Ten seasons after it disappeared from the annual release calendar, Topps Sterling is back for 2020. Not to be confused with Bowman Sterling, which is geared toward prospects and rookies, the Topps-branded product is set for release July 22.
2020 Topps Sterling Configuration
Topps Sterling will arrive with two packs, or mini boxes, per hobby box, each with a “theme” such as World Series champions, Yankee Greats, MVP winners or Topps Rookie Cup Recipients.
Each box contains two themed packs: Themed Pack A contains one autographed relic card (#’d to 25 or less). Theme Pack B contains one autographed relic card or one “Unique Relic” or Auto Relic card.
The Unique Relics will include things like bat knobs, barrel nameplates or a cut signature. The 1/1 cards will fall one in every five boxes.
Sterling isn’t cheap at $900-$1000 per box on eBay right now.
Autographed Relics
The autographed relic cards will all be signed on-card. Sterling Seasons cards will showcase players and their greatest seasons with multiple game-used relic pieces. Base versions contain two relic
pieces, and will be sequentially numbered to 25.
Also in the mix:
– Blue Parallel – 3 relic pieces, sequentially #’d to 10
– Red Parallel – 4 relic pieces, sequentially #’d to 5
– Silver Parallel – 5 relic pieces, sequentially #’d 1/1
Sterling Strikes (focused on pitchers) and Sterling Swings (hitters) will contain two game-used relics and an on-card autograph. The base versions will be numbered to 25 with the same parallel versions listed above.
Sterling Sets Dual and Triple Autograph relic cards will have base versions numbered to 10 with Red (# to 5) and 1/1 Silver parallels.
Sterling Splendor Jumbo Autographs will utilize large patch pieces from “some of the game’s greats,” according to Topps. Base versions will be numbered to 5 with Red (# to 3) and Silver (1/1) parallels.
Unique Relic Cards
“Unique Relics” that are part of 2020 Topps Sterling include:
Jersey Letter Patch cards (1/1); Bat Knobs (1/1); Autographed Bat Knobs (1/1); Bat Barrel and Bat Barrel Autographed Nameplates (1/1); Legendary Relics (1/1) and Cut Signatures from baseball, pop culture and politics (1/1).
2020 Topps Sterling Baseball Checklist
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