What defines a Rookie Card?

[mr ozzie]

Hey fellas,

More and more I see sellers/traders selling cards claiming they are rookie cards, but under Beckett they do not have the RC designation. I'm not here to rag on these people. That's not the point (I actually bought one knowing full well it doesn't have the RC designation). I just want clarification on this issue. I believe some Pacific cards have "Rookie" written on there, but not recognized in Beckett. I know I'm getting an OPC Premier Gold Edition of Patrick Kane's Jsy/Au RC, but Beckett doesn't recognize the Gold as a RC either (same card, just a lower numbered print if I'm not mistaken). These are just a couple of examples. I know Rookie Reviews don't belong here. But stuff like The Cup Rookies, Rookie Exclusives, Rookie Threads, Future Watch Limited, etc. Who's right and who's wrong here? Thanks-in-advance.

[RGM81]

Criteria:
1. Licensed.
2. First card in a main set with regular numbering. Insert subsets, jersey cards, autographs which are separate from the main set do not qualify.
3. Not a parallel - that's why the Kane OPC Premier Gold you mentioned doesn't count.
4. Print run of at least 99.
5. Widely (universal) distribution - Beckett made an exception on the Sidney Crosby McDonald's card, which was only available in Canada.

[30ranfordfan]

And that about covers it.

With only one manufacturer now, you don't see it much anymore (if at all??) but the 1990s were loaded with cards that said 'Rookie' on them, but weren't true rookie cards (they were often 2nd or even 3rd year cards). Adding the requirement that the player must play 1 NHL game before a card can be released, pretty much ended that.

The points mentioned by RGM, I think, cover all the conditions that have been accepted by the hobby.

Criteria:
1. Licensed.
2. First card in a main set with regular numbering. Insert subsets, jersey cards, autographs which are separate from the main set do not qualify.
3. Not a parallel - that's why the Kane OPC Premier Gold you mentioned doesn't count.
4. Print run of at least 99.
5. Widely (universal) distribution - Beckett made an exception on the Sidney Crosby McDonald's card, which was only available in Canada.

[Crater_Satori]

Yeah, but isn't all these criteria only applicable to Hockey cards? I recall hearing that other sports recognize parallels as RC's. I could (and have been) wrong before...

[jim70mustang]

Yeah, but isn't all these criteria only applicable to Hockey cards? I recall hearing that other sports recognize parallels as RC's. I could (and have been) wrong before...

I think it is pretty much universal with all sports. I see the 1952 Topps Mantle card listed as his R/C in almost every listing I have ever seen. But Mantles r/c is 1951 Bowman and always will be.

[30ranfordfan]

I've read that too. Other sports do recognize parallels as a rookie card.

Fact of the matter is, there's a lot of nice "first year" cards out there, and with or without an 'RC' tag, they're still really nice to own. Don't get too hung up on it.

Saying that - I like the current definition the way it is. I personally do not recognize that McDonalds card of Crosby as a true RC. It's a food issue, and I don't think should be considered such. Can't bend the rules becuase everyone wanted a $20 Crosby RC early in the season.

Yeah, but isn't all these criteria only applicable to Hockey cards? I recall hearing that other sports recognize parallels as RC's. I could (and have been) wrong before...

[TysonX504]

I believe it's football that recognizes parallels as true RC's still

[tavares97]

so where does that put the 04-05 SP authentic SP /399 SIDNEY CROSBY redemption card? there is one in my bucket graded...any info would be great

[TysonX504]

so where does that put the 04-05 SP authentic SP /399 SIDNEY CROSBY redemption card? there is one in my bucket graded...any info would be great

04-05 SPA? Wasn't Crosby's rookie year 05-06? I would probably have to say it's a X-RC

[Crater_Satori]

04-05 SPA? Wasn't Crosby's rookie year 05-06? I would probably have to say it's a X-RC

Actaully, I have a Zetterberg that was issued in 01/02 UD Top Shelf...a year before his true RC's. They are simply "Inserts" that are issued as redemptions in late seasons products....much like BAP does today.