The 2021 Topps Heritage High Number baseball card set is the latest iteration in Topps’ popular Heritage line that pays tribute to the classic designs of the 1960s and 70s. With 405 total cards in the main set, the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number set picks up where the base Heritage set left off, continuing card numbers from #406 all the way through #810.
As with previous Topps Heritage releases, the 2021 High Number set showcases retro designs that mimic the look and feel of Topps cards from the 1960s. That includes designs like the classic white borders and team logo designs, replicated photo quality, as well as red or blue banner headers at the top of each card showcasing the players team. The back design of each card also stays true to the vintage paper stock look and information provided on the backs of 1960s cards as well.
Some key production details of note with the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number release includes that it contains 135 additional player and manager cards beyond the base 270 card Heritage set. The cards are also manufactured on the thicker, high gloss stock that is similar to the feel and appearance of the original 1960s cardboard stock Topps used. The set also contained several popular inserts, parallels, and short prints to chase.
One of the most popular inserts included in the 2021 Heritage High Number release is the 14 card Diamond Kings subset. Featuring some of the game’s biggest stars dressed in full uniform photos with metallic gold borders and numbering, these inserts were a big chase for collectors. Other inserts included Tribute cards paying homage to recently retired Hall of Famers, a 7 card Red Hot Rookie subset, as well as Manager and Coach cards not featured in the main Heritage subset.
In terms of parallels, the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number release contained several popular parallel variations for collectors to hunt. This includes the popular Rainbow Foil parallel available across the entire 135 card checklist in 1/1000 pack odds. Additional parallels included Gold /2021 parallels available at a 1/250 pack rate, as well as Green parallel versions numbered to /75. Topps also included several popular 1/1Rainbow Foil parallel short prints only available through hobby boxes of the set as super rare chase cards.
The rookie class featured in the 2021 Heritage High Number set included several young stars and future Hall of Famers. Notable rookies included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Matt Chapman, Shane Bieber, and more. Autographs and memorabilia cards of these rookies were hot commodities for collectors. Veterans featured included popular stars like Nolan Arenado, Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, and Zack Greinke among many others. Managers included in the set ranged from Terry Francona to AJ Hinch to Bob Melvin.
In terms of overall release, the 2021 Topps Heritage High Number set maintained the popularity that the Heritage brand has built up over the decades. While release dates were slightly delayed compared to previous years due to COVID-19 production impacts, the set still sold out quickly upon release. Hobby boxes had an MSRP of around $120 but immediately commanded premiums on the secondary market. Individual chase cards like the popular 1/1 Rainbow Foil parallels or big rookie autographs reached into the thousands of dollars among collectors.
With its vintage aesthetics, exciting rookie classes, and inclusion of popular inserts and parallels each year, Topps Heritage High Number continues to be a must-have release for both baseball card collectors and investors alike. The retro designs have enduring popularity and capture the nostalgia many feel for the classic cardboard of their childhoods. With strong secondary market demand year over year, the 2021 installment will likely join previous editions in becoming a set that retains value for collectors long term. Both the accessibility of the affordable boxes as well as endurance of the vintage design ensures Topps Heritage High Number baseball cards remain a staple in the annual release cycle.
