The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection, set for release in December, brings a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. Building on the Heritage line’s tradition, this year’s edition features hobby boxes with 24 packs, each containing nine cards. In 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 collection follows the 1974 Topps design and expands on the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. This high number set spans from card number 501 to 700, with an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their sets. The high number set includes rookies who made their debut during the season and players who have transferred to new teams.
Adding a unique touch to the collection, the base card parallels offer a variety of options for collectors. These include the Black Bordered parallel (limited to 50, available only in hobby boxes), Flip Stock parallel (limited to 5, hobby only), and 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, hobby only), and Superfractor (numbered to 1). A Hot Box Refractor will also be available. Furthermore, collectors can find base card variations such as Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only).
With hints of more surprises to come, Topps has built up anticipation for the base set. In addition to the base set, collectors can discover 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations to add to their collections.
The insert sets in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer a diverse range of options. These include Rookie Performers, which highlights 15 first-year players, Now and Then (pairing highlights from 1973 and 2022), Combo Cards with thematic pairings, Award Winners for outstanding 2021 performances, 1974 Highlights showcasing iconic moments and players from the 1974 season, The Hammer (celebrating 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 a standout feature, with Real One Autographs showcasing on-card signatures in blue ink. Red Ink versions, known as the “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 numbers capped at 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 are 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. Serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics will also be available, with 1/1 patch parallels included.
The checklist even includes Cut Signature cards, offering collectors the chance to own unique 1/1 cards featuring former big leaguers and 70s celebrities.
Hobby boxes of the 2023 Heritage High Number collection will exclusively include box loaders. These box loaders come in four options: the 1974 Topps Oversized (oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards), 1974 Topps Puzzles (paying homage to the 1974 Topps puzzles with current stars), 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball, and 1974 Topps Originals (authentic 1973 Topps cards with a added foil stamp).
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a comprehensive throwback set that combines the charm of 1974 Topps designs with modern players and highlights from the current season. With its range of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this collection offers something for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. So get ready to step into the past and enjoy the nostalgia with the 2023 Heritage High Number Baseball collection.
