Serial number card glossary

The terms you will see on serial-numbered cards and in listings, in plain words.

Serial number

The stamped number on a limited card, like 23/99: this copy's number, then how many were made.

Print run

How many copies of a parallel were made: the number after the slash. A "/99" card had 99 copies.

Parallel

A version of a base card in a different color or finish (Silver, Gold, Black ...), often with its own print run.

Rainbow

Every parallel of one card. Collecting the jersey match of every parallel is a "jersey match rainbow".

Jersey match

The copy whose serial equals the player's jersey number for that season. Full explanation.

Last-copy jersey match

When the jersey number equals the print run, like 23/23: the last copy is also the match. More.

1/1 (one-of-one)

A parallel with only one copy made. It is a jersey match only for a player who wore 1.

SP / SSP

Short print / super short print: cards made in smaller quantities than the rest of the set, sometimes without a serial number.

Refractor / Prizm

Shiny chromium finishes (Topps calls them refractors, Panini calls them Prizms) that come in many numbered colors.

Licensed

Made with the league's license, so the card shows team logos and uniforms. Unlicensed cards show neither.

RC (rookie card)

A card from the player's first official season. Rookie-year jersey matches are among the most chased.

Auto / patch

A card with an autograph, or a piece of game-worn material (a "patch"). Often numbered, often thick.

Graded

Authenticated and condition-graded by a grading company, then sealed in a slab with a label.

pt (thickness)

Card thickness in points. Standard cards are about 35pt; patch cards can be 100pt or more and need thicker holders.