The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection, set to be released in December 13, brings a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. Continuing the tradition of the Heritage line, this year’s edition features hobby boxes with 24 packs, each containing nine cards. What makes this collection even more exciting is that each box includes an autograph or relic card and a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set in this 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 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 set includes rookies who made their debut during the season as well as players who transferred to new teams, adding to the excitement.
Adding a unique touch to the collection, the base card parallels offer various options, such as the limited Black Bordered (exclusive to hobby boxes, limited to 50), Flip Stock (exclusive to hobby, limited to 5), and the dazzling Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. The Chrome Parallels include Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, exclusive to hobby), and the highly coveted Superfractor (numbered to 1). Additionally, a Hot Box Refractor will be available. Collectors will also find base card variations, including the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (exclusive to hobby), and Team Name and Color Swap (exclusive to hobby).
Topps has hinted at more surprises related to the base set, keeping collectors on their toes. Apart from the base set and its variations, there are also 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, and traded/signed stamped variations for collectors to discover.
The insert sets in this collection offer a diverse range of options. They include Rookie Performers, highlighting 15 outstanding first-year players, Now and Then, which pairs highlights from 1973 with achievements from the 2022 season, Combo Cards featuring thematic pairings, Award Winners celebrating the exceptional performances of players in 2021, 1974 Highlights showcasing iconic moments and players from the 1974 season, The Hammer, a tribute to Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, and 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps, which pay homage to the original version by featuring modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section is always highly anticipated, and this collection does not disappoint. It starts with the Real One Autographs, featuring on-card signatures in blue ink. For the avid collectors looking for something special, the 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, capturing moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game and signed by the featured player, with numbering limited 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, along with autographed versions, which will be numbered to 25 or less. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will be numbered to 99, with 1/1 Patch parallels available for both signed and unsigned cards. For collectors seeking something extra special, there are also Serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with 1/1 patch parallels included.
Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities are also part of the checklist, all as limited 1/1s, adding a unique and rare element to the collection.
Exclusive to the Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer collectors a glimpse into the past. Options include the 1974 Topps Oversized, which showcases oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards, the 1974 Topps Puzzles, paying homage to the 1974 Topps puzzles by featuring current stars, the 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball, and the 1974 Topps Originals, which brings back 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. It combines the charm of the classic 1974 Topps designs with modern players and current season highlights. With its wide array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this collection offers something for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. It is a must-have for anyone who appreciates baseball history and wants to celebrate the game’s heritage in a unique and stylish way.
