Beginner's Guide to Collecting Modern Sports Cards

Modern sports cards can feel confusing at first. Here are the terms you will see most often.

Key terms

• Rookie card (RC): a player's first officially licensed card in a major release. Often the most collected card of a player.
• Base card: the standard version of a card in a set.
• Parallel: a variation of a base card, usually with a different color or finish. Many are produced in limited quantities.
• Serial-numbered: cards stamped with a number such as 25/99, meaning 99 copies exist.
• Autograph (auto): a card signed by the player, either on the card (on-card) or on a sticker applied to it.
• Relic / memorabilia card: a card containing a piece of jersey, bat or other material.
• Hobby vs. retail: hobby boxes are sold primarily through card shops and online breakers, while retail products are sold through big-box stores. Contents and odds differ.

Collect with a plan

• Choose a focus: a team, a player, a set or a sport.
• Set a budget and stick to it. Boxes are entertainment; singles are usually the more predictable way to get a specific card.
• Research sold comps before buying singles. The Sold Comps Research page links you directly to free sources.

Protect and track

Sleeve and top-load cards you value, and keep a record of what you paid. FlipScout's free collection tracker helps you watch your cost basis and record any sales.