What's really a 1/1? small ebay rant

[mocardman]

Is it just me, or do people consider things 1/1's that just aren't. For example, I don't get why someone thinks a card numbered the same as a player's jersey is a 1/1. Or the first/last card in a numbered set a 1/1. If the serial number of the card is what they are judging it as a 1/1 on, then by the same thinking, a numbered set of 1500 is really 1500 1/1's because they all have a different number, and there is only 1 of each serial number. What I'm saying is, just because it's serial numbered the same as the players jersey, it doesn't mean there aren't 1499 other cards identical to it.
Then there are some listings that say 1/1, but then go on to say it's 1/7 or 1/10 and is basically a 1/1. Well, no it's not a 1/1, it's a 1/7 or 1/10. It may be rare, but it's not the only one.
Sorry for the rant. I spend quite a bit of time on ebay, and usually look for low numbered cards and the edge 1/1's, so it gets irritating to wade through 1000's of 1/1 listings, when there are probably only about 10 of them that are TRUE 1/1's.
So what do you all think, am I just being grouchy, or is everyone trying to con someone into believing they are buying a 1/1.

[fjniskey]

I hear you. I am patient about it but it can be a pain sometimes. To me a 1 of 1 is a card that is numbered 1/1. Unless of course it is UD Legendary Cuts and then their 1 of 1's are multiples of the same Player (with the same front) but different stats on the back which they consider 1 of 1. TO me a 1/1 means the only card in existence of a particular player. I have seen some crazy comprehensions of 1 of 1's. "This is the same number as their college jersey which makes it a 1 of 1, etc,etc,etc.

[bingleding]

I agree 1/1 on the card makes it a true 1/1.I have seen what i would say are fake 1/1's on ebay.saw a guy who had like 50 1/1 stamped cards on his site.Then heard some people have stamping mahines or plates to make the 1/1 cards.Now a rare card like a multi colored patch card may be a 1 of a kind card and should be listed as such.(multi color one of a kind patch)(1 of a kind patch) ect.my 2 cents ty bill

[JonoBono]

We call first/last numbering, jsy # "unique" cards in the business. Some Unique cards can be considered one of one, like I got an early Elway piece of jersey, and it has a large piece of the NFL logo. I can only imagine that this was the only one inserted with this piece considering the card is /100 and the jersey was taken for that set only. Unique cards can at many times carry a high price tag than a real 1/1. Think about it. You see a regular patch #1/1, and you see the same brand of card (not 1/1) with a stain of blood or another odd substance. For me the thrill of being that close to the accual player would make this card great than a 1/1. This thread is really about opinion.

[johnnym415]

If its not stamped 1/1 by the factory that produced the card, its not a 1/1. Pretty simple to figure out. Lots of shady sellers around and lots of suckers to be taken.

Let the buyer beware!

Thanks, John

[BlackDiam0nd66]

If its not stamped 1/1 by the factory that produced the card, its not a 1/1. Pretty simple to figure out. Lots of shady sellers around and lots of suckers to be taken.

Let the buyer beware!

Thanks, John

Was going to add my 2 cents, but John pretty much hit the nail on the head :)

I know some folks put 1/1 to get more exposure, but when I click on an auction that I expect to be a 1/1 and it's some crap I make sure to add the seller to my "I wouldn't buy from this person if they were the last seller on earth" list.

Peace~
Rima

[meuandthelot]

1/1 is also a trick for ebay search exposure.

As for indivuals who own certain cards,,,to them they may feel their's is a unique 1/1(per say)...I know I have a few not stamped 1/1's, but unique stains, or patches, I wouldn't part with ;)

as state above:"opinion reigns supreme"

[mocardman]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm no professional in the card business, and have only recently gotten back into it, but noticed that there seemed to be a lot of things people called 1/1's. I can understand a card being unique, as jonobono said, a patch like that is a one of a kind. I just don't understand the jersey/first/last number thing. Seems like a sales pitch. Basically I was curious if the cards people on ebay are calling 1/1's because of the serial numbers were really considered to be 1/1's by the professional collectors/dealers, or just a scam. I think I've got my answer. Thanks everyone.

[kr580]

I didn't read what people said but a 1/1 is a card that is THE only one in existance.

I'll slap anyone I meet that says a jersey #/first/last made is a 1/1.