1979 Topps Rocky II trading cards prove that there’s less risk for a sequel. While the original film didn’t get a set of trading cards at the time of its release, Rocky’s rematch was deemed worthy. It’s a simple set but one that’s significant today as it’s the first to capture one of the most beloved sports movie franchises of all-time. It’s also the first mainstream trading cards of its star, Sylvester Stallone.
1979 Topps Rocky II Checklist Details
The main 1979 Topps Rocky II base set features 99 cards. All highlight the characters and events of the film. While the climactic fight gets several cards, so do some of the smaller moments like interactions between Rocky and Adrian. Of course, the steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum are featured as well.
The design is one of the more memorable ones for a Topps movie set of the era. It starts with the bright yellow borders and “Rocky II” title art running across the top inside a red banner. However, what really makes it stand out is the simple boxing glove icon that holds the card’s caption.
Backs come in a couple of styles. Some work as puzzle pieces. Others summarize the film with a write-up inside an explosion box that emerges from a silhouette of Rocky punching.
While most cards carry similar values, there is an exception at the start of the checklist. The first card, titled Meet “Rocky”, acts as an introduction to both the character and Sylvester Stallone. While it’s hard to define rookie cards on the entertainment side of the hobby, this card is now treated as something similar giving it a noticeable price premium. It’s also a card that’s not hard to find professionally graded as well.
1979 Topps Rocky II also has 22 stickers that land one per pack. The stickers themselves are die-cut in the shape of a boxing glove — the same as the base card icon. Stickers have a thick red border, typical with a lot of other sets, giving way to a black background. Backs are blank. Centering on these is noticeably rough for those looking for top-condition cards.
1979 Topps Rocky II Checklist
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Set size: 99 cards
Cards per pack: 11
Packs per box: 36
Shop for 1979 Topps Rocky II boxes and packs on eBay.
Base Set Checklist
99 cards.
Buy on eBay:
1 Meet “Rocky”
2 Rocky’s Girl, Adrian
3 Stickball Champ!
4 Sultan of Stickball!
5 Yo, Butkus!
6 The Champ and His Dog
7 Rocky Pops the Question
8 Hitched
9 It’s Cold Outside!
10 Rocky’s Speech
11 Inside the Meat Factory
12 The Rock at Work
13 Rappin’ with Paulie
14 Don’t Mess with the Rock!
15 Actress Talia Shire
16 Rocky’s Training Technique
17 Mrs. Balboa…Expecting!
18 Encouraging Words
19 Visions of Victory
20 The Verbal Bout
21 Training at the Gym
22 You Can Do It!
23 Fists of Fury
24 Man Behind the Muscles
25 The Rope Exercise
26 Shapin’ Up!
27 Punch That Bag!
28 Rocky’s Trainer, Mickey
29 Rocky’s Hope
30 Splatter the Stallion!
31 Actor Burgess Meredith
32 “Weighty” Task!
33 The Living Legend
34 Tuning Up!
35 Feelin’ Strong Now!
36 Fury of Apollo
37 Demolishing His Opponent!
38 Nothing Can Stop Me Now!
39 Gonna Fly Now!
40 Philly’s Favorite
41 The Big Battle
42 The Square Jungle
43 The Contender
44 Man-Mountain Creed
45 World in His Corner
46 The Gladiators
47 Chin-Up, Rock!
48 It’s Now or Never
49 The World’s Champ
50 Formidable Foe
51 Stupendous Struggle
52 The Slugfest Continues!
53 Power of Apollo
54 Against the Ropes
55 Stay in Control!
56 Man of Destiny
57 Apollo’s Dynamic Fists
58 Bloody Confrontation
59 A Left to Rocky’s Chin!
60 Creed…Smashed!
61 The Undefeated Champ
62 Rocky Rocked by Apollo
63 The Raging Giants
64 Fire in Every Muscle
65 In Over His Head!
66 Flesh and Fury
67 Rocky Gets Riled!
68 Rocky on the Offensive
69 Round Nine Coming Up!
70 Bruised But Not Beaten!
71 The Warriors Clash!
72 In the Rock’s Corner
73 “I Won’t Give Up!”
74 Balboa’s Dream
75 The Final Round
76 Creed Creamed!
77 Devastating Sock!
78 Both Men Are Down!
79 The Champ’s Been Floored!
80 The Moment of Truth
81 One Last Chance…
82 Summoning Hidden Strengths
83 Hang in There, Rocky!
84 Down for the Count!
85 Four…Five…Six!
86 Do It Rocky!
87 Stumbling to His Feet!
88 The Reeling Champ
89 The Winner!
90 The Victorious One!
91 A Hard-Fought Battle!
92 Moment of Glory
93 Now…Number One!
94 Balboa’s Triumph
95 Interviewing the Champ
96 Man of the Hour
97 Face of a Champion
98 High Spirits
99 “We Did It, Adrian!”
Stickers Checklist
22 cards.
1 per pack.
1 Rocky Lifting Weights
2 Apollo, Rocky Boxing
3 Rocky
4 Rocky Wearing Hat
5 Rocky in Boxing Ring
6 Rocky Playing Stickball
7 Rocky with Bruised Face
8 Apollo at Heavy Bag
9 Apollo with Bruised Face
10 Mickey
11 Rocky, Close-Up of Beaten Face
12 Rocky on the Cavas
13 Rocky Leaning on Hands
14 Rocky Training Outside
15 Rocky Smoking
16 Apollo at Speed Bag
17 Rocky at Speed Bag
18 Rocky with Butkus
19 Rocky and Adrian Outside
20 Rocky Breathing Cold Air
21 Adrian with Arms Around Tree
22 Rocky in Ring Corner with Gloves
