Pop Report
Pop report (noun): short for population report — a grading company's public census showing how many copies of a card it has graded at each grade level.
Pop Reports in More Detail
PSA, BGS, SGC, and CGC each publish pop reports. "Pop 3" means only three copies exist at that grade from that company. Collectors use pop reports to judge real scarcity — a gem mint 10 with a pop in the single digits is a fundamentally different card than one with thousands graded.
Pop reports only count what's been submitted — raw copies aren't captured, so populations grow over time as more cards get graded. That's why low pop on a modern card can be temporary.
FAQ
What does pop 1 mean?
Only one copy of that card has been graded at that level by that company — often marketed as the ultimate scarcity claim, though pops can rise as more get submitted.
Where do I check a pop report?
Each grading company publishes its census on its website — look up the card's set, number, and variation to see the population at every grade.
Related Resources
- Glossary: Graded Card · Gem Mint (PSA 10)
- Shop: Sports Cards