2018 topps update #us300 juan soto rc; rainbow foil psa 10 * smokey variation!

2018 topps update #us300 juan soto rc; rainbow foil psa 10 * smokey variation!

i usually dont put detailed descriptions, but for this card i will make the exception as things arent necessarily cut and dry.

with the 2018 topps update soto rainbow foils, there are two distinct versions. the regular version and then theres a much rarer version that most soto collectors have dubbed “the smokey version”.

the smokey version starts out lighter at the top of the card and continuously gets darker as you proceed down the card to soto’s name and the nationals logo. when held next to a regular version, it is impossible not to notice.

i want to be very clear, to date the “smokey version” has not been declared an official variation by topps or psa. however most soto collectors notate the very distinct difference and actively seek out these rare examples.

as a serious soto collector myself, i have zero doubts that as soto continues to blow up, more and more will actively seek out this variation and accordingly that the prices realized will more than double what the regular versions command.