I've been working on a new website lately and one thing I want it to have is a glossary of card collecting terms. I know we throw them around like everyone knows what we are talking about, but a lot of people don't know and I'd like to help them.

So here's the list I already have, additions and corrections welcomed!

1/1 Card… Symbol for the phrase One of One, or an unique card that only one exists. Some will say sketch cards are inherently 1/1 cards

ACEO Card… "Art Cards Editions and Original" Basically a custom art card by an artist using practically any medium. Originals means the original art piece. Editions means the card has non-original prints available. Always ask if unsure if it is Original or an Edition.

Acetate Card… A card printed on clear plastic stock. Printed on one or both sides. Usually an insert card.

Allocation… When a product is sold out an dealers/collectors are allocated less product than they ordered

Archival Safe… Products that are manufactured not to harm your cards in long term storage.

Archive Box… A box that has all the pack inserted chase cards inside the packs, usually earned as in incentive. The term is used by Rittenhouse Archives for their hot boxes and the term is often used for other hot boxes.

ArtiFex… A term used by Rittenhouse Archives for their canvas stock cards.

Artist Proof Sketch… A sketch card which is normally obtained from the Artist. Proofs are usually given to artists as an additional form of payment for working on a set.

Artist Return Sketch… A sketch card which is normally obtained from the Artist. Returns are usually given to artists as an additional form of payment for working on a set.

Autograph Card… A card that has been autographed by someone connected to the set's theme. Usually quite rare.

Base Set… The most common cards that come from a pack. Vary from small sets to huge numbers of cards.

BGS… Beckett Grading Service. A company that grades cards. See Grading.

Binder… Simply a ringed binder to store cards in pages. Some are produced for manufacturer's products as well.

Book Value… The value of a card according to a written or online price guide.

Booklet Card… A card that is hinged on one edge and opens up into a larger card. Have been done with sketches, autographs, and wardrobe cards.

Bordered Card… A card where there is a border around the edges to frame in the image. Used as a type of autograph card mainly.

Box Topper… A card that is placed in the card box but not in packs as an incentive for those that purchase a whole box.

Brick and Mortar… A dealer that has a physical location where you can go and shop. It's very rare to find a non-sport brick and mortar store as most are either sport card shops or comic book shops that sell non-sport cards as a small percentage of a larger inventory.

Canvas Stock… Card stock that simulates the appearance of being actual canvas. See also ArtiFex.

Card Supplies… Items used to display or store your cards.

Card Text… The words or story on the backs of cards. Many modern cards have little to no card text.

Case Topper…. A card that is placed in the card case but not in the boxes as an incentive for those that purchase a whole case.

CCG… Collectible Card Game. Not usually considered a non-sport card but the difference is sometimes debatable.

Cel… A card printed on clear plastic stock. Printed on one or both sides. Usually an insert card.

Cello Pack… A clear wrapper is used for the cards so you can see what is inside the pack.

Chase Card… Card produced in smaller numbers and usually that come in fewer packs. See also Insert Cards

Chipping… When the colored surface chips along the edges exposing the interior color of the card. Especially noticeable on black cards with white interiors. Happens on both new and old cards.

Chrome Card… A card finish that is smooth and reflective, normally silver but also in colors.

Common… A term for a base set card or cards. Starting to be used for some inserts that have high insertion rates, common insert.

Condition: Excellent… A card that is well centered, has square corners, no missing pieces, and no creases. Abbreviated EX by graders.

Condition: Mint… A card that has no visible defects and appears to be new. Abbreviated MT

Condition: Near Mint… A card that is between EX and MT. May have one or two weak corners, slight wax stain, slightly off center. Abbreviated NM by graders.

Condition: Off Center… A card that is not centered after cutting. Will have one or two borders visibly wider than the one on the other side of the card. Abbreviated OC by graders.

Condition: Staining… A card that has wax pack or gum stains may be noted as Stained. Especially common in cards that were issued with gum or food premiums. Abbreviated ST by graders.

Costume Card… A card with a piece of costume material embedded in the card and visible through the card.

