Collectible cards, often called trading cards, are traditionally associated with sports (baseball cards), but non-sports trading cards are also popular.
The origins of trading cards go back to the late 19th century when tobacco companies included illustrated cards in cigarette packages to stiffen the packaging and promote their products. These "tobacco cards" featured images of animals, historical figures, and celebrities, sparking interest among collectors who sought to complete entire sets. These early trading cards were marketing tools, as well as collectibles.
Baseball cards emerged as a cultural phenomenon in the United States in the early 20th century. One of the most iconic cards, the T206 Honus Wagner card, was produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909 and 1911. The scarcity of this card, in good condition, cemented its status as one of the most coveted cards in history. Companies like Bowman and Topps revolutionized the industry by producing sets that showcased athletes alongside player statistics, solidifying the place of baseball cards in popular culture. Many of us grew up trading these cards that were packed with bubble gum.
The modern era of trading cards has expanded beyond sports to include non-sports-related themes like movies, comics, and video games. Companies like Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, and Wizards of the Coast have become major players.
Digital trading cards represent the latest innovation in the industry. Platforms like NBA Top Shot and blockchain-based collectibles such as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) offer digital assets that blend traditional card collecting with modern technology. These digital cards often feature dynamic content, such as video highlights and interactive designs, and leverage blockchain for authentication and ownership tracking.
Trading cards are broadly categorized into sports and non-sports cards. Sports cards include baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and even niche sports like cricket and wrestling. Sports cards often feature professional athletes, their statistics, and memorable career moments. Non-sports cards cover a wider variety of themes, like comic book characters, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Star Wars, and even historical events or pop culture icons. Non-sports cards cater to collectors with diverse interests, blending fantasy, storytelling, and fandom.
Several companies have left an indelible mark on the trading card industry. Renowned for its baseball cards, Topps has been a staple in the industry since the 1950s and has expanded into entertainment-related cards. Known for its sports stickers and trading cards, Panini offers a wide variety of products for collectors worldwide. Upper Deck is known for its premium-quality cards and innovative designs, especially in hockey and basketball. A pioneer in collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering, Wizards of the Coast has influenced strategy and fantasy cards.
Card collectors employ various strategies to build their collections. A common goal is to complete entire card sets, often organized by themes, seasons, or series. Rare cards, particularly rookie cards of famous athletes, limited editions, and autographed cards, hold significant value for investors. Collectors often trade cards with others, participate in conventions, and join online communities to enhance their collections. Protecting cards in sleeves and investing in professional grading services ensures a collection's longevity, value, and integrity.
Terminology used by trading card collectors includes rookie cards, which are the first cards of a player featured in a set, and highly sought after when that player later becomes famous. Parallel cards are a variant of a base card with unique features such as foil, color, or numbering. Grading is the process of evaluating a card's condition and assigning it a grade, which affects its value. Live events where unopened packs are distributed to participants are known as breaks. A chase card is a rare or special card in a set that collectors actively seek.
Topics related to trading card collections are appropriate for this category, although sales sites should be submitted to the corresponding category within our Shopping & eCommerce section.
Recommended Resources
BGS is a trusted name in the collectibles industry, offering grading for sports cards, gaming cards, and non-sports cards. Their grading process involves a thorough inspection to verify authenticity, assess condition, and provide a numerical grade. This grade is labeled with subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface. Cards are then sealed in a tamper-proof, water-resistant case for protection. The company offers various levels of service: Base, Standard, Express, and Priority.
https://www.beckett.com/
Designed to connect trading card collectors, the website features search tools that can be used to find trading card collectors by specialty or location, with information, reviews, and complete profiles on each. After searching, collectors can compare details from their listings and contact them for additional information. Business serving the trading card industry may list their business, and traders may also opt to browse categories or locations. A members' area is included.
https://www.cardtraderexchange.com/
Collect-A-Con is the nation's largest trading card, anime, and pop culture convention. It features over 900 vendor tables showcasing sports cards, Funko POP! figures, comic books, vintage toys, video games, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, and others. The event also features celebrity guests, live performances, and exclusive merchandise. Held in several locations around the country, these locations, schedules, and ticket sales are available, and sponsors are acknowledged.
https://collectaconusa.com/
Launched in 2017, Collectible Card Club is a subscription service that delivers unopened packs of sports cards and trading card games to your door every month. Subscribers can choose by era, sport, and subscription level to receive a variety of packs tailored to their preferences. Subscribers may opt for a mix of three sports or focus on baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, trading card games, or combat sports. An email address, contact form, and social media contacts are available.
https://collectiblecardclub.com/
Professional Sports Authenticator
PSA Card is a US-based sports card and trading card grading company. Founded in 1991 by David Hall, owner of the coin grading company, Professional Coin Grading Service. PSA Card is a third-party grading service specializing in the authentication and grading of sports and non-sports trading cards, autographs, and memorabilia. The service uses a 10-point grading scale to assess the quality and condition of collectibles, thus enhancing their value and marketability.
https://www.psacard.com/
TCDb is an archive of trading cards and information related to trading cards. It is maintained through crowdsourcing, with the goal of creating a shared resource that preserves the hobby and its history, while benefiting collectors worldwide. Registered members can interact with one another and track their collections. Included are a member directory, forums, sponsorships, pricing, ratings, a glossary, and several other resources, including card companies and card shows.
https://www.tcdb.com/
