When starting a trading card collection hobby, you will want to make sure that you learn everything there is to know about it. Doing this will help to ensure that you enjoy the hobby and that you are able to invest in worthwhile cards that will make your collection great. Learning all the trading card terminology is important, and there are quite a few terms that you will hear frequently. Below are some of the most common trading card terms that you will hear when you start out in the hobby.
Hobby Card
All trading cards are geared towards collectors, but hobby cards are geared more towards the hardcore collector. They focus on premium aspects like memorabilia cards and autographed cards. Hobby cards are usually easier to find than other cards. They are often found in box sets that offer premium cards.
Factory Set
A factory set is a set of cards straight from the manufacturer of the cards. For example, Series 1 and 2 2021 Baseball Complete Factory Set will have you receiving 660 cards. Some other sets may have you seeing up to 700 cards, which will all depend on the set of cards and the special features of the cards.
Promo Card
The promo card, also known as a promotional card, is distributed by the manufacturer to collectors. They use various methods of distribution, and it is all to promote a new trading card release. They do have a smaller print, so they have a higher rate of premiums. In the past, putting out promotional cards was more common than now. Typically, they are used more by entertainment than anything else.
9-Pocket Page
The 9-pocket page refers to clear plastic sheets that you can place inside a binder to hold the cards. Each sheet can easily hold nine cards. Some people do double up the cards in each slot for a total of eighteen. However, it is important to note that if you wish to see all of your cards, that you only put one in each place to keep them better organized. Keeping your cards in the sleeve will help to ensure that they do become damaged. Letting your cards lying around or just throwing them in a box can have them damaged by sun exposure, moisture, rodents, and even pets. Keeping your cards protected is imperative as you may have one that is worth a lot of money or that will be worth a lot of money in the future.
Autograph Card
An autographed card is a card that has been signed by a player of the sport. These cards can be worth more money than a regular trading card, especially if the player has done an excellent job that year, or the card is for an older player who is now deceased. If you plan on getting autographed cards, you will want to make sure that the autograph is authentic. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there that will sell autographed cards that have not truly been autographed by that player. It is a good idea not to buy from a non-reputable source, and if you think that you have found a good deal, you should check with someone that is knowledgeable on trading cards to make sure that the signature is the correct one.
Base Set
A base set of trading cards is a trading card company’s main set of cards. These base cards will come in a set with several different cards that you can add to your collection. Some of these cards may be worth a lot of money in the future, depending on the player, so you will want to make sure that you take great care of them.
Binder
To keep your cards safe, you should purchase a binder. A binder will allow you to showcase all of your cards while keeping them completely safe. It is important that you purchase a quality binder. Far too often, people run out and buy the cheapest binder they can find, only to have it fall apart within a few short months. If your binder starts to fall apart, you may lose some of your cards, or they may be damaged. Some people choose to keep their trading cards in boxes, but this can be a recipe for disaster, even if the cards are in sleeves. Boxes can be gotten into by rodents, pets, and people. If your cards are worth some money or sentimental value, you could find yourself devastated very quickly. To find a great binder, take your time and find ones that other trading card enthusiasts recommend. The better the binder, the safer your cards are.
Chase Card
A chase card is a card that has a very popular player and is only printed in limited editions. These are randomly inserted in sealed card packages. So when you purchase a sealed package, you may get a chase card that may be valuable in the future.
Learning all of this terminology may seem like a boring thing to do, but the more you learn about trading card collecting, the better off you will be, especially if you want to become a hardcore collector. Just remember to take your time and ensure that you get the best cards out there and that you take excellent care of them. Taking care of them will help to ensure that your cards last for many years to come. Even if you do not sell them, you can pass them on to your children or grandchildren who show an interest in card collecting.
