On-Card Auto vs Sticker Auto
On-card auto (noun): an autograph signed directly on the card's surface. A sticker auto is signed on a clear label that's applied to the card afterward. Collectors pay a premium for on-card.
On-Card vs Sticker in More Detail
The difference is logistics: on-card requires shipping actual cards to players to sign; stickers let players sign sheets of labels that manufacturers apply across products. On-card autos look cleaner, integrate with the design, and signal a premium product — which is why "true RPA" implies on-card.
You can spot a sticker by its glossy rectangle sitting on top of the card surface; on-card ink interacts directly with the card finish.
FAQ
Why are on-card autos worth more?
Aesthetics and prestige — the signature is part of the card, not a label. Same player, same product, on-card versions typically sell higher.
Are sticker autos still authentic?
Completely — the player signed the sticker under the same authentication program. It's a presentation difference, not an authenticity difference.
Related Resources
- Glossary: RPA · Cut Signature · Redemption Card
- Shop: Autographed Cards