Following quickly on the heels of 2020 Topps Series 1 was the release of the retro themed Heritage Set. 2020 Topps Heritage is modeled after the design of the 1971 Topps Set, and provides 500 base cards and a whole host of inserts to chase.
The Breakdown
Heritage is one of the most misunderstood sets each year. Many collectors are conditioned to associate hits with the product’s value proposition. However, hits aren’t where the majority of value is found in this release.
First, the base set consists of 400 regular print cards and 100 short prints. The SPs fall about eight per hobby box and provide the first source of value. Common SPs typically sell for $1-$3, and stars can go for several dollars more.
Variations are another major source of value, and are probably one of the most overlooked nuances of this set. There are French Text, Error, Missing Signature, Throwback, Action Image, Silver Team Name, and Nickname variations. These all have varying levels of scarcity, and some are only found in hobby packaging.
In addition to a “text identifier” on the back of the card, the codes on the back of the card can be used to confirm which variation you have. The list of codes is as follows:
Base (1-400) - #13
Base SP (401-500) - #27
French Text - #40
Error - #44
Missing Signature - #45
Throwback - #46
Action Image - #47
Silver Team Name - #48
Nickname - #49
These variations can range from just a few dollars to well over $100 for some of the more rare versions. The default rookie card format is a dual player card, but solo action variations also exist for many of them.
Chrome and mini parallels also exist with a few different variations of differing levels of scarcity. Some are numbered and some are unnumbered.
A handful of insert sets exist, but in my opinion this is one of the weaker aspects of the release. The Scratch Off insert looks almost identical to the 2019 set, and the Flashbacks and Then and Now sets are back again. Personally, I’m a bit bored with those. The Sticker Collection preview and Willie Mays sets are new, and in addition there are a couple retail exclusive sets like the tattoos set. Finally, three different box topper options exist for the hobby release. The Greatest Moments set has 55 cards, the “Super” set has 15 cards, and the final option is original 1971 Topps cards stamped with a special foil logo.
While not the focal point of the release, autograph and relic cards do exist. They fall one per hobby box and less frequently in retail packaging. All autographs are on-card, and the relics range from bat/jersey cards to coin and stamp relics.
Box Break
For the first time in several years, I did not open any hobby boxes. I only picked up a handful of retail packs from Wal-Mart. Here are a few of the highlights I received.
Here are some examples of Base, Insert, and Refractor cards.
There have been mixed reviews of the product so far, but I like it. However, I will say the inflated hobby prices we saw at release (approximately $100 on Amazon and $90 on eBay) is probably contributing to the frustrations that some are sharing. I love the product, but not at these prices. I will be looking for prices closer to $70-$75 before I consider buying any sealed.
I will be obtaining a complete 1-500 set at some point this year, but I’m going to give it a month or so before I determine how I’ll acquire it. If prices start to come down I may pick up a few boxes and go from there, but if they stay high, I’ll probably just pick up a complete set on Ebay.
Checklist
Here’s a link to the checklist on Topps.com
Let me know what you think about the set by reaching out via email or twitter! Also, if you haven’t heard, I started a new Podcast called the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute! It’s available here directly on the site at the Podcast link at the top of the page, or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and TuneIn! Check it out, let me know what you think, and tell your friends!