Count… When used in terms of storage boxes this indicated how many cards will fit (on average) within that box. i.e. a 100-count box holds approximately 100 cards.

Counterfeit… A card or set that is reproduced without permission from the original manufacturer. Autograph cards and the autographs themselves are frequent targets of counterfeiters.

Decoy Cards… A thick card with no collecting value that is put into packs to make it harder to find the thicker premium cards.

Die Cut Card… A card that has been cut into a shape other than a rectangle, usually an insert card.

Die Cut Sticker… A sticker card that has been die cut so the outline of the artwork is the sticker. Popular with Wacky Packages by Topps.

Distributor… Traditionally a distibutor was the middleman between the Manufacturer and the Dealer. Distributors buy in relative bulk and sell as needed to dealers. Also called wholesalers.

Double… A term for cards you already have one of in a set. Used for both commons and inserts.

Dumping… The practice of selling off product for a fraction of the original cost. Can happen at the manufacturers lever or at a dealer level.

Embossed… A card that has had part of the image pressed and raised on the card. Used mostly for inserts.

Error Card… A card with some form of error. Can be a typographical error, missing color, or missing some other process.

Exclusive… When a product is made exclusively for one event or even one dealer. Many promos are exclusive in how they are distributed. Many manufacturers make exclusive promos or products for certain conventions or show.

Factory Set… A complete set that comes straight from the manufacturer without packs and boxes involved.

Foil Card… A card printed on foil coated card stock.

Foil Stamped… A card with details in foil while the card itself is standard card stock.

Full Bleed Card… A card where the image continues to the very edge of the card without any kind of border. Used as a type of autograph card mainly.

Gloss Coat… The coating on the front and/or back of a card that makes it shiny. See also Spot Gloss.

Grading… The process of sending a card to an "expert" and having the condition of a card determined. The card is then put in a sealed holder to keep the condition the same as when it was graded.

Hit… A premium card pulled from a pack. See also: Autograph, Costume, Memorabilia, Relic, Prop, Serial Numbered

Hobby Version… When a product has a different configuration for hobby stores. Normally hobby product has better cards than Retail. Can be a hobby case, box, or pack.

Holofoil… A card stock that is holographic foil, meaning the stock has a 3D effect. Usually the images are printed on top and the holofoil serves as a background.

Hologram… A card that is manufactured to have a 3D appearance with or without motion. See also Holofoil.

Hot Box… A box that has more hits than normally found in a box from that set. Usually randomly inserted in cases.

Incentive Card… A card that is not in packs that is given away as an incentive for purchasing multiple boxes or cases of cards.

Insert Card… Card produced in smaller numbers and usually that come in fewer packs. See also Chase Cards

Insert Ratio… On average, the number of packs you would need to open to find a particular card. 1:12 means 1 card in 12 packs.

Laser Cut… Similar to die cut, but laser cut cards have sections of the interior of the card cut away.

Lenticular… A card stock that is plastic and has either a motion or 3D image within the card.

Licensed… A card set is licensed if it is produced with the permission of those that own the rights to the subject matter. Most entertainment products are licensed.

Loaded Box… A box that has all the pack inserted chase cards inside the packs, usually earned as an incentive. The term is used by Breygent Manufacturing for their hot boxes.

Magnetic Holder… A two piece card holder with a recessed area for the card and the halves that are held together by a magnets. Comes in different point sizes.

Manufactured Patch… A patch that was manufactured with the sole purpose of being put into a trading card. These have no physical connection to wardrobe or uniforms.

Master Set… A set that includes ever card in the set. Typically it include all autographs and other difficult to pull cards. But contents can vary. If buying master set, be sure to communicate and make sure you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Medallion Card… A insert card in many 1990's sets, these often had the picture of a medallion on the back and were also often serial numbered.

Memorabilia… A card with a piece of costume material embedded in the card and visible through the card.

Mini Card… A card that is smaller than a standard card. See also Tobacco Card.

Mini Press Sheet… An uncut sheet of a small number of cards. Inkworks made these for their 9 card puzzles and they also exist for many promo sets.

Mini-Master Set… A set that includes the base set and a number of the insert sets. Typically, everything but the hardest cards to pull but will vary. If buying a mini-master set, be sure to communicate and make sure you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Modern… Newer cards. There is some debate, but most will consider anything after 1979 to be modern.

Monster Box… A cardboard storage box that typically has room for 4 rows of cards inside with a divider between them. Also called a 4-row or 3200 count box.

Non-Sport Card… A card that is not a Sports Card. Covers a wide variety of subjects from entertainment, comics, art, and pop culture.

NPN… No Purchase Necessary. Some manufactures have offers of their cards for the public where no purchase is necessary. Primarily to avoid being called gambling.

On Card Autograph… When the autograph is signed directly on the face of the card as opposed to on a sticker.

One of One… A card where only one copy exists. Typically serial numbered 1/1, most sketch cards are also considered one of one cards.

Pack… Package that trading cards come in. Foil packs are most common in modern products. See also Wax and Premium Pack

Pages… Plastic (non PVC) pages to store cards. Comes in many sizes. You want ones certified as Archival Safe

Parallel… A card that is identical to another set but made with some sort of "special" process like foil, foil stamping, or refractors. Many are serial numbered to indicate how many were made.

Patch Card… A card where a whole or a considerable piece of a patch from a costume or uniform is embedded. See also Manufactured Patch.

Penny Sleeve… Plastic sleeve for card to protect from damage. Called a penny sleeve because that's about what they cost.

Pieceworks Card… A name for costume cards that were made by Inkworks.

Pocket… The part of a storage page where the card is inserted. Used to define the number of pockets on a page such as 9 pocket or 6 pocket.

Point… A measure of thickness of a card. Used especially when picking out card holders. See Topload, Magnetic Holder, and Snap Tite.

Pop-Up Card… A card that becomes 3 dimensional when a tab is pulled.

Premium Box.. A box that has a complete set plus some number of inserts or premium cards. Similar to a Factory Set, but with more content. See also Set Box.

Premium Pack… A pack that guarantees 1 or more "Hits" per pack.

Pre-order… The process of ordering a product that will be released at a future date. For popular titles pre-orders are a good way to secure your order at a pre-determined price before the cards are produced.

Preprint… Usually used to mean the autograph on a item is not original, but a print of an autographed item. Used a LOT on eBay.

Print Run… How many cases/boxes/packs were produced. Some manufacturers share this information and some do not.

Printing Plate… A metal plate used in the printing process, usually in 4 different ink colors. Printing Plate Cards are inserts that are inserted into some products.

Prism Card… An insert card that has a repeating holographic foil pattern on the card stock.

Product Premium Card… A card produced to be given away with the purchase of a product, typically inside the packaging. See also Promo Card.

Promo Card… A card produced for promotional purposes and typically given away in some manner. See also Product Premium Card.

Prop Card… A card that contains a piece of a prop from a show or movie.

PSA… Professional Sports Authenticator. A company that grades cards. See Grading.

Pull… A high value card that was pulled out of a pack of cards. See also Hit.

Puzzle Back… When the back of certain cards form a larger image when put together.

Puzzle Cards… Cards that when put together form a larger puzzle. Many base sets have puzzle backs and there are puzzle insert sets as well.

Puzzle Sketch Card… A multi-card set that has been hand drown on by an artist and makes a larger picture if put together.

Rack Pack… A large cello wrapper, usually with multiple stacks of cards inside. These were often close out cards or retail exclusives.

Redemption Card… A card which can normally be redeemed for another card. Used when the autograph cards were not available when the cards were put into packs. Beware that redemptions normally have expiration date and may no longer be valid. All Inkworks redemption cards have expired.

Refractor… A card similar to chrome finish, but the light reflects a rainbow patter when held at an angle

Relic… A card with a piece of costume material or prop embedded in the card and visible through the card.

Repaired Card… A card that has had a defect concealed. Such as coloring a chipped edge or trimming an edge for sharp corners. Undesirable and un-gradeable in most cases.

Reprint… When a set is reprinted. Some reprints are official and some are bootleg copies. Beware of reprints being represented as original cards, especially vintage cards.

