Topps Now cards series

Parallels:/50 Gold Foil/25 Orange Foil/10 Black Foil/5 Red Foil/1 FoilFractor

*Parallels or other non-base card hits will replace the base card in your order. Odds of hitting a non-base card are based on total cards ordered.

In the Topps NOW product line, “Short Prints” (SP) refer to rare variants with print runs significantly lower than those of the standard “Base Card” for that card number. Unlike the standard Topps flagship series (Series 1 & 2), Topps NOW SPs are typically not obtained by opening packs but are instead randomly substituted into consumers' orders as “lucky surprises.” 

Below are the key characteristics and identification methods for Topps NOW Short Prints:

1. What is a Topps NOW SP?

Nature: This is a randomly distributed “Image Variation.” When you purchase a specific Topps NOW Daily Limited Edition card, Topps may randomly replace one (or more) of the Base Cards you receive with an SP version.

Rarity: The print run for SPs is typically much lower than that of base cards. While the print run for Topps NOW base cards is determined by the number of orders placed within a 24-hour period, the print run for SPs (and SSPs—Super Short Prints) is fixed or produced in extremely limited quantities.

Visual Differences: SP cards typically feature different photos than base cards. Base cards are mostly action shots from official games, while SP cards often feature players celebrating, behind-the-scenes locker room moments, or more iconic snapshots. 

2. How to Identify SP Variants?

If you receive a card that looks “a little different,” you can confirm it using the following methods:

Back Bottom Code: This is the most accurate method. A code appears at the very end of the fine print in the copyright notice at the bottom of the card’s back.

Base Card: The ending code is usually fixed (e.g., #543 or #010, depending on the year).

Short Print (SP): The ending code differs from the base card (common examples include #560 or #055).

Card Number: In Topps NOW, SPs usually retain the same card number as the base card (e.g., both Card #123), but the image is different.

Packaging: Topps sometimes places these randomly inserted special cards face-down (back side up) in the shipping bag so that buyers can immediately recognize they’ve won. 

3. The Difference Between SPs and Parallels

Parallels: Cards featuring colored borders (e.g., Blue /49, Red /10, Gold 1/1) and limited edition serial numbers.

Short Prints (SP): Typically do not have limited edition serial numbers (non-serial numbered); their value is derived solely from their unique artwork and extremely low appearance rate.