The 1970 Topps baseball card set is well known for introducing the first “scratch off” cards to the hobby. With foil backs that could be revealed underneath by scratching off a coating, these novelty cards captured the imagination of collectors at the time and remain a highly sought after design element by vintage baseball card fans to this day.
Some key facts and background about the 1970 Topps Scratch Off cards:
The set marked Topps’ second year including photos on the backs of cards after first doing so in 1969. However, 1970 took this a step further by concealing the player photos initially under a foil coating.
When scratched off with a coin or fingernail, this revealed either an action shot of the player or a career stats recap. Over 700 different rear images were used across the 598 card regular set.
The idea was conceived by Topps creative director Sy Berger as a fun gimmick to generate additional collector interest and pack sales. It turned out to be a very popular innovation.
A small imprint below the foil on each card indicated what could be found behind via one of five descriptors: “photo,” “stats,” “corrected stats,” “corrected photo” or blank for inserts/manager cards.
The foil backing was silver colored paper with a scratchable top coat. It remained somewhat delicate and could damage/rip on occasion during the planned uncovering process.
PSA has verified at least a few examples over the years where error cards had the wrong imprint mismatched to the actual concealed image behind the foil. Extremely rare anomalies.
While innovative, some collectors at the time disliked that scratching off revealed images not visible right in the stored/displayed card as usual. It changed the traditional look and feel.
In the years since, uncovered 1970s with foil properly removed but card and image still intact have become highly collectible, especially for the biggest star players.
The technology put Topps at the leading edge of baseball card innovations in the early 1970s. They followed up with related scratch surface ideas in 1971 and 1972 as well before phasing it out.
Kenner also utilized a one-year scratch off gimmick in 1977. But the 1970 Topps set really kicked off the entire notion and collector interest remains strong even 50 years later due to the unique nostalgic concept.
Condition of both card stock and remaining intact foil/image greatly impacts modern values, but uncirculated PSA/BGS Gems in prestigious rookie seasons can reach several thousand dollars or more for the right player.
Some examples with authentication paperwork showing the foil intact but image still unseen beneath also bring premium dollars, tantalizing future scratchers. A true time capsule aspect there.
Part of what adds to the continuing mystique is that the concealed photos remain a surprise for any examples not previously uncovered after all these decades. A small sense of suspense endures.
While scrapbooking or protective long term storage present an obstacle, the novel 1970 Topps scratch offs deserve credit for first taking collector interest in baseball card photography and statistics to the next engaging level with their peel back reveal gimmick. Even after half a century, the set still captivates fans with its vintage cardboard nostalgia and hidden charm waiting to sparkle forth from under the silver sheen. Whether left pristine or experienced through the unveiling ritual, the 1970s hold a special place in the broader story and development of the treasured hobby and business of baseball cards.