Retail Version… When a product has a different configuration for retail stores. Normally retail product has less content than Hobby products and is typically cheaper as well. Can be retail case, box, or pack.

Sample Card… A card produced as a sample of what the larger set will look like and usually given away as a promotional card. See promo card.

SASE… Self Addressed Stamped Envelope. An envelope you send to someone so they can send something back to you at no cost to them. Popular in trading and promo card offers.

Screwdown… A two piece card holder with a recessed area for the card and halves that are held together by one or more screws. Comes in different point sizes.

Sealed Box… A card box that is still factory sealed. This ensures that any premiums that are guaranteed will still be in the box. Look for the manufacturer's name on the wrapping as shady dealers can re-wrap boxes in clear wrap. If in doubt, walk away.

Sell Sheet… A advertising item produced to announce trading card sets. Typically 8 1/2 x 11 inches but can also be other sizes and even brochures.

Serial Numbered… A card that is marked to indicate how many were made and which number that particular card is. As in: 10 of 12 or 10/12 means that is card number 10 out of only 12 cards produced.

Set Box… A box that has a complete set plus some number of inserts or premium cards. Similar to a Factory Set, but with more content. See also Premium Box.

Shadowbox Card… A card with different layers that give a 3d effect. A specialty insert card.

Shaped Sketch… A sketch card which has been die cut into a shape. Topps used these for several Star Wars Sets.

Shoebox… A cardboard storage box that typically has room for 2 rows of cards inside with a divider between them. Also called a 2-row or 1600 count box.

Sketch Card… A card that has been hand drawn on by an artist. Most are considered 1 of 1 cards. See also puzzle sketch card.

SketchaFex… A term used by Rittenhouse Archives for their sketch cards.

Sketchagraph… The term first coined by Fleer/Skybox for their sketch cards.

SkyMotion Card… Fleer/Skybox's term for their high quality lenticular motion cards. See lenticular.

Slabbed Card… Term for a card that has been put into a protective holder by a grading company

Snap Tite… A two piece card holder with a recessed area for the card and that snaps shut to keep the card enclosed. Comes in different point sizes.

Spot Gloss… A manufacturing process where only part of the card gets a gloss coat.

SRP… Or MSRP. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for a product. Has little to do with the price you'll pay except in retail stores.

Standard Size… "Standard" Cards are 2.5" x 3.5"

Sticker Autograph… When the autograph is signed on a sticker which is then placed on a card. Considered less desirable than On Card autographs by many.

Sticker Card… A sticker that is the size of a standard card. Popular as some of the first inserts in the 1970's and still occasionally today. Some sets are made up entirely of sticker cards.

Super Monster Box… A cardboard storage box that typically has room for 5 rows of cards inside with a divider between them. Also called a 5-row or 5000 count box.

Team Bag… A plastic sleeve with an adhesive seal that you can store multiple cards in. Originally used to put team sets into from sports card sets.

Tobacco Card… A card that is typically smaller than "standard". Originally was put in tobacco packs as a product premium. Many modern sets have tobacco sized inserts or parallels.

Topload… A hard plastic holder to protect cards. Comes in various sizes. Most people use them with a penny sleeve to protect their better cards

Trimmed Card… A card that has be cut along the edge(s) to conceal damage resulting in a slightly smaller card. Undesirable and un-gradeable in most cases.

Uncut Sheet… A sheet or strip of cards as they came from the printer, but before they were cut to size. Can be as small as 2 cards and as big as 100+ cards.

Unlicensed… A card or set that is made without permission/approval of the rights holder for the subject. Usually much less desirable than licensed cards.

Unopened Box… A card box that is still factory sealed. This ensures that any premiums that are guaranteed will still be in the box. Look for the manufacturer's name on the wrapping as shady dealers can re-wrap boxes in clear wrap. If in doubt, walk away.

UV… Ultraviolet Light. UV light fades both cards and signatures. Some card holders come with UV protection.

Variant… A card that is different from the average cards in the sets. i.e. Autographs with an inscription or a costume card with a piece of a logo or patch.

Vintage… Older cards. While there is some debate, but most will consider anything prior to 1980 vintage. See also Modern.

