The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13. This annual retro-themed series adds a festive touch to the already popular Heritage line. The collection includes hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each containing nine cards. Each box will have an autograph or relic card, as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of the 2023 collection mirrors the iconic 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It introduces a high number set starting from card number 501 to 700. Additionally, there are 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their sets. These short prints will feature rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams.
Adding to the excitement, the base card parallels in this collection offer a unique twist. Hobby boxes will feature limited Black Bordered parallels, while hobby-exclusive Flip Stock parallels are extremely limited to just five copies. The collection also includes Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players, including Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, hobby only), and Superfractor (numbered to 1). A Hot Box Refractor will also be available. As if that wasn’t enough, there are base card variations such as Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only).
Topps has hinted at even more surprises related to the base set, increasing the anticipation for collectors. In addition to the base set and variations, there are 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations to discover.
The insert sets within this collection offer diverse themes and highlights. Rookie Performers showcases 15 first-year players. Now and Then pairs highlights from the 1973 and 2022 seasons. Combo Cards feature thematic pairings, while Award Winners celebrate the outstanding performances of 2021. The 1974 Highlights set showcases iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. To honor Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, The Hammer set is also included. Lastly, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps pay homage to the original version featuring modern stars and era-specific players.
Autograph enthusiasts will be delighted by the offerings in the 2023 Heritage High Number series. The collection features Real One Autographs with on-card signatures in blue ink. For a special touch, there are also Red Ink versions, known as “Special Edition,” which will be numbered to 73 or less. One exciting addition to this year’s collection is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, capturing moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. These autographs are signed by the featured player and numbered to 99 or less.
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 piece cards, with autographed versions limited to 25 or less. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will be numbered to 99. For collectors seeking something truly unique, 1/1 Patch parallels are available for both signed and unsigned cards. Additionally, there will be serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with 1/1 patch parallels included.
The checklist also includes Cut Signature cards, each a 1/1, featuring former big leaguers and 70s celebrities.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer even more variety. Options include oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards known as 1974 Topps Oversized, homages to the 1974 Topps puzzles with current stars called 1974 Topps Puzzles, 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball cards, and authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added known as 1974 Topps Originals.
In conclusion, 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. The wide array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders make it an appealing and diverse collection for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Whether you’re a fan of the retro designs or the excitement of finding rare autographs and relics, the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offers something for everyone.
