Parallels vs. Inserts

[KD35durant]

Hey guys, so I know what parallels and inserts are, and that they're different than base cards and often numbered. Pretty much the utter basics. I was just wondering though what the difference is between parallels and inserts, because from what I can tell they're all pretty similar to me

Thanks for the help!

[xDrew]

Well, inserts are basically cards that are not apart of the base set and usually have a unique numbering. They are randomly inserted in packs and in most cases, they don't appear in every pack like base cards.

Parallels on the other hand, are different versions of a base set that are often numbered. For example, you have Bowman 48' base set, and then you have Bowman 48' Blue /1948, Bowman 48' Black /48. Another example would be 2009-10 Topps base set, and then there are Topps Gold /2009 and Topps Black /50.

So basically, parallels have the same design/card number as the base set, but just a different color. Whereas an insert usually doesn't have anything to do with the base set, and are a complete different subset all on its own. Hope that helps.

[KD35durant]

That helps a lot actually. Answered my question perfectly, thanks!

[BCUS28]

Yep and there are also parallels of inserts too, usually different color with numbering, but not neccessarily.

[gatorboymike]

For parallel sets, each card corresponds (and looks similar) to a card in the base set.