The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in December 2023, and it promises to bring a festive touch to the popular retro-themed series. With hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each filled with nine cards, collectors will have plenty of opportunities to uncover the treasures hidden within.
Honoring the Heritage line’s tradition, this year’s edition features not only the standard 500-card Heritage set but also extends it with a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700. In addition, there are 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will be eagerly searching for to complete their collection. This set includes rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams, ensuring an exciting mix of familiar and fresh faces.
Adding a unique touch to the base set are various parallels. The Black Bordered parallel, limited to just 50 cards, adds a touch of elegance to the collection. Flip Stock, another hobby-exclusive parallel, takes the nostalgia one step further, with just five copies available. Chrome Parallels feature 50 players, each with its own distinct design. These Chrome Parallels include Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, hobby only), and the highly sought-after Superfractor (numbered to 1). Furthermore, a Hot Box Refractor is also up for grabs. Collectors will also enjoy tracking down various base card variations, including Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, and Action Image (hobby only), among others.
The surprises don’t stop there. Topps has hinted at more excitement related to the base set, keeping collectors on their toes. In addition to the base set and its variations, the collection offers a host of exciting insert sets. Rookie Performers highlights 15 first-year players who made a significant impact. Now and Then pairs highlights from the 1973 season with equivalent moments from 2022. Combo Cards features thematic pairings that resonate with fans. Award Winners celebrates the outstanding performances of players during the 2021 season. 1974 Highlights showcases iconic moments and players from that year, allowing collectors to relive some of baseball’s most memorable events. The Hammer pays tribute to Hank Aaron’s historic home run record, set in April 1974. Lastly, 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps captures the spirit of the original stamps, but with modern stars and players from the era filling the slots.
Autograph enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as well. The collection offers Real One Autographs, featuring on-card signatures in blue ink. For a touch of exclusivity, Red Ink versions, also known as “Special Edition,” will be numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, which capture moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. These autographs are signed by the featured player and will be numbered to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a staple in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection includes 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 those seeking something truly special, 1/1 Patch parallels are available for both signed and unsigned cards. Collectors can also find Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics with serial numbering, and 1/1 patch parallels are included in these sets as well. Additionally, Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all limited to just one copy, add a unique and valuable element to the collection.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer even more excitement. Choices include 1974 Topps Oversized cards (oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards), 1974 Topps Puzzles (featuring current stars in a puzzle format reminiscent of the 1974 Topps puzzles), 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball, and 1974 Topps Originals (authentic 1973 Topps cards with added foil stamps).
In conclusion, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a nostalgic yet contemporary set that enables collectors to experience the charm of 1974 Topps designs while staying up to date with the latest players and memorable moments from the 2022 season. With its comprehensive range of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this collection offers something for everyone, from seasoned collectors to newcomers to the hobby. Don’t miss out on the chance to add a touch of history to your collection while enjoying the excitement of the present.
