Topps (SP) and (SSP ) Cards
 

I haven't kept up with the modern cards lately. Since Topps started adding variation poses to their sets, are any of the (SP) and (SSP) cards included in the Factory sets or just packs ? Also what year did they start doing this ? Thanks.

hey Mike

I love these cards. I am not an expert but I think the "veteran/HoF" image variations started in 2009 and then the SP/SSP for modern and veteran SPs really kicked off in 2010. The TCDB site does a pretty good job of listing all the variations.

I think the only "SPs" you could get in factory sets were the special 5-card packs in specially marked factory sets. I think in 2017 and 2018 there were "rookie image variations" of ohtani, Judge, etc...and "all-star" variations in earlier years. those are always different than pack pulled SPs

They can be tough to find or just lost in collections. I still need some to complete my 2008 & 2009 UD Goudey sets.

So if I buy a Factory set, I shouldn't think I will be getting any of the (SP) or (SSP) cards only the base cards, it that correct ?

Other than Factory Set exclusive bonus cards..... The answer is yes. The factory set bonus cards are variations, but not exactly SPs either.

The SP, SSP, and SSP (or Ultra SP) cards are pack issued.

My understanding is that for 2023...there are no SP....only SSP...and all super $$$

Makes it easy to stop collecting manufactured rarity for my teams sets...Fanatics really blew this IMO...

I think you're right, Isiahfan, about the SPs and SSPs, and I have arrived at the same conclusion as you: it's not worth it to me. I've made an honest attempt the last few years to get into Flagship and some Heritage, but for me it's just throwing good money after bad. I see people throwing away tons of base. I even had a guy on another platform send me a box of full of S1 for free after he announced he would trash them unless someone wanted them. That's just messed up. It's pretty much as though if it's not some kind of manufactured rarity like a low #d card, an auto, or some relic, the cards are simply junk to people. OP, if you want SSPs, prepare to pay through the nose. I've never stopped my vintage pursuits. That's what I'm going back to concentrating my collecting funds on. Everyone should collect what they like, and I respect that.

Why even collect Team Sets anymore with all the SP and SSP cards etc ? I will not pay for these types of cards to complete my sets ? Very frustrating ! I have complete Topps Detroit Tigers Basic Team Sets since 1951 but the last couple of years has ruined even collecting Team Sets. It was great when all cards ( or most of them) were printed in equal numbers.

You don’t need them for a basic team set. Every card number is available in a non SP. You don’t need the SP and SSP image variations and legends to complete a basic team set. Basic team sets are available for about the cost of shipping.

I really enjoy the Stadium Club SP's, especially the 2018 set. Includes two of the best looking and hard to find rookies for Acuna and Ohtani, as well as these gems for Judge and Trout. Beautiful cards IMO.

https://img.beckett.com/news/news-co...nald-Acuna.jpg

https://img.beckett.com/news/news-co...hei-Ohtani.jpg

https://beckett-www.s3.amazonaws.com...Mike-Trout.jpg

https://img.beckett.com/news/news-co...on-Judge-B.jpg

Had a conversation about this recently. SP & SSP cards make it impossible for set collectors to complete a full set. 1/1 cards means only 1 person can theoretically complete it.