Guide · Glossary
Trading card glossary
The common trading-card terms in plain English — and what each one means for a custom card.
The short answer
A rookie card is a first-season card, a 1-of-1 is issued as a single-copy edition, and a slab is a card sealed in a protective case. On Cardbop, serial or edition numbering is optional, and a Display Card is sealed in a display case for presentation rather than third-party grading.
Card terms, defined
- Rookie card
- A player's first card — their debut season. On a custom card, you set the rookie year for a kid, a pet, or any first.
- 1-of-1 (one of one)
- A single-copy edition, usually written 1/1. On Cardbop, 1/1 is an optional customer-entered edition label, not authenticated scarcity.
- Serial number
- A number that marks a card's place in an edition, such as 1/1 or 3/25. The field is optional on a Cardbop card.
- Slab
- A card sealed in a hard protective case. Cardbop's Display Card is slabbed and sealed in a display case.
- Display case
- The clear case a card is sealed in so it can stand on a shelf, protected and display-ready.
- Parallel
- A variant of a card with a different color or finish. On a custom card, your chosen style plays a similar role.
- Card stock
- The thick paper a real card is printed on — heavier and sturdier than a photo print.
- Front and back
- The front carries the photo and name; the back holds stats and a message. Custom cards let you write both.
- Nameplate
- The banner on the card that holds the name and title. It changes with the card style.
- Card Pack
- A set of cards. Cardbop's Card Pack is 10 cards — great for a team, group, or set.
More: serial numbers explained · custom rookie card · custom slabbed card · card size
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Frequently asked questions
What is a rookie card?+
A rookie card is a player's first card — their debut season. On a custom card you set the rookie year, so you can make a rookie card for a kid's first season, a new pet, or any first.
What does 1-of-1 mean?+
1-of-1 means a card was issued as a single-copy edition. On Cardbop, you may enter 1/1 as an optional edition label; Cardbop does not authenticate print scarcity.
What is a slabbed card?+
A slabbed card is sealed in a hard protective case. Cardbop's Display Card is slabbed and sealed in a display case so it's protected and ready to stand on a shelf.
What is a serial number on a card?+
It's the number that marks a card's place in an edition, such as 1/1 or 3/25. On Cardbop, the field is optional and customer-entered; it does not authenticate scarcity.
How much does a custom card cost?+
The current promotional price is $20 for one Display Card and $35 for a 10-card Card Pack. Regular prices are $25 and $50. Designing is free, and you can personalize one in minutes.