Why This Character Matters to Star Wars

Gideon is menace with a thesis—order through fear. The Darksaber reveal ties animated lore to live-action stakes.

Quick Facts

• Set: 2020 Topps Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 1 — Characters (Insert)
• Card #: C-9
• Why It’s a Rookie/Key: Earliest mass-release Topps insert card for Moff Gideon, Season 1’s principal antagonist.

Parallels & Variations

• Bronze — serial-numbered /50
• Silver — serial-numbered /25
• Gold — serial-numbered /10
• Black — 1/1
• Printing Plates — 1/1

About the Set

Season 1 recap product (100-card base) with multiple inserts including Characters; insert parallels: Bronze /50, Silver /25, Gold /10, Black 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.

Design & Identification Guide

• Front: Character portrait/action; insert code ‘C-#’.
• Back: Character bio; insert numbering.
• Tells: Dark armor/cloak fields show print lines; edges chip.

Condition Sensitivity (What Kills Grades)

• Surface: Inspect under raking light for lines/scuffs.
• Centering: Generally solid; confirm both axes.
• Corners/Edges: Dark borders reveal whitening fast.

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

Grading Notes (PSA / SGC / CGC)

• Surface cleanliness drives 9/10 outcomes.
• Black/dark art looks excellent in SGC holders.

Market Snapshot (Context, Not Advice)

• Insert rookies with serial tiers offer clear chase ladders.
• Gold /10 and 1/1s anchor character PCs.

Collecting Strategies

1. Prioritize clean dark fields; then edges and corners.
2. Consider crossing only if centering is elite.

Resources

• Cardboard Connection — Mando S1
• Beckett — Mando S1
• GTS — Mando S1 Sell Sheet