The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13, bringing a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. Building on the Heritage line’s tradition, this year’s edition offers hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each holding nine cards. Within each box, collectors can expect to find an autograph or relic card, as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number collection mirrors the iconic 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. This set includes a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700, complemented by an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their set. The high number set will feature not only rookies who made their debut during the season but also players who have transferred to new teams.
Adding to the appeal of the collection, the base card parallels bring a unique touch to each card. Options include the Black Bordered parallel, limited to just 50 cards and exclusive to hobby boxes. The Flip Stock parallel adds an element of rarity, as it is limited to only five cards and also exclusive to hobby boxes. Additionally, collectors can uncover various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. These Chrome Parallels include the Refractor parallel (numbered to 673), the Silver Bordered parallel (numbered to 373), the Black Bordered parallel (numbered to 73), the Gold Bordered parallel (numbered to 5, exclusive to hobby boxes), and the highly sought-after Superfractor parallel (numbered to 1). To add to the excitement, there will also be a Hot Box Refractor available. Furthermore, collectors can discover base card variations, such as the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (exclusive to hobby boxes), and Team Name and Color Swap (exclusive to hobby boxes).
Topps has hinted at even more surprises related to the base set, further elevating the anticipation surrounding this collection. Collectors can expect to find 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets in the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number collection are diverse, offering a range of themes. The Rookie Performers set highlights 15 first-year players, while the Now and Then set pairs highlights from the 1973 and 2022 seasons, offering a unique perspective on baseball history. The Combo Cards set showcases thematic pairings, while the Award Winners set celebrates the outstanding performances of the 2021 season. The 1974 Highlights set takes collectors on a trip down memory lane, featuring iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. The Hammer set pays tribute to Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974. Finally, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps set is a nod to the original version, featuring modern stars and players from the relevant era.
Autographs play a significant role in the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number collection. The Real One Autographs feature on-card signatures in blue ink, adding a touch of authenticity. Additionally, collectors have the opportunity to find Red Ink versions, also known as the “Special Edition,” which will be numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, capturing moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. These autographs are signed by the featured players and will be numbered to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a staple feature in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards, with autographed versions numbered to 25 or less. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will be numbered to 99, and there will also be 1/1 Patch parallels available for both signed and unsigned cards. For those seeking even more exclusivity, serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics will be available, with 1/1 patch parallels included. As an added touch, the checklist features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all as 1/1s.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer four exciting options. The 1974 Topps Oversized box loader showcases oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards, providing a unique visual experience. The 1974 Topps Puzzles pays homage to the 1974 Topps puzzles, featuring current stars. The 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball box loader brings back the nostalgic charm of the original 1974 Deckle Edge set. Lastly, the 1974 Topps Originals box loader features authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added, appealing to collectors who appreciate vintage baseball cards.
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection offers a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of 1974 Topps designs with modern players and current season highlights. With its array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this collection offers something for everyone, making it an appealing and diverse option for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby.
