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Of course there are 2021 Topps Series 2 Baseball variations. Lots of them.
For starters, there are both Short Print (SP) and Super Short Print (SSP) Variations. This means multiple levels of rarity.
Something that’s definitely not a shock is the return of retired legends to the variations lineup. These are consistently some of the most popular each year.
For 2021 Topps Series 2, it also means the return of Mickey Mantle to the Topps flagship for the first time since 2012. Both his SP and SSP Variations have #52 on the back, but it’s definitely from Series 2. It even notes as such under the card number.
Mantle also has a third Ultra Short Print Variation (SSSP). If the photo looks familiar, it’s because it’s the one that was used for his 1952 Topps card.
Mantle isn’t alone with the Ultra Short Prints. Some key 2021 rookies have reverse negative SSSP cards. For these, the images are flipped and things look backwards when you look closely.
Current players are also part of the 2021 Topps Series 2 variations lineup. There’s no unifying theme, although there are many taken during candid moments and before games. Many of the rookie variations are fairly standard in their photo choices and don’t necessarily jump out right away as being anything different.
How Tough Are SP and SSP Cards to Pull?
Curious as to how rare variations are? It might take a bit to gather odds for all pack types, but here’s what we know at this point (odds are per pack):
SP Variations
Hobby – 1:40
Hobby Jumbo – 1:12
Hanger Boxes (Retail) – 1:9
Blaster Boxes (Retail) – 1:40
SSP Variations
Hobby – 1:1,187
Hobby Jumbo – 1:362
Hanger Boxes (Retail) – 1:248
Blaster Boxes (Retail) – 1:1,187
Odds for Ultra Short Print Variations are not known.
Confirmation Codes for 2021 Topps Series 2 Baseball Variations
Yes, card backs once again offer another way of confirming SP and SSP cards. Like many other Topps sets, including Series 1, you can use the CMP code at the end of the fine print to identify different types of cards. Card numbers and the main checklist are usually the easiest route, but for variations that look like base, this is sometimes the best option. It’s also a quick way to double check and make sure.
The CMP code endings you’ll want to note for telling base cards from variations are:
Base – 423
Short Print (SP) – 441
Super Short Print (SSP) – 442
Ultra Short Print – 443
These codes are not really meant for collectors. They’re part of the production process. But once collectors figured out they offer a clue, they’ve been a popular route in short print identification. It might not be as fun as photos, but it works.
2021 Topps Series 2 Baseball Variations Checklist
Here’s a quick 2021 Topps Series 2 Baseball variations checklist so you can quickly see who to be looking for. If you’re looking for a specific card, click on the links to see what’s currently on eBay.
A collector for much of his life, Ryan focuses primarily on building sets, Montreal Expos and interesting cards. He's also got one of the most comprehensive collections of John Jaha cards in existence (not that there are a lot of them). Got a question, story idea or want to get in touch? You can reach him by email and through Twitter @tradercracks.
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SSSPs exist in series 2. Saw an Adell code 443. It’s a reverse image of him batting left handed.. card number 550 which is Anthony Rendon’s base card number.
20 ssp cards and with the new addition of Stanton, 6 of them are yankees. And 10 sp cards and the mantle ultra sssp card. Not fair to the yankee collector, topps is making it impossible to do master yankee sets.
Glad I’ve stepped away from trying to complete a Yankees master collection. The amount of cards devoted to the Yankees has gotten out of hand. I think of the money I’ve spent over the years chasing a copy of each, and what I could do with the money if I had it back. As I unload my cards to better homes, I can look at the prices and just smile knowing Topps is no longer receiving any of my money. @Richard Shea, best of luck chasing that Mantle USP. I know you have other competition from like-minded collectors. Take solace knowing you don’t have to compete against me anymore, which should (??) keep prices a little lower.
I came across a Alex Kiriloff SSP last night, which is a horizontal carding featuring a close up head shot. Kiriloff is wearing sunglasses in the photo. It’s a very cool card!
Sure would be nice to have some actual production # ‘ s for all of these supposedly short printed versions . Just another type of manipulation from the Topps Company to get the card card collectors to buy more and more and more …………………….
@James – They do have the odds printed on the wrappers for all but the Ultra. One could do the math and compare it to other cards that are serial numbered to get in the ballpark.
I pulled a Topps Chrome TH65-10, Rafael Devers black parallel 04/25 but I can’t find anything on it. Everything I see limited to 25 states Orange Parallel but this is clearly a solid black border. Any ideas?
