What are Parallel cards & How Do They Work

Are you looking to start a sports card collection? Several factors, including scarcity, age, and type of card stock used, determine the rarity of a card. 

Learn about the different types of valuable modern cards, base cards, retail vs. hobby sports trading cards, and serial numbers. 

What Are Parallel Cards? 

Parallel cards are different variants of a particular card; for example, parallel color cards can be green, pink, yellow, Gold, and Silver. They can also be autographed or have game-worn memorabilia, making them highly valuable to collectors. 

The parallel designs look different depending on the card type and the brand producing the cards. 

Parallel cards add diversity and excitement to a collection. Getting cards beyond the base or standard cards keeps collecting interesting, especially when you find serial-numbered cards or mems. 

Selling popular cards like Spellbound, QBs, and Numbered Prizms can yield high profits for collectors and sellers. With a growing market for sports cards, now is the time to invest in these highly sought-after collectibles. 

Discover the lucrative world of sports card collecting and start building your collection today.

How Card Rarity Works & What to Look for When Buying Sports Cards

It depends on multiple factors; however, three distinct one’s matter most. 

3 Factors Which Contribute to a Card’s Rarity

1.  Scarcity of a particular card
2. Type of card stock used.
3. Age of the card

A box of cards not opened for years can be worth up to $3,000 to $10,000, depending on what’s available since production of those cards is no longer happening. 

Additionally, card rarity increases due to these reasons as well: 

• The card’s historical significance or cultural relevance can also contribute to its rarity and value.
• The condition of the card, including centering, corners, and edges, can significantly impact its value, with high-grade cards commanding a premium price in the market.

Types of Valuable Modern Cards

1. Chrome cards (Prizm, Optic, Select, Mosaic, Topps Chrome, and Bowman Chrome)
2. Regular cards (Genres, Contenders, Prestige, and others)
3. Vintage cards (Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Ronaldo, Messi, and Mike Trout rookie cards)

Every Card Product Has Base or ‘Common’ Cards

Every set of cards has standard cards, also known as ‘base cards,’ which have too much supply and do not hold value for the long term. 

Retail Sports Trading Cards 

1. Base Card 

• Description: Most common card to find in the set. 
• Print Runs: Lamela’s print runs are lower than other rookies and vets due to his high-profile rookie status. 

2. Inserts

• Description: Cards with irregular and busier designs compared to the base cards. 
• Value: Less valuable than the base cards. 
• Print Runs: Smaller print runs than the base cards. 
• Parallel versions and serial numbers: You can have parallel versions and serial numbers.

3. Retail Parallels

Types of Retail Products: Blasters, hangers, cello packs, gravity feed packs, and mega boxes

• Description: Cards that are a step up from the base card. 
• Red, White, and Blue: Found in cello packs.
• Green Prism: Found across various retail products.
• Purple Waves: Found in blasters. Also, known as Purple Pulsar. 
• Red Ice: Found in Target mega boxes.
• Orange Ice: Found in hanger boxes.
• Pink Ice: Typically found in Walmart mega boxes.
• Ruby Wave: Found in full retail boxes.
• Value: Arguably a step up from the cracked ice parallels.
• Red, White, and Blue: Found in cello packs.
• Green Prism: Found across various retail products.
• Purple Waves: Found in blasters.
• Red Ice: Found in Target mega boxes.
• Orange Ice: Found in hanger boxes.
• Pink Ice: Typically found in Walmart mega boxes.
• Ruby Wave: Found in full retail boxes.

Hobby Sports Trading Cards

• Autographs
• Memorabilia 
• Patches 
• Serial Number 

Hybrid (In between Retail + Hobby) Sports Trading Cards

• Disco 
• Zebras 
• Checkerboards 
• White Sparkle

Some cards will only have /399 serial numbers, meaning only 399 printed. 

1. SP = Short Print. The Serial Number is over 100; however, it has a limit written on the card. 
2. SSP = Super Short Sprint. The Serial Number is less than 99 and increases the card’s rarity. 

Selling popular cards like Spellbound, QBs, Numbered Prizms, and more can yield quick returns and high profits for collectors and sellers.

Popular card types which sell fast:

• Spellbound
• QBs – Silver Justin Fields ($5), Silver Aaron Rodgers 
• SP – Numbered Prizms 
• Red Press Proof 
• Legendary Logos 
• Select Silver Field Level 
• Holo (same as Silver but for Donruss Optic)
• Numbered Prizm Iced – Purple
• Overdrive 
• Green Wave 

Collectors highly seek these cards, and their rarity and limited availability make them even more valuable. 

Investing in these cards can provide a lucrative return on investment for those looking to sell, trade, or hold onto their collections for future growth. With a growing market for sports cards, now is the perfect time to capitalize on the demand for these trendy card types.

Why Knowing Parallel Cards Helps You Sell Better

In summary, starting a sports card collection can be a lucrative and satisfying hobby for collectors and sellers. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

Understanding the factors determining a card’s rarity, such as scarcity, age, and stock is crucial when buying valuable modern or vintage cards.

Different cards are available, including base cards, inserts, parallels, and serial-numbered cards, each with varying rarity levels and long-term value.

Selling popular cards like Spellbound, QBs, and Numbered Prizms can generate high profits for collectors and sellers, as these cards are highly sought-after. 

Their limited availability makes them even more valuable. 

Investing in these cards can provide a lucrative return on investment, and with a growing market for sports cards, now is the perfect time to capitalize on the demand for these trendy card types. 

So, start building your collection today and explore the exciting world of sports card collecting.

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