Hobby Education: A Guide to High Number Cards

Set collectors often appreciate the chase element of what they are setting out to do, especially when certain cards tend to be elusive. Once a set gets completed, it only adds to the joy that the hobby can bring. However, certain cards can be tough to obtain, partially due to scarcity and condition. Cards that fall in the "high numbers" of a set fit this criteria. Depending on the set, cards were limited in production, or were not available in certain parts of the country.

Here is a look as to what high number cards are and why they existed.

An Explanation of High Number Cards In Vintage Card Sets

It should be noted that vintage card sets were produced in numerous waves and in more series than today. For example, today, Baseball sees a Series One, Series Two, and an Update release. Back in 1952, there were six series of cards released that made up the 407 card set. The first release would come out in the Spring, and the last release (high numbers) would come out in the Fall. Naturally, by the time Fall came, many collectors at the time were not as engaged with the sport, and not as many packs were bought. This led to scarcity, and increased interest in the cards as time went on.

1952 Topps Baseball Cards — 1952 Topps cards were much larger than any baseball card before it. They revolutionized baseball cards forever. | History Colorado

The 1972 Topps Football set is another interesting example. In this particular year, there were three series of releases, with the 3rd series mainly being a test run that did not sell too well. Additionally, it was speculated that it was released in only certain parts of the country, making the cards harder to find in certain places. As with 1952 Topps Baseball, this has helped drive values up of the high numbers, and those values have held even to this day.

Notable High Number Cards In Topps Sets

Throughout the years, there have been many key cards that have fallen in the high number range of sets. Perhaps most notable, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle the first of high number cards of that year. It marked the first time that Mantle had a Topps card, and is one of the most desirable cards in the hobby now.

1952 Topps Baseball Mickey Mantle PSA 1 | eBay

On the Football side of the equation, 1972 Topps is an interesting study. One of the harder cards to obtain in good shape is an In Action card of Joe Namath. It shows him at the line of scrimmage, getting ready to call a play. A PSA 8 recently sold for $328. Many set collectors want their copies to be in good shape, so wallets may take a hit when obtaining this card.

1972 Topps Football Joe Namath In Action #343 PSA 8 | eBay

Why Are "High Numbers" Less Prevalent In Modern Sets?

Some may wonder, why do high numbers not exist in modern sets? Part of the reason is that releases are more streamlined in today's hobby, and follow a similar schedule every single year. In addition, there is no product that has more than two series (excluding an update type of set). The only instance of high numbers falls with Topps Heritage, which does have a high number release. The product itself is an extension of the initial base set, paying homage to the vintage era. Ultimately, technology has also helped speed up production of cards, decreasing the amount of series that a product might see. While it is possible they could return, they still have a strong foothold in vintage sets.

"High Numbers" are a key aspect of set collecting, and make up some of the most expensive cards of the vintage world. They can be difficult to obtain in good condition for a large number of reasons, with scarcity being a big factor. As time continues, it will be interesting to see if more and more collectors note the rarity that exists and if their foothold remains strong.