What am I Chasing?

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Ok, you opened your first box of cards.

Let’s talk about the three biggest chase cards that every collector hopes to find

Want to know more about firsts, autos, and patches?

Here’s what you should know as you begin your chase:

ROOKIE CARD

The first cards that are released following a player’s Major League debut.

BOWMAN FIRST

The first time a prospect (e.g. a college or minor league player) appears in a Bowman set

Today, rookie cards are designated by an “RC” stamp on the front of the card

Similarly, First Bowman cards are designated with a special ‘1st’ or ‘1st Bowman’ stamp. just like the one above.

And then there’s Patch Cards

Cards that feature a multi-colored jersey patch embedded in the card itself.

and Autograph Cards

Signed by a player, celebrity, or subject.

But not all first, autos, and patches are created equal.

Another key factor is the scarcity of the card itself.

So for our next lesson, let’s talk a bit more about scarcity…

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One of the biggest factors that make chase cards chase-worthy is their level of scarcity.

Let’s begin with a review of why scarcity matters

The most desired and desirable chase cards tend to be ultra scarce.

For example …

The T206 Honus Wagner (1909)
With less than 100 copies known to exist, it’s one of the most iconic and valuable cards ever made

Topps Gold Refractors
Gold Refractors are limited to 50, and are one of the most coveted parallels in the hobby

let’s talk more about parallels…

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Some of the biggest chase cards are Parallels

So what’s a parallel and why does it matter?

When chasing parallels, be on the lookout for numbered parallels, which are highly (and precisely) limited

Here’s how to identify them

Purple Refractor Parallels are limited to /250.
(THIS PARTICULAR CARD IS #80 OF 250)

Gold Refractor Parallels Are Limited To 50
This one is #2 of 50

Some parallels are even limited to 1/1

the rarest of all!

Which brings us to the Superfractor…

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Let’s talk about Superfractors

Superfractors can be found across Topps brands and products

NOW YOU KNOW WHAT TO CHASE!

TIME TO KEEP LEARNING

“how do i start?”

“how do i buy?”

✓ “WHAT AM I CHASING?”

“WHAT NOW?”

 
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