Led by Contenders Optic Football and Star Wars Galaxy Chrome, this week’s lineup of trading card releases is about as strong as it gets.
From autographs from (most) of the top NFL rookies to 1/1 sketch cards from two popular franchises, there’s something for most collectors.
Here’s a look at key details you need to know before you buy.
2023 Panini Contenders Optic Football
Release date: Wednesday
Overview: The signature Contenders Football brand gets an Optichrome upgrade to deliver one of the most visually appealing lineups of autographs in the trading card hobby. But at six cards for $500 — to start, at least — this product remains one of the hobby’s biggest boom-or-bust rips, and collectors should tread carefully.
Inserts: Inserts aren’t super sought after here, though the horizontal Legitness set has grown in popularity since its debut several years ago. Other inserts worth watching for are Up and Coming, Optic Illusion, Splitting Image, Lottery Ticket and First Class Ticket.
Parallels and variations: Already featuring a visually striking vertical layout, Contenders Optic makes use of a chrome finish to create some great parallels. Neon Marble, Black Scope and a number of true color parallels are highlighted by Panini for 2024.
Autos and relics: Autographs are why collectors purchase Contenders Football — both the original paper product as well as Contenders Optic — and this set has plenty of ink. Rookie Ticket Autographs will be the true chase for many though All-Time Contenders feature autographs from some of the game’s past greats.
It should be noted that those looking to chase C.J. Stroud autographs won’t find them due to his exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics. Consider reviewing the checklist before purchasing to avoid hunting for autographs that don’t exist.
- Hobby configuration: Six cards per pack, one pack per box
- Box break: Two autographs, two base cards, one inserts or parallel
- Secondary market value: $499.95 (subject to change)
2024 Topps Star Wars Galaxy Chrome
Release date: Wednesday
Overview: One of the most popular brands in the non-sports space, Star Wars Galaxy Chrome arrives with another lineup of screen stills, autographs and a variety of original artwork for fans of the franchise to chase.
Inserts: All-new for 2024 is the Debut Medallion which, similar to the rookie shield, designates a character’s first appearance on a Topps trading card. Also new for 2024 are the Reflections and Bonus Stage sets, which Topps describe as “super limited” and “extremely limited.” Starship Blueprints highlight famous vehicles from the franchise.
Autos and relics: As always, there are a number of autograph signers from the shows and movies with parallels like Skywalker Blue /150, Kashyyyk Green, Rebel Orange /25 and Dathomir Red /5. The popularity of 1/1 sketch cards has grown significantly in recent years, and they return for 2024 Galaxy Chrome.
- Hobby configuration: 10 cards per pack, 10 packs per box
- Box break: One autograph, four numbered parallels
- Secondary market value: $139.95 (subject to change)
Other releases this week:
- 2023-24 Topps Chrome Overtime Elite Basketball (Wednesday)
- Rittenhouse "Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon" Season 1 (Thursday)
- 2023-24 Panini Prizm Euroleague Basketball (Saturday)
Ben Burrows is a reporter and editor for cllct.