Have you ever found yourself lost in a conversation about sports collectibles? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will provide you with a brief definition and explanation of the most frequently used sports collecting terms. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this glossary will help you navigate the world of sports memorabilia. So, let’s dive in!
Contents
- 1 3-D card
- 2 500 Home Run Club
- 3 ABA
- 4 ACC
- 5 Action Packed
- 6 AFL
- 7 Airbrushing
- 8 AL
- 9 All-Star Card
- 10 All-Star Game
- 11 Altered Stock
- 12 Assorted
- 13 Auction
- 14 Auction Catalog
- 15 Authentication
- 16 Authorized Issue
- 17 Autograph
- 18 Autographed Card
- 19 Baseball Cap
- 20 Baseball Card
- 21 Baseball Hall of Fame
- 22 Basketball Card
- 23 Bowman
- 24 Boxing Card
- 25 Break
- 26 Cello Box
- 27 Cello Pack
- 28 Centering
- 29 Certificate of Authenticity
- 30 Checklist
- 31 Chipping
- 32 Cleats
- 33 Clubhouse Signature
- 34 Coach’s Card
- 35 Coin
- 36 Collation
- 37 Collection
- 38 Collector
- 39 Collector Issue
- 40 Combination Card
- 41 Common
- 42 Complete Set
- 43 Condition
- 44 Counterfeit
- 45 Cracked
- 46 Cracker Jack
- 47 Crease
- 48 Crossover
- 49 Cy Young Award
- 50 Dealer
- 51 Diamond Star
- 52 Die-Cut
- 53 Ding
- 54 Donruss
- 55 Double Header
- 56 Double Play
- 57 Double Print
- 58 Encapsulated
- 59 Equipment
- 60 EX
- 61 EX-MT
- 62 EXcellent (EX 5)
- 63 EXcellent-Mint (EX-MT 6)
- 64 Exhibit Card
- 65 extended set
- 66 fake
- 67 find
- 68 flannel
- 69 Fleer
- 70 foil box
- 71 foil case
- 72 foil packs
- 73 football card
- 74 full bleed
- 75 game used
- 76 Gem Mint
- 77 Gem MT
- 78 gloss
- 79 glossy set
- 80 Good
- 81 Goudey
- 82 grade
- 83 grading
- 84 gray back
- 85 Hall of Famer
- 86 hand-cut cards
- 87 Hartland
- 88 Heisman Trophy
- 89 high numbers
- 90 hockey card
3-D card
A card that appears to be three-dimensional as it is moved. Usually used to describe Kellog’s and Sportflics issues made by this process.
500 Home Run Club
A group of baseball players who have hit 500 career home runs. Hitting 500 home runs is a significant milestone and usually ensures induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
ABA
Short for American Basketball Association. The ABA was a professional basketball league that existed from 1967 to 1976, known for its innovative style of play and colorful personalities.
ACC
Acronym for the American Card Catalog. The ACC is a catalog written by Jefferson Burdick and published in 1960, which uses numerical and alphabetical designations for identifying and cataloging card sets.
Action Packed
Action Packed is a well-known sports card manufacturer known for its unique style of embossed cards, which give the illusion of movement.
AFL
Abbreviation for the American Football League. The AFL was a professional football league that operated from 1960 to 1969 before merging with the NFL.
Airbrushing
Airbrushing is an artistic technique used to touch up photos. In the context of sports cards, airbrushing is commonly used to depict players who have changed teams by painting over their old team’s logos and uniforms.
AL
Short for baseball’s American League, one of the two leagues that make up Major League Baseball.
All-Star Card
An all-star card is a sports card that features a member of any given sport’s all-star team. These cards typically highlight the top stars in the league.
All-Star Game
An all-star game is an annual event in which the top players from a given league come together to compete against each other. All four major sports (baseball, football, basketball, hockey) have their own all-star games.
Altered Stock
This term is used when the paper stock of a card has been altered in some way. This can include trimming, recoloring, restoring, or enhancing the gloss.
Assorted
Assorted refers to a group or lot of cards that includes duplicates of one or more cards. For example, “A lot of 100 assorted cards” means there are multiple copies of some cards within the set.
