2023 Topps Series 1 Garrett Whitlock Black Printing Plate 1/1 #68
Garrett Whitlock · Topps · Printing Plate, 1-of-1, Parallel
Player
Garrett Whitlock
Set
2023 Topps Series 1
Year
2023
Card #
68
Condition Grade
Ungradeable / Authentic Only (Printing Plates are metal and often show factory wear and surface marks from the production process; standard grading is rarely applied; typically slabbed as 'Authentic' or 'Authentic Altered').
Category
Printing Plate, 1-of-1, Parallel
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Niche/Moderate. Demand is extremely high specifically for Garrett Whitlock player collectors or Red Sox team collectors trying to complete a 2023 'Master Rainbow' set.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$40.00 - $75.00
Graded Value
PSA/BGS Authentic: $50.00 - $85.00. (Note: Most collectors of 1/1 plates do not pay a premium for numerical grades, as the rarity is the primary value driver).
Comparable Sales
Topps Series 1 printing plates for middle-relief pitchers typically sell between $35 and $60. High-leverage starters or popular Red Sox parallels sometimes reach $80-$100 depending on if two 'rainbow hunters' are bidding against each other simultaneously.
Description
Unique 1-of-1 Black Printing Plate featuring Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock from the 2023 Topps Series 1 collection. This is a genuine aluminum plate used in the actual printing process of the standard cards. The front shows an inverse, monochromatic black-ink image of Whitlock in mid-pitch with the iconic 'B' logo and Red Sox vertical text. The reverse will typically feature an authentication sticker from Topps stating it is a one-of-a-kind production item.
Key Features
True 1-of-1 rarity; unique piece of manufacturing history; features a core member of the Red Sox pitching staff; highly sought after by 'super-collectors' completing a rainbow (every parallel variation of a specific card).
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High. The aluminum stock, specific Topps layout patterns, and the texture of the 'etched' image are consistent with genuine Topps printing plates. Genuine plates rarely have a glossy finish and are magnetic-receptive (check if it sticks to a magnet slightly).
Flaws to Note
Printing plates often have rough edges, surface scratches, and corner dings inherent to the manufacturing process. These are considered standard for this card type. Centering is irrelevant as it is a production tool. The top right corner shows some minor chipping to the metal surface.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (Auction format starting at $0.99 to find the true market value, or a high Buy It Now price with 'Best Offer' enabled). Boston-specific Facebook sports card groups are also excellent.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card for a numerical score; if grading, use a service like PSA just for 'Authentic' slabbing to protect the metal. Use keywords like '1/1', 'One of One', 'Printing Plate', 'Red Sox', and 'Rainbow' in the title. Take a clear photo of the back Topps authentication sticker.