Trading card glossary
Common words for trading cards
Base card
Standard card (base card) in the trading card set or, more simply, the most common card. For football cards, a base card contains a picture of the player, the player's name and the club logo.
Insert card
A special card in a set that often has unique patterns, materials and/or special properties.
Rookie card
The first card for a player in a professional sports league.
Parallel card
A card that has the same basic design as a base card but with variation in, for example, color, foiling or other skills.
Variation card
Some products have variation cards. A variation card is usually quite different from the base card and you can usually distinguish them from the base card by having a different image, a special celebration/posing but also minor differences.
Autograph/auto card
A card containing an authentic autograph from the star. Autographs are usually signed during so-called signing sessions.
Game-used memorabilia cards
A card containing a piece of a player's kit from a match.
Patch card
RPA card
RPA stands for "Rookie Patch Autograph" and is a card that contains a player's rookie autograph and a piece of the player's match kit. RPA cards are particularly sought after as they contain both elements.
Graded card
A card that has been evaluated and authenticated by experts and then encapsulated in a plastic case. Read more about what is trading card grading?
Set
A collection of cards in a particular product. May contain all players from a particular league, for example.
Wax pack
An old expression for a collector's card pack. Still used today even though wax stopped being used in the 80s.
Case
The composition of boxes for distribution. Usually 12 boxes are included in hobby boxes. But it varies depending on the product.
Short Print
Cards that are printed in a lower quantity than base cards.
One of One cards (1/1 card)
The most sought after cards in each product. One of one means it is the only card of its kind in the entire world. One of one cards on the "right" player can be worth a lot of money.
Superfractor
Superfractor is a Topps one of one card and one of the most sought after cards in all Topps products that contain superfractors.
Chase card
A card that is highly sought after and something most people want. This may be due to the player, special designs, or the fact that the card is available in limited editions.
GEM-MT (10 PSA)
The highest grade you can get on a trading card grading. Gem Mint, in other words, completely mint.
PSA
One of the most well-known companies that grades collectible cards.
Population report
A report indicating the number of graded cards of the particular card, set, and grading level for the grading company.
Topps
Topps is one of the leading companies in sports, comics and sci-fi trading cards, collectibles and memorabilia.
Topps Chrome
One of Topps' most popular brands, the cards come with a chrome finish that is very beautiful.
Panini
Panini is one of the leading companies in sports card collecting.
Panini Donruss
Is one of Panini's better known brands, known for a wide variety of inserts and very cards.
Common words in box break
Box break
A scheme to open one or more boxes of sports cards, often done during an online live stream, where participants buy their specific part of the box (usually a team or player).
Case break
A break where you open an entire case of products often provides a wide variety of cards.
Breaker
A person or people who organize box or case breaks that are then livestreamed on Twitter, YouTube and TikTok. After the break, the cards are sent to the participants.
Random (break)
A break where participants buy spots and the team or players are randomized to determine which spot will be yours.
PYT (Pick Your Team)
A break where you can choose a specific team in the break. Often large price differences that are judged based on demand but also potential hits that you can get.
PYP (Pick Your Player)
A break where you choose a specific player in the break. Often large price differences that are judged based on demand but also potential hits that you can get.
Break Schedule
Planned breaks and time for upcoming breaks. Often posted by breakers in advance or through the chat community.
Spot list
The aggregate list of spots (shares) that you can buy into a break. A spot can be, for example, a player or a team.
Filling the break
That all the spits are taken in a break.
Shipping for break
When you have participated in one or more breaks, you can choose to have the cards sent to your home. Many people choose to save the cards for a while at the breaker to reduce shipping costs.
Spot price
The price for a specific player or team in a break. Often with a certain price difference between different players or teams. Priced based on demand but also potential hits you can get.
Hit (break)
The best cards you can get out of a box. Usually an autograph, numbered card, case hit or a unique parallel.