what does pop mean in sports cards

Natashya

2 min read

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25-12-2024

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The world of sports cards can be filled with jargon. One term you'll frequently encounter is "POP," but what does it mean? Understanding POP is crucial for collectors looking to gauge the rarity and value of their cards. In short, POP stands for "Print On Population." It represents the total number of a specific card graded by a major grading company, like PSA or Beckett.

Understanding the Significance of POP

POP numbers offer a clear picture of a card's rarity. A low POP indicates a scarce card, driving up its value and desirability among collectors. A high POP suggests the card is more common, thus typically commanding a lower price.

Imagine two identical rookie cards of a superstar athlete. One has a POP of 5, the other has a POP of 500. The card with a POP of 5 is considerably rarer and, therefore, significantly more valuable. This principle holds true across all card types, not just rookie cards.

How POP Impacts Card Value

The POP number significantly influences a card's market value. Several factors work together to determine the final price, but POP is a major component:

• Rarity: A lower POP automatically signifies higher rarity.
• Demand: Rare cards with low POP numbers are highly sought after by collectors. This increased demand fuels higher prices.
• Condition: The grading of the card directly affects its value, even with a low POP. A card graded a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) will always fetch a higher price than the same card graded PSA 9 (Mint).
• Player Popularity: The player featured on the card also impacts value. A card of a Hall of Famer will generally command a higher price than a card of a lesser-known player, even if the POP is similar.

Where to Find POP Numbers

You can easily find POP information on several popular online resources:

• PSA's website: The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) website allows you to search for a card and see its POP report directly. This is the most reliable source for PSA-graded cards.
• Beckett's website: Similar to PSA, Beckett Grading Services (BGS) provides POP data for cards they've graded.
• Online Marketplaces: Sites like eBay often include POP information in the listing details for graded cards. However, always double-check with the official grading company's website to ensure accuracy.

Example: Understanding the Impact of POP

Let's consider two examples to illustrate the impact of POP:

Example 1: A rookie card of a popular player has a PSA 10 POP of 20. This indicates only 20 of these cards exist in perfect condition. Its value would be significantly higher than…

Example 2: …the same rookie card with a PSA 10 POP of 2000. Many more perfect copies exist, making it less rare and valuable.

Conclusion: POP – A Crucial Metric for Collectors

Understanding POP is fundamental for anyone involved in the sports card hobby. This metric helps collectors evaluate a card's rarity, estimate its value, and make informed purchasing decisions. By utilizing the resources mentioned above, you can effectively research POP numbers and leverage this knowledge to build a successful and valuable sports card collection. Remember that while POP is a critical factor, the overall condition and the player's popularity also greatly influence the final value of a card.