All manner of abbreviations have emerged in online titles to indicate key card and memorabilia characteristics. They exist to sell items, show up in searches, and catch the eyes of the buyers continuously running online searches. However, when you check the photo, you have to confirm that the abbreviations are accurate before buying or trading.

RC — Rookie Card

AUTO — factory-issued autograph card (NOT signed AFTER it was taken out of the pack it came in). The autograph might be taped on, or signed on the card, but the buyer can trust that the card company has secured the autograph via the guarantee which is printed on the card. If the autograph is not mentioned or printed on the card stock itself in some text then it’s false advertising. Do NOT buy an autographed card if you do not see a printed guarantee on the card from the card company itself.

SIGNED — a card that has been signed separately by a plyer. It was not signed when it came out of the pack, but singed lager. Signed cards must be authenticated by one of the major authenticators PSA/DNA JSA or BAS; or SGC the reputable card grader.

ON-CARD AUTO — A card that has been hard-signed by the subject, and not affixed with a signed sticker.

RPA Rookie Patch Auto — card that offers the first piece of material and autograph of a certain player..

PSA/DNA — autograph authenticated by PSA/DNA An item with PSA?DNA in the title is claiming to have been authenticated by PSA/DNA, and a certificate of authenticity from PSA/DNA should be included with the item or it’s false advertising.

JSA — autograph authenticated by James Spence Authentication. An item with JSA in the title is claiming to have been authenticated by JSA, and a certificate of authenticity from JSA should be included with the item or it’s false advertising.

PSA — graded card, followed by a number from 1-10 assessing the condition of the card, or followed by an “A” if the card is real but altered. The item in the accompanying photo of the listing would have to be encased in a plastic sleeve with the corresponding grade visible at the tope of the encapsulated card, or it’s false advertising.

GU — card will have a piece of material worn by the subject in a game, or memorabilia was used in a game.

Piece of — A card features a piece of players jersey, cap, bat, or any other item that was used in a game or worn by the player. It is important to distinguish when you see these relics in a card if the item was simply “worn” by the player or “used” in a game such as at a signing or other publicity event. The guarantee on the card will specify. If it does not, then the card and item is not genuine.

MEARS - industry standard for game-use authentication and assessment. An item with Mears in the title is claiming to have been authenticated by Mears, and a certificate of authenticity from Mears should be included with the item or it’s false advertising.

1/1 — a card or memorabilia that is for some reason one of a kind, which should be specified in the photo or item description

True 1/1 — a piece of memorabilia which has been stamped or market “1/1” or “one of one” for a specific reason which is specified on the item or certificate of authentication.

COA Certificate of Authenticity — unfortunately there are many who have issued COA’s over the years, but do not have the authority or integrity to grade the cards, rending the COA useless even if it is included in the listing. However, JSA and PSA/DNA, and BAS are credible industry-recognized third party authenticators, as well as autographs confirmed by the card companies that issued the card or memorabilia. These names include Topps, Upper Deck, Fleer, and Panini. Lesser known brands are harder to trust, and require additional confirmation by JSA, PSA or BAS.

SP - Short Print: A limited amount of cards were ever printed and are thus in short supply.

LE - Limited Edition You will see this attached to many memorabilia pieces to indicate a limited amount ever produced.