Inserts vs Parallels

[Lady4ISLES]

Hi can someone tell me what is the difference between Inserts and Parallel cards???

Thanks a lo

[sanjosefuji]

I found this information on about.com for you in their sports card glossary:

An insert card (sometimes simply called an insert) is a card that is not a part of the regular numbering system of a set of sports cards. Such cards either have their own numbering system or no number at all. Insert cards are usually found in packs and boxes of cards far less frequently than base cards.
Autographed cards and memorabilia cards are often insert cards when they are included in sports card products. By definition, a rookie card can't be an insert.


A parallel is a sports card that is identical to a base card or insert card in the same product with the exception of one or more (sometimes minor) visual elements. Such cards usually have smaller print runs than the original and occasionally have autographs or memorabilia swatches that the original did not have. These differences can lead to the parallel being worth more than the original card.
A single card can have multiple levels of parallel cards, each with different visual tweaks and print runs. A set that includes parallels for only some of the cards in the original set is called a partial parallel.

[RGM81]

That sums it up pretty well.

An insert is a card that is seeded at a particular ratio per box, be 1:1 (Canadiens Centennial cards #201-300), 1:12 (SP Authentic Holo FX), or even 1:288 (Ice Stanley Cup Foundations) - they'll usually have a distinctive number, though they can also just be continuations of the base set with regular numbers.
Parallels are different versions of a "regular" card, and can appear in just about any subset. They may have the same design as a card with a couple little tweaks (i.e. Artifacts), or they may be entirely different designs (i.e. OPC Retro)

Here's some examples...

This is a Collector's Choice Carey Price Stick-Ums insert:


This is a regular Black Diamond Carey Price base card:


And here's a Black Diamond Ruby parallel:


Even inserts can have parallels:

This is an 09-10 Artifacts Stars Carey Price insert /999:


And this is an 09-10 Artifacts Stars Silver Spectrum Carey Price parallel /25:

[SkyFire47]

are the Artifacts Stars inserts? they are are more limited but i thought they were numbered as part of the base set.

[Prime B]

are the Artifacts Stars inserts? they are are more limited but i thought they were numbered as part of the base set.

I thought so as well?

Then again Artifacts usually confuses the heck out of me with it's dizzying array of parallels!

[zunato]

I think as long as the cards (like in artifacts) are still in numeric sequence it should still be considered part of the base set. Then they are SP's. Just my opinion.

[SkyFire47]

I thought so as well?

Then again Artifacts usually confuses the heck out of me with it's dizzying array of parallels!

they confuse me too; that's why i find only hunting down the 1/1's alleviates that problem. ^_^

[sanjosefuji]

Yeah... I think the Stars & Legends are part of the base set, they're just shortprinted (for example, a lot of sets have rookies as short prints... but they're still part of the set).

I think as long as the cards (like in artifacts) are still in numeric sequence it should still be considered part of the base set. Then they are SP's. Just my opinion.