Auction
An auction is a method of selling sports collectibles where potential buyers bid against each other. The item is sold to the highest bidder.
Auction Catalog
An auction catalog is a publication that lists all the items being offered for sale at a specific auction. It typically includes descriptions, photos, and other relevant information about each item.
Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying the originality or genuineness of a sports collectible. Third-party authentication services, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), play a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity of sports cards and autographs.
Authorized Issue
An authorized issue refers to an issue or set of cards that has the consent of the league or player’s association. These cards are officially licensed and approved.
Autograph
An autograph is a person’s signature. Autographed items, such as photos, cards, and equipment, are highly sought after in the sports memorabilia market.
Autographed Card
An autographed card is a sports card that has been signed by the player depicted on the card. Autographed cards can add value to a card, depending on the player’s significance and rarity.
Baseball Cap
A baseball cap is a hat worn by baseball players. Game-used caps and signed caps are highly collectible.
Baseball Card
A baseball card is a sports card that features a baseball player. Baseball cards are the heart of the sports collectibles market, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
Baseball Hall of Fame
The Baseball Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown, New York, and is home to thousands of timeless treasures that tell the history of baseball. Induction into the Hall of Fame is a significant honor for any player and often increases the value of their cards.
Basketball Card
A basketball card is a sports card that features a basketball player or team. Basketball cards have a rich history and are highly collectible, with various sets issued throughout the years.
Bowman
Bowman is a well-known sports card manufacturer that started production in 1948 with baseball, football, and basketball cards. The company produced iconic sets over the years, including the first basketball cards issued after World War II.
Boxing Card
A boxing card is a sports card that pictures a boxer. The most well-known boxing card sets include the 1948 Leaf and the 1951 Topps Ringside.
Break
In the context of sports collecting, “break” is slang for “open.” It refers to the act of opening packs of cards. For example, a collector might say, “I am going to break some wax,” meaning they are going to open packs of cards.
Cello Box
A cello box is a box that contains cello packs. Cello packs are transparent packaging that contains more cards than the standard wax packs.
Cello Pack
A cello pack is a form of card packaging that is wrapped in transparent cellophane. These packs usually contain more cards than the standard wax packs and can be highly collectible.
Centering
Centering is an important factor in determining a card’s grade or condition. It refers to how well the photo is aligned with the edges of the card. A perfectly centered card is highly valued, while cards with off-centering or borderless edges are considered less desirable.
Certificate of Authenticity
A certificate of authenticity is a document that verifies the originality or genuineness of a sports collectible. It is typically issued by the seller or a third-party authentication service and provides assurance to the buyer.
Checklist
A checklist is a list of cards in a set or series. It helps collectors keep track of the cards they need and those they have already obtained. Checklist cards are often included in sports card sets.
Chipping
Chipping refers to the condition of the edges of a card. It is most noticeable in sets with colored borders, where the contrast between the borders and the cardboard stock becomes apparent. Chipping can occur due to aging, handling, or manufacturing issues.
Cleats
Cleats refer to the shoes worn by baseball or football players. Game-used cleats are highly collectible, especially if worn by a famous athlete.
Clubhouse Signature
A clubhouse signature is a signature that is not signed by the intended athlete. It is commonly done by bat boys, equipment managers, and other available clubhouse workers. Clubhouse signatures are considered less valuable than athlete-signed autographs.
Coach’s Card
A coach’s card is a sports card that features a coach or group of coaches. These cards can provide insights into the history and influence of coaches in sports.
Coin
A coin is a metal, plastic, or cardboard disc that features an athlete or related sports topic. Some sports coins are highly collectible and can depict well-known sporting events.
Collation
Collation refers to the process of putting cards in order, usually by number. Sets can come either factory collated or hand collated, with collation being an essential consideration for collectors.
Collection
A collection refers to a group of sports cards and/or sports memorabilia accumulated by a collector. Collections can vary in size and focus, ranging from specific teams or players to a broad range of items.
Collector
A collector is a person who accumulates a specific group of items for fun, education, pride of ownership, and sometimes, profit. Collectors often have a deep knowledge and passion for their chosen field.
