Topps has released some amazing cards over the years. From the original 1952 baseball cards to the latest autographs, they’ve got it covered.
But did you know that some cards are reprints? How can you tell the difference between a real card and a fake?
Topps’ Baseball Card Guide
Topps has been around since 1951 when they first started printing baseball cards. They have continued to grow and evolve throughout their history.
Their most recent set was released in 2017. Each year, Topps releases new sets of cards featuring players from all 30 Major League teams. The newest set was released on August 9th, 2017.
It features several types of cards including Autographed Cards (signed by players), Rookie Stars (players who were rookies for the 2016 season), and Retro Stars (players who played at least 10 seasons before being retired).
In addition, there are also “Baseball Moments” which feature iconic moments in MLB history such as home runs, strikeouts, etc.
There are also many other types of cards including Team-Specifics, Players of the Game, Rookie Stars, Retro Stars, Hall of Famers, All-Stars, World Series Champions, Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Mets, Cardinals, and pirates.
What Makes A Topps Card Special?
A Topps card is made up of three main components: the front side, backside, and the insert.
The front side is what people see when they look at a Topps card. This includes any player’s name, team logo, or uniform number.
In the bottom right corner of each card, there will be an image of the player and his stats. If the player is wearing a cap, then the stats will appear above the cap.
In the top left corner of the card, there will be a picture of the stadium where the game took place. Underneath the stadium photo, there will be a small description of the event.
The backside of a Topps card contains the signature of the player. Every player signs every single card he receives. Some players sign only rookie stars, while others sign all of them.
For example, Derek Jeter signed every one of the 2000 Topps baseball cards he received during the 2001 season. He signed about 5,000 cards in total.
Finally, the insert is the part of the card that holds the actual information about the player. This could include a picture of the player, a short bio, statistics, career highlights, awards, etc.
The insert is usually either printed directly onto the card or glued into the middle of the card.
So How Do I Know If My Topps Card Is A Real Card Or Not?
There are two ways to check your card. First, take a good look at your card. Does it look like something that came out of a factory?
Or does it seem like someone just put together random pieces of paper? If you think it looks like someone just threw it together, then chances are it probably isn’t a real card.
Second, check the signatures. If your card doesn’t have a signature, then it’s definitely fake.
However, if your card does have a signature, but it doesn’t match the player’s name, then it’s possible that the card is a reprint.
Reprints are cards that are supposed to be exactly the same as the original card except with minor changes.
These changes can include things like changing the colors of the jersey, adding a patch to the hat, etc.
If your card has a signature that matches the player’s name, but it’s a little off, then it might be a reprint. But if the signature is completely wrong, then it’s absolutely a fake.
If you’re still unsure whether your card is a real card, then you should contact the company that issued the card.
Most companies don’t mind if you ask questions. You can find contact info for Topps here.
Everything You Need To Know About Counterfeit Cards
Cards are being counterfeited by people who want to make money off of them. This is an old problem, but the technology has advanced enough that we now know how to spot fakes.
There is a black market for these cards, and there are many ways to avoid getting scammed.
To this point, we’ve created single card forgeries guides, such as the ones on spotting fake Michael Jordan rookies along with the guide on spotting a Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card.
This article takes a closer look into the overall counterfeit market, such as telling signs of spotting a fake Vintage Card, along with other key information.
Difference Between Counterfeit And Reprints
There are two types of counterfeits: vintage and modern.
Modern counterfeits are usually made by companies who are trying to fool collectors into believing that they are buying something real.
Vintage counterfeits are typically made by people who want to create cards that are very similar to the original cards.
Some of these are done as a joke, others are done because they think that they will be valuable someday. In this case, the word “authentic” means that the card was actually produced by Topps.
A Wagner T206 reprint handed over at the All-Star Fan Fest was given away at the event. This card is very rare, and many people want them.
Cards that are reprints are typically sold by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. These cards are often counterfeits or fakes.
Some people sell these cards online without knowing if they’re really authentic.
Final Thoughts
Counterfeiting is a big issue in the hobby. It’s not uncommon for people to buy cards from eBay that aren’t even real.
The best way to protect yourself against scams is to do some research before you purchase anything. Check out our tips on avoiding fraud.
The bottom line is that counterfeit cards are a huge problem in the hobby. They are easy to spot and can ruin your collection.
The only way to ensure that you get a legitimate card is to do your homework. Don’t just take anyone’s word for it. Make sure that the seller is reputable.
When I was just starting out with my card collection, I had lots of questions about authenticity, trading, and card conditions. But with not that much information available online, I felt quite alone in my queries. Some questions still haven’t been answered to this day.
This site aims to rectify this, and now, I am passing on my knowledge!
- Bo Jackson Rookie Cards for savvy collectors - March 19, 2023
- Bo Bichette Baseball Rookie Cards - March 11, 2023
- Great Value baseball cards from the 60’s under $500 - March 4, 2023
