The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13, adding a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. This year’s edition continues the tradition of the Heritage line and features hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each filled with nine cards. Every box includes an autograph or relic card and a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of the collection mirrors the iconic 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It includes a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700, with an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their set. This high number set features rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams, adding to the excitement.
Adding a unique touch to the collection are the base card parallels. Options include Black Bordered, Flip Stock, and various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. The Chrome Parallels include Refractor, Silver Bordered, Black Bordered, Gold Bordered, and Superfractor. Additionally, there are base card variations like the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image, and Team Name and Color Swap.
Topps has hinted at more surprises related to the base set, creating even more anticipation among collectors. Collectors can also find 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets in this collection are diverse and add an extra layer of excitement. The Rookie Performers set showcases 15 first-year players making their mark in the league. The Now and Then set pairs highlights from 1973 and 2022, adding a fascinating historical element. Combo Cards feature thematic pairings, while the Award Winners highlight the standout performances of players in the 2021 season. The 1974 Highlights set showcases iconic moments and players from the 1974 season, while The Hammer celebrates Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974. The collection also features 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps, which pay homage to the original version by featuring modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section is always a highly anticipated aspect of the Heritage collections. Real One Autographs feature on-card signatures in blue ink, adding a personal touch to the cards. Red Ink versions, known as the “Special Edition,” are numbered to 73 or less, making them even more exclusive. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, capturing moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game and signed by the featured player. These autographs are numbered to 99 or less, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a standard feature in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat pieces, with autographed versions available and numbered to 25 or less. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards are numbered to 99, with 1/1 Patch parallels also available for both signed and unsigned cards. Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics are serial numbered and offer collectors additional exciting options. Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities add a rare and unique element to the collection, as they are all 1/1s.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer collectors another level of excitement. Options include oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards, paying homage to the 1974 Topps puzzles with current stars, 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball, and authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added.
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of the 1974 Topps designs with modern players and current season highlights. With its array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, it offers something for every seasoned collector and newcomer to the hobby. Get ready to embark on a nostalgic journey and add these exciting cards to your collection.
