The sports card collecting community is abuzz with excitement as a wave of highly anticipated releases is set to hit the market. From the opulent 2022-23 Panini Immaculate Basketball to the expansive 2023-24 Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee Hockey, collectors are in for a treat. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of what’s to come in the next two weeks.
Releases Closing Out January:
1. 2022-23 Panini Immaculate Basketball (Available from 1/31): After a slight delay from its original December launch, this high-tier set is finally ready to make its grand entrance. While Wemby cards may be missing, collectors can still expect standout rookies from the 2022-23 season, such as Paolo Banchero. Each tin of Immaculate Basketball contains a single pack with six cards, including three autographs and two memorabilia cards. The memorabilia cards offer unique pieces ranging from sneakers to championship memorabilia.
2. 2023 Topps Diamond Icons (Available from 1/31): If you’re after the thrill of premium cards, Diamond Icons is the set for you. Each box delivers ten cards, including seven autographs, two autographed relics, and one relic card. What sets this year apart are the new Black PoluchromatINK and White PlychromatINK autograph subsets. These signatures are done in various metallic inks and are serially numbered to 15 or less, adding exclusivity to these already highly sought-after cards.
Extra releases on 1/31 include the 2022-23 Upper Deck Credentials Hockey and 2023 Panini Prime Racing.
Early February Debuts:
1. 2023-24 Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee Hockey (Releasing on 2/7): If you’re a fan of comprehensive base sets, the O-Pee-Chee Hockey release is tailor-made for you. With 600 cards in total, including a 100-card subset dedicated to last season’s all-stars and Marquee rookies, this set offers a vast array of options for collectors. The focus here is on the base set, parallels, and inserts, with each box containing 18 packs, each with ten cards.
2. 2023 Topps Luminaries Baseball (Releasing on 2/7): Continuing its legacy, Luminaries offers a single-pack box that guarantees an encased autograph or autograph relic card. With each card numbered to 15 or less, collectors can expect rarity and exclusivity. Keep an eye out for the coveted book cards that feature up to 50 players, making them a true collector’s gem.
3. 2022-23 Panini Flawless Baseball (Releasing on 2/7): Flawless, known for its luxury briefcase packaging, returns with a bang. Each box contains ten cards, including seven autographs, two relics, and one gem card. The thrill of finding rare treasures such as Bat Knobs, Bat Nameplates, and Cleat Spikes awaits collectors, along with the chance to own 1-of-1 cut autographs and memorabilia cards. Brace yourselves because the boxes are expected to fetch around $2,000 on eBay.
Additional releases on 2/7 include the 2023 Panini Rookies & Stars Football, 2023 Panini Chronicles Racing, and 2023-24 Panini Prizm Premier League Soccer.
These upcoming weeks promise excitement for collectors of all types, whether you’re a fan of premium basketball cards or classic hockey sets. So get ready to dive into the world of sports card collecting and snap up these highly anticipated releases.