Collector Issue
A collector issue refers to a set of cards produced primarily for sale to collectors rather than as a premium with a commercial product. Collector issues can be authorized or unauthorized by the league or player’s association.
Combination Card
A combination card is a single card that depicts two or more players but is not a team card. These cards provide a unique perspective on the relationships and rivalries between players.
Common
A common card is a term used to describe a card that is not a rookie, semi-star, or star card. These cards are usually the least expensive cards in a set.
Complete Set
A complete set is a run of cards from a given issue that includes all the card numbers produced. Completing a set is a common goal for many collectors.
Condition
Condition refers to the state of preservation of a sports card or memorabilia item. The condition of a card is a significant factor in determining its value, with factors such as corners, surface wear, centering, and overall appearance contributing to its condition grade.
Counterfeit
A counterfeit is a bogus reproduction of a sports collectible intended to deceive buyers into believing it is the real thing. Counterfeits are often made to mimic expensive or rare items and can be difficult to detect.
Cracked
Cracked refers to the condition of a game-used bat that has developed cracks, lowering its value. The term can also be used to describe the act of opening a box or case of unopened cards.
Cracker Jack
Cracker Jack refers to the 1914 and 1915 Cracker Jack set, which was issued as an insert in Cracker Jack boxes. These sets are highly sought after by collectors, with the 1915 set being particularly valuable.
Crease
A crease refers to a bend or fold in a card. Creases are typically caused by mishandling and can significantly impact a card’s grade and value.
Crossover
Crossover refers to the process of submitting cards graded by other grading services to PSA for reevaluation. If the card meets the standards for PSA grading, it can be “cracked out” of its current holder and placed in a PSA holder.
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is given out at the end of each baseball season to the best pitcher in each league. It is named after Cy Young, one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball history.
Dealer
A dealer is a person who buys and sells collectibles professionally for a profit. Sports card and memorabilia dealers are knowledgeable about their specialty and can provide valuable insights to collectors.
Diamond Star
Diamond Star is a set of cards produced from 1934 to 1936 by National Chicle. The set features 108 color cards with artwork done from original photos. It is considered one of the more popular pre-war issues.
Die-Cut
A die-cut card is one that has been cut or perforated by the manufacturer. This technique creates unique shapes and designs, adding visual interest to the card.
Ding
Ding refers to damage on the corner of a card, typically caused by dropping or mishandling. A card with a ding is considered to be in lesser condition and has reduced value.
Donruss
Donruss is a sports card manufacturer that began production in 1981 with a baseball set. The company is well-known for its flagship Donruss baseball sets and other popular releases.
Double Header
Double Header refers to a unique set of cards issued by Topps in 1955. The cards are larger than standard size and feature colored art drawings of baseball players. When folded in half, another player’s body matches up with the shared feet and legs of the card.
Double Play
Double Play was a set issued by Gum Inc. in 1941. This set features 75 black and white cards, each depicting two different players.
Double Print
A double print occurs when a card has twice the print run of the other cards in the set. This can happen when two of the same cards are printed on a sheet that is later cut into individual cards.
Encapsulated
Encapsulated refers to the process of grading a card and sealing it in a protective plastic case. PSA encapsulates graded cards to ensure their authenticity and provide long-term protection.
Equipment
Equipment refers to any item used for participation in sports, such as uniforms, helmets, balls, and bats. Game-used equipment is highly collectible and can carry significant value.
EX
EX is short for Excellent, a grading term used to describe a card’s condition. An EX card may have light rounding of the corners, minor surface wear, and no major flaws.
EX-MT
EX-MT is short for Excellent-Mint, a grading term for a card that has minor wear on the corners, no major flaws, and 80/20 or better centering.
EXcellent (EX 5)
EXcellent is a grading term used to describe a card’s condition. An EX card may have light rounding of the corners, very light creasing, minor wear on the surface, and no worse than 85/15 centering.
EXcellent-Mint (EX-MT 6)
EXcellent-Mint is a grading term used to describe a card’s condition. An EX-MT card has minor wear on the corners, no major flaws, and 80/20 or better centering.
