafted TCG. Every listing shows the back, so you know which series you're buying.