Topps "High Number" cards question...
 

Here is a question that maybe i should already know the answer to. Ive been just casually collecting over the years and just recently been into the 1971 Topps cards. I see "high series" number cards selling for quite a bit more.
What makes these harder to get? Were these released into later packs and not included in the initial release? ...And again, i kind of feel i should already know the answer to this....but i honestly dont.
Thanks for the input!
Mike

Until 1973, cards were released in series, and the high numbers were released last. Sometimes, stores didn't need as many, if they still had unsold cards from previous series in stock. So, they may have ordered fewer, or none, of the last series. They knew once baseball season ended, kids would be buying cards of other sports, and unsold baseball cards would be dead inventory.

Others can elaborate further, but that's it in a nutshell.

Ok, makes sense, i kinda thought it was along those lines but just wanted verification from other collectors. I was eyeballing a 71 Topps Richie Allen card #650 which to me would seem like a normal common card. i cannot find one under $20 it seems.
Thanks for clearing this up for me

Many people, including me, expect Allen to be elected to the Hall of Fame the next ballot he's on, which I believe is in a couple years. I paid north of $14k for his 1967 game used flannel jersey, based on that expectation. My advice is to grab that card

I will take that advice....the hunt is now on for a 71 Topps Richie Allen..Thanks

Just don't mind the Topps photographer's invasive knee. :D

LOL...I had no clue what you meant...then i looked...haha...i dont think i ever would of noticed that