Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers for collectors, buyers, and sellers.
1.)True parallel/variation is listed on the product checklist and has consistent identifiers.
2.)Factory defects are irregular and not named on the checklist (print lines, roller marks, dimples).
3.)If you can’t match it to a checklist entry, treat it as damage/defect, not a collectible variation.
SP & SSP
SP (Short Print) and SSP (Super Short Print) are usually lower-odds versions of a card (often image variations or rare inserts).
SP = harder than base
SSP = even rarer
Exact odds vary by product and year. Always verify with the checklist or pack odds.
Case Hit
An insert or card type that generally appears about once per hobby case (sometimes more/less).
Examples vary: “Downtown,” “Kaboom!,” “Color Blast,” “Stained Glass”
Not always guaranteed; some products list odds instead
Yes. Use the search field to filter by player, set, team, card number, or keyword.
Refractor / Prizm / Holo - Rainbow shine under light; reflective film.
Shows surface lines/scratches easily; great eye appeal.
Wave - Wavy light pattern across background.
Often a parallel tier; verify color + wave type.
Mojo - Square “checker” shimmer pattern.
Popular in football/baseball; can be numbered or not.
Cracked Ice - Shattered/icy facets.
Highly visible pattern; corners/edges chip risk varies by stock.
Speckle / Shimmer - Small sparkle flecks.
Can be easy to confuse with “Silver”—check checklist names.
How to tell quickly: tilt the card; patterns repeat consistently across the card (wave/mojo/cracked ice). Random scratches don’t repeat.
1.)Print line
Thin straight line (often across chrome/foil)
2.)Roller marks
Repetitive surface impressions.
Typical in Modern glossy/foil.
3.)Dimpling
Small dents, visible at angle.
Usually found in Thicker stock / packed tight.
4.)Edge chipping
Missing color/material along edge.
Shows up in dark borders, thick cards.
5.)Off-centering
Uneven borders.
Shows up in all types of cards.
Color parallels (typical)
Base (un-numbered)
Silver/Holo (often un-numbered)
Mid-tier colors (often /299 to /99)
High-tier colors (often /25 to /10)
Ultra (often /5)
1/1 (Black, Platinum, Nebula, etc. depending on product)
What collectors verify
Exact parallel name (color + pattern)
Serial number placement/style
Back text (parallel/variation indicator)
Set checklist for that year
Yes. Multiple eligible card orders can be combined to help reduce shipping costs.
Place a bid before the timer ends. If you are the high bidder when the auction closes, you win the item.
A separate themed set within the product (not the base card).
Examples: “Downtown,” “Kaboom!,” “Color Blast,” “Stained Glass”
Often rarer than base; some are case hits
Same base card design, but a different finish or color/pattern (often also serial-numbered).
Examples: Silver/Holo, Red /199, Blue Wave, Gold /10, Black 1/1
Usually part of a structured “rainbow”
A distinct version of the card: different photo, pose, text, or design element.
Examples: Image variation (SP/SSP), nameplate change, logo swap, alternate background
May have a different code/description on the back
1.) First item is $3.95 for First Class Shipping & Handling
2.) Additional Cards Ship at $1.95 each up to 6 additional items,
3.) Flat Rate Shipping Insurance - Value Based and Tiered
4.) All Cards Ship in Premium Packaging
5.) Expedited Shipping is Available via UPS and USPS Priority. If faster service is required please send an email to expeditedorders@atxcollects.com with your request.
6.) Packages of 8 cards or more will be shipped via UPS Ground or USPS Priority Only.
7.) All Slabs/Graded Cards require shipping insurance.
Shipping insurance rates are as follows;
Declared Value is less than $100 = $1.00
Declared Value is greater than $100, less than $300 = $2.50
Declared Value is greater than $300, less than $600 = $4.00
Declared Value is greater than $600, less than $1,000 = $7.00
Declared Value is greater than $1,000, less than $1,500 = $11.50
Declared Value is greater than $1,500, up to $2,000 = $14.00
All insurance claims can be filed through ATX Collects.com
Insurance is provided by ATX Collects and U-PIC Shipping Insurance.
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