Topps Baseball Series 1 vs. Series 2: Different But the Same!

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I don’t think there is much that can top the hype of the new Series 1 release every season. Perhaps because the card release is in lockstep with Spring Training and a new season getting underway, there is just an unmatched excitement throughout the hobby. But while we’ve jumped deep into the most valuable cards from 2025 Series 1 (and the many different SPs and Variations), Series 2 is nothing to sneeze at, and depending on the checklist and included rookies, can pack quite the punch.

Breaking Down Topps Flagship: Series 1, Series 2, and Update

For those new to baseball cards, each Topps flagship product is released in three installments—Series 1, Series 2, and Update. The first two releases (Series 1 and Series 2) combine to create a complete set of cards. This is why you can’t buy a complete set of 2024 Topps right now—only Series 1 has been released.

So, Series 1 is simply the first half of the checklist, while Series 2 is the second half. Update is considered a standalone set and has its own checklist.

Thus, each series will have different cards on their checklists. In 2023 Topps, Series 1 consisted of cards #1-330, while Series 2 made up #331-660. Update also had 330 cards, but because it is its own set, the card numbers range from #US1-#US330.

Thus, each series will have different cards on their checklists. In 2023 Topps, Series 1 was made up of cards #1-330 and Series 2 was made up of #331-660. Update also had 330 cards, but because it is its own set, the card numbers range from #US1-#US330.

Timing & Hype: Why Series 1 Steals the Spotlight

There’s just something about Series 1 that can’t be matched. Maybe it’s because it drops just as pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, or maybe it’s the thrill of cracking open the first packs of the year after months of anticipation. Either way, Series 1 tends to dominate the conversation.

Series 2, on the other hand, can feel like it’s playing catch-up. Released well into the season, it doesn’t have the same built-in hype. But that doesn’t mean it’s a dud—far from it. The checklist often includes key rookies who weren’t in Series 1, plus short prints and variations that can make it a sleeper hit.

Rookies & Call-Ups

If a rookie makes his debut too late for Series 1 but before the Update Series cutoff, odds are he’ll show up in Series 2. This makes Series 2 a crucial release for prospect hunters, as it often holds some of the biggest rookie cards of the year.

Recent years have shown how much this matters. In 2018, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Gleyber Torres were both held back for Series 2, making it a must-rip product. In 2023, Series 2 featured Jordan Walker and Anthony Volpe, two of the biggest rookie names of the season.

While Series 1 gets the early buzz, Series 2 often delivers in ways collectors don’t expect—especially when a surprise rookie breakout is included.

Checklists: Who Appears in Which Series?

Each series will have different players on its checklist. Typically, Series 1 features most of the game’s biggest superstars, while Series 2 fills in the gaps with players who didn’t make the cut in the first release.

There’s no strict rule about who appears where—it all depends on timing and a player’s status. A perfect example? Shohei Ohtani appeared in both 2023 Topps Series 1 (as a pitcher) and 2023 Topps Series 2 (as a DH).

Which Series Holds More Value?

If you’re wondering which is the best from a value standpoint, it really depends on the year. Some years, Series 1 is the clear winner, while in others, Series 2 ends up being more sought after because of its rookie class.

Looking at hobby box sales, here’s a quick breakdown of 30-day average sales values for each series as of March 23, 2024:

Here is a breakdown from the last few years (30-day average sales values for hobby boxes 3/23/24):

Year	Series 1	Series 2	Update Series
2023	$61.38	$59.87	$62.69
2022	$55.70	$68.19	$139
2021	$42.88	$49.03	$43.50
2020	$76	$56.08	$46.74
2019	$138	$124	$106
2018	$170	$519	$944

For the most part, values are similar. But where there are major differences, there’s usually a clear reason.

• 2018 is a monster year with Ohtani, Acuña Jr., and Soto rookies.
• 2019 stands out thanks to Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• 2022 Update exploded because of Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodríguez.

Not a ton of variation for the most part, right? And where there is, it can be explained. 2018 is a monster year for rookies—Ohtani, Acuna Jr., and Soto. 2019 is elevated because of Tatis and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rookie cards. And then in 2022, Update is specifically above and beyond the other releases because of Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

In the end, Series 1 and Series 2 are the same in terms of format and set structure, but their checklists and included players create key differences. The best choice depends on the year, the checklist, and what kind of collector you are.

• If you love the new season hype and want the game’s biggest stars, Series 1 is for you.
• If you chase rookie call-ups and surprise value, Series 2 can be an entertaining goldmine.

Either way, both are essential pieces of Topps’ flagship lineup, and if history tells us anything, certain years can flip expectations in a big way.