Wardrobe Card… A card with a piece of costume material embedded in the card and visible through the card.

Wax Pack… Older style packaging for trading cards. Waxed paper is heated to seal the packs.

Widevision… Widevision cards are 2.5" x 4 11/16"

Wrapper… The packaging for trading cards. Modern cards are almost always in foil wrappers while order cards can be in cello packs or wax pack.

X-Up Sheets… When a sheet of uncut cards has X number of cards. Such as 4-Up Sheets, 6-Up Sheets, etc.


I think I have a good start but a few fresh sets of eyes would be greatly appreciated.

Ed

7/22: Added 26 new definitions thanks to Card Talk members!

7/23: Added 14 new definitions.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Scifi Cards,

____________________
Trading Page Now Online: http://www.scifi.cards/trading.html

Collecting Sketches of the Character Crystal

At the moment, all I can see that may be needed is a differential between Wardrobe/Costume cards that were worn as against "material used in the creation of". Also, the difference between on-card autos and stickers.
Who would have thought a little piece of card would be so involved Well done for this list, Ed

Ed - Great list, I can only think of "Uncut Mini Press Sheet"/"Mini Press Sheet" as a term, you have Uncut Sheet but sometimes you just see these referred to as Mini Press sheet

This message has been edited. Last edited by: hammer,

A term I find myself using in looking for promos something is Sample Card.

I'm sure others will pop up, but that looks like a pretty complete list

Nice list.

"Die Cut Sticker" or "Die Cut Sticker Card" might be an addition.

Should "Prisim Card" be spelled "prism card"?

Great job.

Some other terms I can think of -

Hobby Box/Pack
Retail Box/Pack
Full Bleed Auto
Case Hit

How about:

Factory Sets
Keepsake Sets
4-up sheets
6-up sheets
50-up sheets

That's a heckuva list, Ed.
With the other suggestions and the following, I think you may about have it all.

The following:

OCD
Flat broke.

That's a big list, and I'll bet we could double it if we really tried.

Allocation - A new favorite term for dealers and collectors alike I'm sure.

Premium Box - Not a premium pack, but those small, full base set boxes that also include one or more hits.

Artist Proof or Artist Return - You know, those great sketches that are returned to the artist and I can't afford.

Bordered - RA's term for the auotgraph card style other than the Full Bleed.

Gloss or High Gloss - The stuff that makes the cards look pretty before they all stick together.

Slabbed or Slabbed Cards - Graded cards in tamper proof slabs, except when owners bust them open because the rating is too low.

Unlicensed Card - Opposite of licensed cards.

Counterfeit - Fake card, forged signature, sometimes both.

Fake - See above.

Pockets - As in pages.

Damaged - Anything negative on the card that lowers the grade or value, damage may come from the manufacturing process or anytime after.

SRP - Suggested Retail Price from the manufacturer.

Give me some time and I'll remember more. It's a shame that this is all I have to do.

Pop-Up Cad…. I might have dated one of these in college! LOL.

Now I have a question - are a cel and acetate card the same thing?

Also

Repaired Card - A card that has had damage fixed or concealed, be it a hole filled in, or a chipped border painted or an edge trimmed. Repaired cards are worse off than if left in the original condition.

Trimmed Card - The card is cut down at the edges to conceal damage, making it smaller than the standard size.

Chipping - Damage at the card edges, usually due to black colored borders that are breaking away. Some older products are very prone to this damage.

Some great additions... Keep 'em coming!

But... If you suggest a term you have to also give it's definition. I have no idea what a keepsake set is.

Ed

quote:

Originally posted by Lovemesomecards:
Now I have a question - are a cel and acetate card the same thing?

In strict terms no.

Acetate cards are usually the whole card that is clear and plastic.

Cel cards usually have a window of plastic or of actual film that is much thinner than an acetate card.

But, many people do use these terms interchangeably.

Ed

quote:

Originally posted by Raven:
Counterfeit - Fake card, forged signature, sometimes both.

Fake - See above.

Damaged - Anything negative on the card that lowers the grade or value, damage may come from the manufacturing process or anytime after.

