The most common and often least desirable cards in a set. These are most often Base cards of non-rookies or cards that don’t feature parallels, autographs or memorabilia.
The sequencing of cards inserted into packs. This can sometimes result in specific patterns where groups of cards can often be found with each other.
A Washington-based online marketplace that sells sports and trading cards.
An online marketplace that focuses on the buying, selling and trading of fractionalized sports memorabilia.
A metallic finish found on many of the hobby’s most popular cards.
Damage often associated with the edge of a card that comes from age or poor handling. Commonly seen on cards with dark borders like black or blue.
A full list of every card in a single product.
A card that is typically considered one of the most desirable in a product that collectors can “chase.”
One of the major categories used when determining the grade of a card. Borders are the most common way to determine centering, though things like logos and lettering can be used for full-bleed cards without borders.
A retail format where packs of cards are wrapped in a plastic similar to cellophane. Cello Packs come in full boxes, typically with 24 packs, and are often hung from a rack at retailers for single purchase. Note: pronounced “sello” as opposed to “chello” (like the instrument).
Refers to the rarity of a card, and is most associated with a card that appears, on average, just once per case of boxes.
The packaging that describes a certain number of boxes of a specific product. Cases of lower or mid-end products can often contain 10 to 20 boxes while higher-end products may only contain two boxes.
The physical material that a trading card is made of. Materials like cardboard and paper are the most common while metal, leather and acetate are also used.
A plastic card protector that is sturdier than a penny sleeve but thinner than a top loader. The preferred method to protect cards when shipping to grading services like PSA. Also called a “semi-rigid” card holder.
A purchasing option most associated with eBay where buyers can purchase an item for a set price rather than participate in an auction. Often abbreviated as “BIN.”
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