How to Spot the Treasures – Identifying Super Short Print Baseball Cards

As a passionate baseball card collector, few things excite me more than pulling a rare super short print (SSP) card from a new pack. These elusive cards are the holy grails every collector dreams of discovering. In this guide for fellow hobbyists, let‘s explore how to identify these extremely limited print run cards and build your collection of cardboard treasures.

The Allure of Scarcity

SSP cards occupy the upper echelon of rarity in our beloved hobby. While vintage printing flaws once created natural short prints, today‘s SSPs result from careful manufacturing control. Card companies intentionally limit SSP print runs to as little as 1/10th of a regular short print! This artificial scarcity makes SSP cards the coveted chase cards in modern sets.

Let‘s trace the evolution of SSPs:

• 1900s: Cards like the famed T206 Honus Wagner emerge as short prints due to sheet cutting errors. These "rarities" become highly coveted.

• 1980s-90s: Card makers experiment with intentionally short printing certain cards. This gives birth to the SSP concept.

• 2000s: Companies embrace SSPs strategies. Iconic rookie SSPs like Mike Trout‘s 2011 Update fascinate collectors.

• Today: SSPs reach new production extremes, with runs as low as 10-20 copies for a given card! This fuels a frenzied chase.

The limited availability combined with huge demand from collectors creates staggering prices for SSP cards in top condition. For example, a 2011 Mike Trout SSP graded PSA 10 recently sold at auction for an amazing $10,200! Let‘s learn how to spot these modern day rarities.

Identifying SSP Card Codes

The most foolproof method for identifying an SSP card is to examine the 3 digit code printed on the back, usually at the bottom center:

• Base Cards – Code ending in #543
• Short Prints – Code ending in #560
• Super Short Prints – Code ending in #561

For example, when opening a pack of 2022 Topps Heritage, a base Aaron Judge would end in #543. But the SSP variation finishes with #561 – your signal of a huge find!

Here is a comparison of Base, SP and SSP card backs:

This simple code check is the fastest way to single out an SSP. Now let‘s explore other identifying factors.

Hallmarks of Rarity

While all SSPs contain the special #561 code, there are other subtle signs that experienced collectors use to spot these elusive cards:

• No card number – While SSPs follow normal numbering, they are often not numbered on the front at all.

• Alternate photo – SSPs frequently feature an alternate photo from the base card.

• Differing card back – Style and information on back sometimes varies from base card.

• Hot rookies and stars – SSP status is often given to top current players.

• Errors and corrections – Some SSPs fix errors on base cards.

Here are great examples of iconic SSP cards exhibiting some of these traits:

• 1990 Frank Thomas No Name on Front SSP – This famous "error card" lacks Thomas‘ name!

• 2011 Mike Trout RC SSP – No number, alternate photo, rookie chasing.

• 1952 Mickey Mantle SSP – Early example of photo variation SSP.

• 1984 Dan Marino RC SSP – Hot QB rookie, blank back variation.

In essence, while the back code confirms SSP status, collectors have honed an eye for spotting front and back differences that signal a coveted SSP could be on their hands!

SSP Print Run Secrets

Print runs for SSP cards vary, but in the modern era they generally fall into the following ranges:

• Base Cards – Printed in the hundreds of thousands typically

• Short Prints – Tens of thousands range

• Super Short Prints – As low as 10-50 copies!

According to one major manufacturer I spoke with, they strategically set SSP runs based on the player, set popularity, and other factors. However, the goal with SSPs is maintaining an ultra scarce supply. This table summarizes typical print runs:

With such miniscule print runs, SSPs are virtually impossible to pull from packs. Case hits and secondary sales become the route for collectors acquiring these elites. Now let‘s examine separating originals from reprints.

Spotting Reprints vs Originals

Especially with vintage issues, you‘ll want to verify an SSP is indeed the real McCoy. Here are techniques for detecting reprints:

• Inspect cardbacks – Original cardstock and colors vary from reprints.

• Light test – Many reprints fail fluorescence tests under UV light.

Under UV light, this Mickey Mantle reprint (right) fluoresces differently than the original (left).

• High resolution imaging – View cards under magnification to spot printing differences.

Subtle printing imperfections visible at high magnification can help identify reprints.

While reprints still hold novelty value, only true original SSPs will command top dollar.

Grading – The Path to Top Prices

For investment-minded collectors, having an SSP card graded and slabbed by PSA or BGS is a must. Grading provides an authoritative assessment of condition, which greatly impacts value:

• PSA 10 GEM MINT – A virtually flawless card. The peak grade commanding staggering prices. So tough that only 2% of all submissions reach this peak.

• PSA 9 MINT – Slight flaws like centering allowances or print dots. Still an extremely desirable grade.

• PSA 8 NM-MT – Nice condition but minor imperfections more visible. Significant drop from Mint ratings.

Let‘s look at two examples of how grading swayed SSP valuations:

• A BGS 9.5 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. SSP recently sold for $50,125

• An equivalent PSA 10 Gem Mint version sold for $288,562!

A perfect grade SSP stands atop the hobby in collectability and value.

Pursuing the Short Print Chase

As a devoted collector, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt for SSPs. Here are some tips I‘ve learned over the years:

• Use online checklists to track needs and acquisitions. This helps avoid costly duplicates.

• Weigh packs if allowed to try and detect thick, relic carrying packs.

• Buy selectively rather than busting countless packs. Singles often prove the wise route.

• Secure high value SSPs in protective sleeves and top loaders, away from direct light.

• Consider professional grading to maximizeinvestment SSPs.

• Connect with fellow collectors to trade duplicates and share excitement over the elusive SSP chase!

I hope this guide has provided helpful insights into detecting and collecting these highly coveted cards. When that printed #561 code appears, you‘ll know the joy of uncovering an extremely rare super short print treasure! Let the hunt continue!