What Does Pop 1 Mean? | In Sports Card Term
In the world of sports cards, rarity is very important, and every detail can affect a card’s value. A term that often comes up is Pop 1. But what does Pop 1 mean? It stands for Population 1, which indicates that a card is unique in its condition.
Imagine having a piece of sports history that no one else has—a graded card that is the only one in its specific grade from a recognized grading company. Pop 1 cards are not just collectibles they are highly valued treasures in any serious collection.
Join us as we break down the meaning of Pop 1 and explain its importance in the sports card world.
What Does Pop 1 Mean?
A card marked as Pop 1 means Population 1 graded example of that card in its specific condition from the grading company. This term indicates that only one copy of a specific card has received a particular grade from a professional grading company.
For example, if a card is graded as Pop 1 by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), it means that this is the only card in existence that has achieved that grade.
The real example is:
The image above displays the population counts for various Victor Wembanyama cards from the 2023-24 Panini Prizm Basketball set:
- The Black 1/1 graded PSA 10 has a population count of 1.
- The Blue Prizm graded PSA 9 has a count of 44.
- The Blue Choice Prizm with a PSA grade of 6 also has a population count of 1.
It is common to see the population count accompanied by an indication of how many cards have been graded higher. In the case of the Victor Wembanyama Blue Choice Prizm at PSA 6, you would note it as Pop 1, with 17 cards graded higher.
Examples of Pop 1 Cards
A 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card graded PSA 10 could be a Pop 1 if only one has achieved that grade.
A vintage baseball card from the early 1900s graded by SGC (Sports card Guaranty Corporation) as a Pop 1 due to its condition and scarcity.
The Significance of Pop 1 Cards
Pop 1 cards are highly sought-after items in the collecting world. They are unique because they are the only cards of their kind at a specific grade in grading databases.
Rarity: A Pop 1 card is scarce, as it is the only one that has received that specific grade. This rarity often makes these cards highly desirable among collectors.
Value: Due to their uniqueness, Pop 1 cards can fetch significant prices at auctions or private sales. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for a card that stands alone in its grade.
Prestige: Owning a Pop 1 card adds prestige to a collector’s portfolio. It represents not only the card’s rarity but also the collector’s dedication to acquiring unique items.
What Does ‘1 of 1’ Mean in Trading Cards?
The term 1 of 1 signifies that the card is a unique, one-of-a-kind item. Pop 1, which is a designation given by grading companies based on condition and population reports, 1 of 1 card are produced intentionally by the card manufacturers to be singular.
The Appeal of 1 of 1 Cards
1 of 1 cards are very appealing to collectors who love unique and rare items. Each card is a one-of-a-kind piece, making it special in a market full of mass-produced products. This uniqueness gives collectors an exciting feeling of exclusivity.
Exclusivity: A 1 of 1 card is inherently exclusive, as only one copy exists. This exclusivity drives demand and makes it a coveted piece for collectors.
Manufacturer Intent: These cards are often highlighted by manufacturers in their sets, usually as special inserts or chase cards. They are designed to be the ultimate prize for collectors.
Collector Status: Possessing a 1 of 1 card can elevate a collector’s status within the community, symbolizing luck, persistence, and sometimes, significant financial investment.
Types of 1 of 1 Cards
There are different types of 1 of 1 Cards but given below are some popular of them.
Printing Plates: These plates are used to print the cards and are often sold as unique collectibles.
Autograph Cards: The item has the player’s autograph and is usually made in very small numbers, sometimes only one.
Memorabilia Cards: These cards have pieces of game-used jerseys, equipment, or other memorabilia. People value them for their uniqueness.
The Meaning of NGC Pop 1
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) is primarily known for grading coins, but the concept of Pop 1 is similar across both coins and cards.
An NGC Pop 1 coin means that, out of all coins graded by NGC, only one has achieved that particular grade.
Conclusion
Knowing what does Pop 1 mean is important for serious sports card collectors and investors. In sports cards, Pop 1 means there is only one card of that type, making it very rare in the sports memorabilia market. This rarity can greatly increase a card’s value and appeal to collectors.
Whether you want to buy, sell, or enjoy sports cards, understanding Pop 1 will help you make better choices. So, explore your collection and discover the hidden treasures
FAQs
What is the First Step to Prepare my Cards for Grading?
The first step to prepare your cards for grading is to clean them gently using a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints.
Can a Pop 1 Card be a Lower Grade?
Yes, a Pop 1 card can be in any grade. It simply means that at that specific grade, it is the only one in existence according to the grading company’s records.
How can I Check the Population of a Card?
You can check the population of a card by visiting the website of the grading company (such as PSA or NGC) and searching their population reports.
Why are Pop 1 Cards Highly Valued?
Pop 1 cards are highly valued because they are unique in their grade, making them rare and often more desirable to collectors and investors.
How do population reports affect card values?
Population reports indicate how many cards exist at each grade level. Lower populations, especially in higher grades, typically result in higher card values due to rarity.
