Every so often, something truly unique surfaces in the hobby. Huggins & Scott’s 2025 Summer Auction features a piece I’d never seen before: a 1970-1971 Topps Scratch-Off uncut progressive proof sheet.
Here’s the lot description:
One-of-a-kind 1970-1971 Topps Scratch-Off uncut progressive proof uncut sheet. While this complete set of (24) fronts/backs displays moderate creasing, soiling and storage exposure throughout, these big leaguers are still immediately recognizable. Notations of “Top R.R. Front” and “Black Topps 2829 G” are placed respectively on the top and bottom edges of the card section. Highlighted players include: Aaron (creased), R. Allen, Aparicio, Kaline (creased), Killebrew, Marichal, Perez, Seaver, Stargell and Yastrzemski.
Like I said, I’d never seen one of these progressive proofs before. It only shows yellow and white/black colors, a partial stage of the full printing process. That means there have to be more progressive sheets out there (Red & Blue, unless they weren’t salvaged) from other color passes. The completed version of this sheet has been documented before, most notably in the excellent Topps Archives article Go Scratch.
If you’re wondering why Huggins lists this as 1970-71, here’s why: Topps first inserted Scratch-Offs in packs during the 1970 season, and then reissued them in 1971. The two years can be distinguished by their interior colors; white in 1970 and red in 1971.
Topps also advertised the “Extra Scratch Off” insert on wax boxes, both in America (Topps) and Canada (OPC)!
This progressive proof sheet, featuring stars like Hank Aaron, Tom Seaver, Willie Stargell, Harmon Killebrew, and Carl Yastrzemski, captures the production process in a way collectors rarely get to see.
Happy collecting!
Check out The Uncut Sheet Archive for more!
P.S. If you’ve ever wondered why Scratch-Offs aren’t worth more, the answer lies in supply. In 2018, Lelands auctioned off a fresh find of 104 complete sets, which sold for $3,942. A reminder that you never know when a new find might surface and upend the perceived scarcity of your collection.
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