One of One Sports Card Buying Guide
If you go to eBay and search the sports card category using the term "1/1" you will get almost 3,000 different items. I bet that only half of them are true 1/1 cards. The hobby has spawned some very creative people trying to get you to think a card is serial numbered 1/1 when its really not. People's reasons for a card to be a 1/1 are just plain outrageous and too many people are falling for their scam. Below are some of the biggest excuses for a card to be a 1/1:
- Jersey Number - Say a card is numbered 10/100. The seller could say that the card is a 1/1 because the player's jersey number is 10 and thats the only one like it.
- First One Made - People may say that a card is a 1/1 because it was the first one made. For example, a card numbered 1/100.
- Last One Made - People may say that a card is a 1/1 because it was the last one one made. For example, a card numbered 100/100.
- Statistic - Someone may claim a card is a 1/1 because the number matches a statistic from their career. For example, height, weight, birthday, debut, etc...
- Math - By doing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division people may claim a card is a 1/1 because just by doing math and using the numbers the answer may match up with the players birthday, jersey number, or statistic from their career. For example, a card numbered 12/20 being considered a 1/1 because 12 + 20 = 32, and 32 is the player's jersey number.
- Only One They Have Seen - Some people may say a card is a 1/1 because it is the only one that they have seen.
- High Grade - Cards have been considered 1/1 because the seller thinks that it would get a high grade.
These are just a few of the many tricks sellers try to pull with potential buyers. The only way a card can be a true 1/1 is if it is serial numbered by the manufacturer. Check the seller's feedback and do your research on that specific brand of cards to see whether there are real 1/1's within the product.
 |
 |
LivingDedMan | Oct 4, 2008 | Reply
Yes, it's a truly sickening practice.
Mike Smith, Editor | Oct 4, 2008 | Reply
All very good points, Andrew. The 1/1 craze has gotten way out of control. Another thing to watch for are cards from the 2007 Allen & Ginter Dick Perez Insert Set. Each one of those cards inexplicably has a 1/1 written on the front of it.
LennyP | Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
How can you blame sellers when the manufactures don't understand the meaning of 1 of 1?