Give me some time and I'll remember more. It's a shame that this is all I have to do.

I've debated about some generic terms. Shouldn't everyone know what a fake or counterfeit is. But, as it pertains to cards it might be relevant.

Trust me Raven, I've sat at this list for an hour or more several different times. But, I think it is a good resource for new collectors and old collectors who might not know the current lingo in trading cards.

Ed

It's already a GREAT resource

quote:

Originally posted by Scifi Cards:

quote:

Originally posted by Raven:
Counterfeit - Fake card, forged signature, sometimes both.

Fake - See above.

Damaged - Anything negative on the card that lowers the grade or value, damage may come from the manufacturing process or anytime after.

Give me some time and I'll remember more. It's a shame that this is all I have to do.

I've debated about some generic terms. Shouldn't everyone know what a fake or counterfeit is. But, as it pertains to cards it might be relevant.

Trust me Raven, I've sat at this list for an hour or more several different times. But, I think it is a good resource for new collectors and old collectors who might not know the current lingo in trading cards.

Ed

Well I was making a joke there, hence the laughing face. I think its a good brain teaser and a great resource to come up with a card collector's dictionary as it were. Its not just old collectors that might not understand current lingo, but also new collectors that don't know terms that came before and sometimes are not even used for modern cards.

As for generic words, its not that simple because you may have terms that you think are self explanatory, but other people have totally different ideas about what they mean.

For example, here's some not on your list that people often don't understand even though you would expect them to:

Dealer or Card Dealer - When is it a dealer and when is it just a seller?

Distributor or Card Distributor - What's the difference between a distributor and a dealer?

Manufacturer or Card Manufacturer - Is it made by a major brand or a home art project?

Brick'N'Mortar - It's a real hobby store, but many collectors have never seen one.

L - Limited - How many copies is that?

XL - Extra Limited - Same question.

VL - Very Limited - Same question.

Print Run - How many base cards printed? How many boxes made? Sometimes stated, sometimes not. What's better?

Patch Card, or Manufactured Patch Card - Not the same at all. A Patch Card is a cut of a real patch on a real costume and is valuable to me. A Manufactured Patch Card is just something the manufacturer put together as another hit and has no value to me. Others would disagree with the value part of course.

Con Exclusives - OK I think I might have just made that one up, but it is real these days. Cards that are promos or even expansions or even totally new sets, made solely for a given card show or convention. SDCC anyone? I don't know about other collectors, but the frequency and outstanding quality of these cards that are hard to come by are starting to bother me, to put it mildly.

So if we all think about and want to be inelusive in this project, which really is a project, we could come up with many more of these words or terms that get batted around, but may still be misunderstood even when we think we know them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Raven,

I did see a few grammatical/spelling errors, though I am not sure those are the kinds of corrections you're looking for. So, sorry if I've overstepped by pointing this out.

Otherwise, this is a wonderful glossary so far and has even educated me on some terms I was previously not familiar with.

Good luck with this Ed.

I will try to find time to read through all of this and give you input.

It's tough when manufactures aren't sure of the terms, and have different names for the same thing.

I recently was in search of securing some AP cards. Artists had different terms. Things became very confusing in a hurry. Some professions where new to the sketch card thing. Some cards were worked on a year ago, so things where unclear to which season they did the work for. For example, I don't think there's any difference in TWD season 3 part 1 and part 2 sketch cards.

Also:

Mystery Pack - If you know Breygent, you know its Mystery Packs.

Rainbow Refractor - Its a refractor with even more color, for even more money. Many a collector, including myself, can't tell the difference on sight, but I'm told it's there.

Vintage Card and Modern Card - Where you place a card all depends on the span of years you choose and there is no universal agreement on the last year for vintage and the first year of the modern era.

Back Door - A commom term not just for cards. It implies product that was not acquired through normal or legal channels.

Text - Usually means the back of the card, the part that no one reads.

1/1 - The elusive and rare one of one card. Sometimes stamped or written on the card, sometimes just understood, like in all sketches are technically 1/1s, although some images may be reused. All 1/1s are not created equal.