2018 Topps Archives baseball returns this summer with designs that harken back to 1959, 1977, and 1981 Topps sets. Each 24-pack box will contain two autograph cards — with several designs featuring on-card autographs. Each pack will contain eight cards.
In addition to legends like Hank Aaron and rookies like Shohei Otani, the product will feature Benny ‘The Jet’ Rodriguez and other stars from the 1990s movie The Sandlot in a unique autograph addition. While the retail version of Archives releases August 15, the hobby version won’t come out until late September for a price likely to start at just under $100 a box.
Parallels and Inserts
The 300-card base set will have a number of color parallels that have become a hallmark of Topps sets. These include Purple (#’d to 175), Silver (#’d to 99), hobby exclusive Blue (#’d to 25), and Gold foil (1/1). In addition there will be up to ten as yet unannounced base card variations.
Several insert sets will draw upon subsets originally included in past Topps sets. 1959 Topps Combo cards will include two players. 1977 Topps Turn Back the Clock will highlight past moments in baseball history. 1981 Topps Future Stars will include three players. Finally, Coming Attractions 2018 rookies with a 1993 Topps design.
Topps Rookie History recreates some of Topps’ most iconic rookie cards. This insert set will have its own parallels including Purple foil stamp (#’d to 150), Green foil stamp (#’d to 99), Blue foil stamp (#’d to 50), Red foil stamp (#’d to 10), and Gold foil stamp (1/1).
Autographs
Hobby boxes will include two autographs drawn from several autograph sets. Fan Favorites Autographs will feature on card autographs of current and retired stars and will have Purple (#’d to 150), Silver (#’d to 99), hobby exclusive Blue (#’d to 25), and Gold (1/1) parallels. Topps Rookie History Autographs are a hobby exclusive and will be inserted at the ratio of one per ten box case and have Red foil stamp (#’d to 10) and Gold foil stamp (1/1) parallels. Coming Attraction Autographs will feature 2018 rookies including Shohei Otani and include Blue (#’d to 25) and Gold (1/1) parallels. Topps Originals Autographs (#’d to 10) will feature authentic Topps cards from the 1950s through the 1990s signed by retired stars. 1993 Topps All Stars Dual Autographs (#’d to 25) will feature on card autographs of two of the games biggest stars thematically paired and will have a Gold foil (1/1) parallel.
The Sandlot
Topps Archives will pay homage to the 25th anniversary of the coming of age classic motion picture The Sandlot. The set will use the design of 1962 Topps drawing from the time period during which the film was set. The insert set will have parallels including Green (#’d to 99), Blue (#’d to 25), and Gold foil (1/1).
There will be an autographed version featuring Silver (#’d to 99), Blue (#’d to 25), and Gold (1/1) parallels.
A gallery of preview images is below.
You can see Topps Archives from all years on eBay by clicking here.
2018 Topps Archives Baseball RETAIL Checklist
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