@Joe – I’m not sure what product you’re referring to. Is it #TC65-10? That would be a 1965 Redux Chrome insert from 2021 Topps Series 2. It looks like the Black parallels for those are numbered to 25. The checklist is here: https://www.beckett.com/news/2021-topps-series-2-baseball-cards/
Topps is truly playing the market. Pick a player and cap on his short print for the collector, but remember that is the market set by the seller. Topps 2021 not a good year for the “Card”. Sp’s seems to be the best efforts for collectors for this year also with small lettering on the players name and bad design. Just my thought.
Does anyone know anything about a black parallel Topps Chrome limited to 25, I pulled # 04/25. Everything I can find limited to 25 says orange parallel?
I’ve got a RC 50/99 of Taylor Widener the TOPPS logo is different at the top left. The t is lower case and underlined oops… Like a smiley face! Can anybody tell me why and what this means.
Anyone notice that there are different color card backs on these? I have come across a few where the color on the back is more like a blue hue. Most are like a grey.
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Don Mattingly (429) is also SP
Ozzie Albies (500) is a SP
I pulled the Cronenworth SP the other day
412 SP is Roberto Clemente
There’s a #52 Mantle SSP in series 2.
I pulled the Babe Ruth and the Cal Ripken Jr SP in back to back hangers today. Pretty cool!
I just pulled a 442 SSP Jeter #561 (portrait), may need to update your listing.
There is also a SSP of #525 Lou Gehrig
SSSPs exist in series 2. Saw an Adell code 443. It’s a reverse image of him batting left handed.. card number 550 which is Anthony Rendon’s base card number.
i pulled a kris bryant ssp.
what does code 444 represent?
@Dennie – I believe it’s used for Advanced Stat parallels.
20 ssp cards and with the new addition of Stanton, 6 of them are yankees. And 10 sp cards and the mantle ultra sssp card. Not fair to the yankee collector, topps is making it impossible to do master yankee sets.
Glad I’ve stepped away from trying to complete a Yankees master collection. The amount of cards devoted to the Yankees has gotten out of hand. I think of the money I’ve spent over the years chasing a copy of each, and what I could do with the money if I had it back. As I unload my cards to better homes, I can look at the prices and just smile knowing Topps is no longer receiving any of my money. @Richard Shea, best of luck chasing that Mantle USP. I know you have other competition from like-minded collectors. Take solace knowing you don’t have to compete against me anymore, which should (??) keep prices a little lower.
Alec Bohm #277 has an SSSP card in Series 2 that is a reverse negative of the Series 1 base card.
I came across a Alex Kiriloff SSP last night, which is a horizontal carding featuring a close up head shot. Kiriloff is wearing sunglasses in the photo. It’s a very cool card!
I pulled a Willie Mays 616 ssp glasses flipped up awesome card for sure
Sure would be nice to have some actual production # ‘ s for all of these supposedly short printed versions . Just another type of manipulation from the Topps Company to get the card card collectors to buy more and more and more …………………….
@James – They do have the odds printed on the wrappers for all but the Ultra. One could do the math and compare it to other cards that are serial numbered to get in the ballpark.
what are cards 473 & 445? Anything rare or special
@Jeffrey – The checklist is here: https://www.beckett.com/news/2021-topps-series-2-baseball-cards/
And now a 7th ssp yankee card, 525 gehrig has emerged.
I pulled a Topps Chrome TH65-10, Rafael Devers black parallel 04/25 but I can’t find anything on it. Everything I see limited to 25 states Orange Parallel but this is clearly a solid black border. Any ideas?
@Joe – I’m not sure what product you’re referring to. Is it #TC65-10? That would be a 1965 Redux Chrome insert from 2021 Topps Series 2. It looks like the Black parallels for those are numbered to 25. The checklist is here: https://www.beckett.com/news/2021-topps-series-2-baseball-cards/
Topps is truly playing the market. Pick a player and cap on his short print for the collector, but remember that is the market set by the seller. Topps 2021 not a good year for the “Card”. Sp’s seems to be the best efforts for collectors for this year also with small lettering on the players name and bad design. Just my thought.
Does anyone know anything about a black parallel Topps Chrome limited to 25, I pulled # 04/25. Everything I can find limited to 25 says orange parallel?
I’ve got a RC 50/99 of Taylor Widener the TOPPS logo is different at the top left. The t is lower case and underlined oops… Like a smiley face! Can anybody tell me why and what this means.
@JASON – It’s a Vintage parallel. It’s on the checklist here: https://www.beckett.com/news/2021-topps-series-2-baseball-cards/
Anyone notice that there are different color card backs on these? I have come across a few where the color on the back is more like a blue hue. Most are like a grey.
It’s likely a matter of ink levels, one color likely starting to run a little low.
Yes I’m definitely holding out my blue hue back cards