Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading ... so here's this month's grading diary.

TOUGH ONE?
The Card: Bo Bichette 2022 Topps Heritage image variation (found in Heritage High Number packs)
The Reason Graded: Some of you might wonder why this card is in the lead slot this month since it's a simple image variation -- but a great one -- from a brand that's not quite as pricey as it used to be. (At least for singles ... you can find this for about $2 or less.) But, finding one of these that will get a high (real) grade? Not so much. The centering can always be a bear here but that's not the constant problem spot. It's the backs of these that use full-bleed black ink where cards that may look flawless on the fronts are often demolished when it comes to those those back edges.
The Grade: CGC 10

Reality Check: This one? It still has a some minor spotting -- that's why it's not a perfect 10 -- but it's way better than every other one I've seen and that's why I subbed this after I found it raw. Why? That front is pretty much a perfectly crafted design and I definitely don't mind retro-styled sets like this one -- I call it the old-guy flagship set as it is for me vs. basic Topps. The stuff feels more sturdy with its stock and printing -- I'm not sure I trust foilboard to age that well, either -- but the trade-off is that Heritage is harder to grade and land those higher marks. In all ways, this one is a win for me, a Bichette collector, and that's why he's batting lead-off. (It also doesn't hurt he's starting to warm up on the field this season.)

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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What: 2021 Panini National Treasures football cards
Arrives: May 4
Box basics: Three autographs and three memorabilia cards per eight-card box (four boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: National Treasures hits the gridiron once again with a new crop of Rookie Cards, plenty of hits and added color that may not have been the norm in past releases.

Keep reading for more as well as a full gallery of images.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Cracking a few cases, Erling Haaland, MLB breaks, NFL chatter and, of course, Wander Franco's Rookie Card.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Shohei Ohtani's MVP season, new pulls, Zion Williamson and the PSA pop report, Wander Franco, NFL busts and more.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: A big wrestling pull, AEW chatter (sort of), showing off Tom Brady cards, NFL chatter and more in this Sunday edition.

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What: 2021 Panini National Treasures NASCAR cards
Arrives: Dec. 17
Box basics: Four autographed cards, three memorabilia cards and one booklet per box (four boxes per case)
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: National Treasures is back for another lap on the track with the familiar format and look of years past but with new names and new energy in the mix as part of a release "primed to deliver plenty of insane patches and autographs from your favorite drivers."

Keep reading for more info and a full gallery of images released so far.

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What: 2021 Panini National Treasures baseball cards
Arrives: Nov. 12
Box basics: Eight autographs or memorabilia cards -- including one booklet -- per box (four boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: National Treasures baseball cards will arrive for the eighth time with new rookies, all-time greats and plenty of the inclusions expected from the brand.

Keep reading for more as well as a full gallery of images.

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What: 2021 Panini National Treasures college football cards
Arrives: Aug. 18
Box basics: Seven autographs or memorabilia cards per eight-card box (four boxes per case)
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: National Treasures goes back to school for another season with some added color in the design as it showcases a new crop of stars.

Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.

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