The 2021 Topps Series 2 release picks up where the Series 1 release leaves off. It features a 330 card base set, continuing on beginning with 331. The same parallels are present, as well as many of the same insert sets contained in the first release. We see the continuation of the 1986 design inserts, as well.
A box comes with ten packs of 46 cards, and advertises 1 autograph and 2 relic cards. Also included in each box are two “silver packs” containing chrome versions of a few of the insert sets. A few years ago, these silver packs were available as a wrapper main-in rebate, but are now included inside of the box.
As the first full year of the pandemic comes to an end, the hobby world is still adjusting. Is this the new normal? How long will things continue? What will change forever? At this point, it’s not just product being resold for big prices. Even the prices direct from Topps to LCSes are going up drastically. This release has gone up significantly in just the last few years, even with production way up. the odds inside have gotten much worse now, too.
This release pays tribute to the 1972 Topps release. If features cards in the style of that year, including In Action cards for some of the big stars. It also contains the usually types of variations from the previous releases. This isn’t really a hit driven product, but one relic or autograph is advertised per box. The autographs fall a lot less frequently, though. The base set includes 400 cards, with an additional 100 SPs to round out the set.
A box contains 24 packs with 9 cards per pack. Each box includes one autograph or relic, as well as a box topper of some sort. This are loose this year, rather than in their own package.
After an interesting 2020 for the hobby, Topps Series 1 represents the first major release of the new year. Last year was plagued with releases being hard to come by and immediately shooting up in price. In many cases, Topps took advantage of this by raising their prices, to get a bigger piece of that pie. The price for this release, before reaching the secondary market is up significantly. Is it worth it?
I supposed that really depends on your collecting goals. If you’re collecting only a certain player or team, you’re probably better off buying singles or team sets. More and more, sealed packs are becoming expensive lottery tickets, chasing the big hits rather than collecting the cards within. Will you get your money’s worth out of a box? Probably not.
This release features a 330 card base set, along with a number of parallels and inserts. There are a lot of short print variations available, as well. Following on recent trends, this year Topps is printing an insert series in the style of their 1986 release. It comes in both regular inserts, as well as the “silver pack” bonus cards in the top of the box. In addition to this extra cards, there is also another Box Topper included, in the style of a 1951 MLB All Star. A box contains 10 packs of 46 cards each, while advertising 1 autograph and 2 relic cards.
