Quick Facts

• Set: 2008 Topps Star Wars: The Clone Wars
• Card #: #3
• Why It’s a Rookie: Earliest widely distributed, pack-pulled base card for Ahsoka Tano in a mainstream Topps release.

About the Set

Animated film tie-in set (90-card base) released by Topps in 2008 for The Clone Wars theatrical film/launch season. Key early cardboard for multiple characters.

Design & Identification Guide

• Front: Bright animated still with blue Clone Wars graphic elements; character name plate.
• Back: Story caption and numbering on standard 2008 Topps non-sport stock.
• Tells: Centering drift and light print snow; lower-corner tip wear shows fast.

Condition Sensitivity (What Kills Grades)

• Centering: 55/45+ premium; many copies show subtle tilt.
• Corners/Edges: Tip whitening common on lower corners; check back edge fibering.
• Surface: Roller lines/hairlines visible under angled light.

Collector Tip: Prioritize centering/framing first, then the most eye-catching areas (nameplate/faces/helmets) before corners and surface.

Grading Notes (PSA / SGC / CGC)

• 9s/10s hinge on centering and clean corner tips.
• SGC presentation: animated palette pops in the black insert.

Market Snapshot (Context, Not Advice)

• Character premium: Ahsoka’s cross-media popularity keeps demand durable.
• Grade cliffs: Strong 8→9 jump; true 10s are selective due to centering.

Collecting Strategies

1. Prioritize framing; then inspect nameplate edges and facial highlights.
2. Use raking light to catch faint roller lines; sleeve immediately.

Parallels & Variations

• Foil — serial-numbered /205 (hobby ~1:24 packs).

Resources

• Base checklist (TCDB)
• PSA Pop Report — 2008 Clone Wars (set)