Exhibit Card
An exhibit card is a larger-type card that is roughly the size of a postcard. These cards were commonly sold in arcades and were produced from the 1920s to the 1960s.
extended set
An extended set refers to additional cards issued later in the print run of a set. These cards are often updates or additions to the original set.
fake
A fake is a counterfeit or forgery of a sports collectible intended to deceive buyers into believing it is the real thing.
find
A find refers to the discovery of a valuable group of cards. Some cards may be found in unexpected places, such as attics or forgotten collections.
flannel
Flannel refers to a jersey made of cotton or wool material. Flannel jerseys were commonly used in the early 20th century before being replaced by knit jerseys in the 1970s.
Fleer
Fleer is a well-known sports card manufacturer that began production in 1959 with baseball, football, and basketball cards. The company has had a long and successful history in the sports card market.
foil box
A foil box is a box of cards that contains foil packs. These packs are named for their metallic packaging, which helps protect the cards.
foil case
A foil case is a wholesale packaging of foil boxes. It typically contains multiple boxes for retail distribution.
foil packs
Foil packs are a type of card packaging that is wrapped in a transparent, metallic material. Many modern releases come in foil packs for added protection.
football card
A football card is a sports card that features a football player or team. Football cards have a rich history, with several major manufacturers producing sets throughout the years.
full bleed
Full bleed refers to a card design that has no border. The image on the card goes up to the edge of the cardboard. Full bleed cards can have a visually striking appearance.
game used
Game-used refers to a piece of equipment that has been used by an athlete during a game. Game-used items, such as jerseys, balls, and bats, are highly collectible.
Gem Mint
Gem Mint is a grading term used to describe a card that is in virtually perfect condition. It must have sharp corners, no major flaws, and excellent centering to receive this grade.
Gem MT
Gem MT is short for Gem Mint. Cards that receive a Gem Mint grade are considered to be in virtually perfect condition.
gloss
Gloss refers to the shine on the surface of a card. Most cards were originally printed with a gloss coating, which contributes to their visual appeal. The amount of gloss that remains on a card can affect its condition and value.
glossy set
A glossy set refers to a set of cards that has a more glossy finish than normal. These sets are usually rarer versions of an established set and can be highly collectible.
Good
Good is a grading term used to describe a card’s condition. A card in good condition may have rounded corners, multiple creases, and major flaws. The value of cards in this grade is somewhat diminished.
Goudey
Goudey is a well-known card manufacturer that produced cards from 1933 to 1941. The Goudey sets are highly collected, with the 1933 Goudey set being particularly popular and featuring numerous Hall of Fame players.
grade
Grade refers to the assigned condition of a sports card or memorabilia item. Grading is an important process in the collectibles market, as it determines the item’s quality, authenticity, and value.
grading
Grading is the process of assessing the condition, quality, and authenticity of a sports card or memorabilia item. Professional grading services, such as PSA, play a crucial role in the collectibles market by providing a standardized system for evaluating items.
gray back
A gray back refers to a card with a gray-colored, unprinted back. This term is commonly used to describe the 1951 Topps Red Back set.
Hall of Famer
A Hall of Famer is a player who has been inducted into a sports Hall of Fame. These players are highly regarded for their accomplishments and contributions to their respective sports.
hand-cut cards
Hand-cut cards refer to cards that need to be removed from a panel or box and were intended to be cut by the consumer. Hand-cut cards are generally not graded by PSA if they were distributed in pre-cut form and released as individual cards.
Hartland
Hartland is a company that produced statues (Hartland statues) in the 1950s and 1960s. The most notable of these are the 18 professional baseball player models, which are highly collectible. Modern reproductions of Hartland statues are also available.
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the best college football player in the United States. The trophy is highly coveted and represents one of the highest honors in college football.
high numbers
High numbers refer to the last or near the last series in a sports card set. These cards are often printed or distributed in smaller amounts, making them more valuable and sought after.
hockey card
A hockey card is a sports card that features a hockey player or team. Hockey cards have a long history, with both vintage and modern