2023 Topps Golden Mirror SSPs Ditch the Numeric Code For Clearer Way To Identify SSPs

The release of 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball marks the unofficial start of a new season of baseball card collecting. Much like the excitement of a new class of rookies, there’s always excitement about the new hits the product will include.

But there’s one development that has gone a bit under the radar, and it’s a welcome improvement to a popular part of any Topps release – the SSPs.

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What is an SSP?

Short for Super Short Print, SSPs are typically a variation of the base card with some kind of twist, making it a hard-to-pull but fun-to-chase variation. While being tough to pull, SSPs often do not have serial numbers to help identify them as a hit.

Identifying an SSP historically

From around 2018 through 2022, Topps used a system of codes that were in fine print at the bottom of the card back that helped identify what type of SP, SSP, or the like the card may be.

The code was in approximately 4-point font, making it very hard to read with the naked eye, especially for collectors over a certain age. Also, a lot of fans unfamiliar with the archaic codes probably missed out on realizing their hits.

See: A Guide To Identifying Topps Flagship Short Prints From 2018 To 2022

What is a 2023 Topps Golden Mirror SSP?

In 2023 Topps Series 1, Topps offered up the Golden Mirror SSP variations. These cards contain a different photo than the base card, plus a golden-colored back.

There is a Golden Mirror SSP version for every card in the 330-card base set. They are not serial numbered but are a tough pull.

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2023 Topps Golden Mirror Pack Odds

The odds of pulling a Golden Mirror SSP (Base Variation) varies across the multiple release formats. The list below shows the odds for popular hobby-exclusive and retail formats.

• Hobby – 1:454 packs – Shop
• Jumbo – 1:46 packs – Shop
• Hanger – 1:203 packs – Shop
• Blaster – 1:1,360 packs – Shop

Identifying a 2023 Topps Golden Mirror SSP

In 2023, Topps cast aside the arcane numbering system for a much easier way to identify the Golden Mirror SSP. The cards have a gold back, which is one giveaway, although the most obvious change is the text “SSP” on the card back in large golden font and the Topps logo on the card front being in gold foil instead of silver.

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Is this an improvement?

In a word, YES! Being able to rip packs without a magnifying glass nearby is an amazing development that cannot be overstated.

The clear indication of super short print on both the card front and back is a huge improvement over the tiny font code. An SSP is a great card and a great pull. Making it easy to identify and visually obvious is a clear improvement and something we hope that Topps carries forward in future releases.

Is the new format perfect? Not entirely, as gold foil text on a gold background certainly isn’t the best choice for contrast. This is important, as making our hobby accessible for those with vision impairments and other considerations is something that we should always be striving to improve.

That being said, the new changes are a vast improvement over the status quo, and should be celebrated.

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2023 Topps: Are there other SPs or SSPs?

In most recent years, Topps has had a series of SP and SSP offerings, including Image Variations, legendary variations, and the like. All indications from both pack odds and early reports from collectors breaking product is that this is not the case for 2023.

This could still change (if it does, we’ll update this article), but for now it looks like 2023 Topps Golden Mirror is the only 2023 Topps Series 1 SP or SSP.

The good news is that Topps has already confirmed that the Golden Mirror SSP will persist across Series 2 and Topps Update this year as well, meaning the full 990 cards from Topps flagship offering will all have Golden Mirror SSP versions.

Final thoughts on 2023 Topps SSPs

Making a special pull easily identifiable as such seems obvious, but that has not always been the case, in particular with SP/SSP Image Variations. Topps appears to be making moves to change this, which I think should be applauded.

What do you think of the new 2023 Topps Series 1 SSPs? Let us know on Twitter @card_lines.

Hat Tip to Twitter users @CardPurchaser and @CyberBreaks7 for helping to publicize the much-needed improvement from Topps.

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2023 Topps Series 1 Golden Mirror SSP Checklist

With 2023 Topps Series 1 Golden Mirror “SSPs,” there is an SSP for every card in the checklist! Yes, this means that all 330 cards have a Super Short Print version: