Relic Card
Relic card (noun): a trading card with a piece of memorabilia embedded in it — most often a swatch of a player's jersey, but also bat, ball, patch, or equipment pieces. Also called a memorabilia card.
Relic Cards in More Detail
Relics range from common single-color jersey swatches to premium multi-color patches, laundry tags, and logo pieces — the rarer and more distinctive the swatch, the higher the value. Check the card back: manufacturers state whether the material is game-worn, player-worn, or event-worn, and that wording matters to value.
Combine a relic with a rookie card and an autograph and you have the hobby's flagship chase, the RPA.
FAQ
Are relic cards valuable?
Common jersey relics are affordable; value climbs with star power, patch quality, serial numbering, and game-worn (vs player-worn) material.
What does game-worn vs player-worn mean?
Game-worn material was used in an actual game; player-worn was worn by the player but not necessarily in game action. The card back states which.
Related Resources
- Glossary: RPA · Book Card · On-Card Auto
- Shop: Memorabilia Cards · Autographed Cards