2018 Topps Update Ohtani: US1 vs US285
The 2018 Topps Update set gave Ohtani two base rookie cards — #US1 and #US285 — and new collectors often wonder which is which and whether one is 'the' rookie. Both are legitimate 2018 rookies. Here's how they differ.
US1 (batting) vs US285 (pitching)
#US1 shows Ohtani batting; #US285 shows him pitching. The two-card setup mirrors his two-way role, which is part of what makes the pair so fitting. Both are base rookies from the same set and both are widely graded and traded.
#US1 tends to get slightly more attention as the lower number and the batting image, but both are collected heavily and neither is a variation of the other.
Parallels to know
Topps Update base rookies come with a parallel rainbow: Rainbow Foil, Gold (numbered /2018), Memorial Day Camo (/25), Independence Day (/76), and a Black 1/1. The numbered parallels are where scarcity — and price — climbs above the base card.
Frequently asked questions
Is US1 or US285 the better Ohtani rookie?
Neither is objectively 'better' — both are official 2018 Topps Update rookies. #US1 (batting) often gets marginally more attention, but collectors chase both.
How much is the 2018 Topps Update Ohtani worth?
Raw base copies are among the more affordable Ohtani rookies, while high grades and numbered parallels carry significant premiums. Check live listings for the current range.