2012 Topps Archives was a re-introduction of the popular Archives/Fan Favorite sets that Topps had produced from 2001 to 2005. The format of the set was radically changed, previous sets had focused on retired players and Hall of Famers, while this set featured mostly current major league stars and rookies. This was in line with Major League Baseball's requirements that most sets should focus on current players. The number of insert sets was increased significantly with more designs taken from oddball sets.
Contents
- 1 Distribution
- 2 Base Set
- 3 Parallel Set
- 4 Insert Sets
- 4.1 Reprints
- 4.2 1977 Cloth
- 4.3 1967 Stickers
- 4.4 1968 3D
- 4.5 1969 Deckle
- 4.6 1982 In Action
- 4.7 1956 Relics
- 4.8 1958 Classic Combos
- 4.9 All-Time Fan Favorite Autographs
- 4.10 Framed 1983 Mini Autographs
- 4.11 Autographed Originals
- 4.12 Touched By Greatness
- 4.13 Karate Kid Autographs
- 4.14 Six Player Book Autographs
- 4.15 80's Icon Cut Signatures
- 4.16 Hank Aaron Buyback Autographs
Distribution
The set was distributed in both Hobby and Retail formats, with Hobby having significantly better inserts including two autographs per box.
Base Set
Parallel Set
Insert Sets
Reprints
1977 Cloth
1967 Stickers
1968 3D
1969 Deckle
1982 In Action
1956 Relics
1958 Classic Combos
All-Time Fan Favorite Autographs
Framed 1983 Mini Autographs
Autographed Originals
Touched By Greatness
100 oversized cards were handprinted on and signed by Cal Ripken and then randomly inserted as box toppers in hobby boxes. These cards carry a very high market premium and are quite rare. Each card is serial numbered.
Karate Kid Autographs
Six Player Book Autographs
- Six Player Book Autographs Checklist and Gallery
80's Icon Cut Signatures
- 80's Icon Cut Signatures Checklist and Gallery
Hank Aaron Buyback Autographs
For the 1994 Topps Archives set, Hank Aaron hand signed copies of his 1954 Topps Baseball card for insertion into packs. Topps repurchased 25 copies to insert into packs of 2012 Topps Archives. Each card is stamped with Fan Favorites logo and is serial numbered out of 25 copies each.
| Main Sets |
| 2001 – 2002 – 2003 Shoebox |
| 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2019 |
| 2020 |
| Reserve Sets |
| 2001 Archives Reserve – 2002 Archives Reserve |
| Topps Archives Signature Series Sets |
| 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2019 - 2020 |
| Topps All Time Fan Favorites Sets |
| 2003 Fan Favorites – 2004 Fan Favorites - 2005 Fan Favorites |
