How To Identify Your Sports Cards And Know What You Have - Beckett

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How to Quickly and Easily Identify Your Sports Cards with the Beckett DatabaseBeckett News, Collecting TipsBy Ryan Cracknell - August 30, 2018August 30, 201861When you click on links to various merchants on this site, like eBay, and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission.Share:

How to Identify Your Sports Cards Header

Once upon a time it was easy to memorize exactly what set a sports card came from. That was when there were no more than a handful of sets per year, inserts were sparse and parallels were lines you drew in math class. Today, there are dozens of sets put out for every sport every year. And within each of those, there are usually several layers. The result? Players have more cards now than our brains can handle without some help.

Enter the Beckett database. It can help you identify exactly what sports cards you’ve got, usually within a few seconds.

You can access the database from every page on Beckett.com. It’s the search bar you see at the top of the screen. It looks a little different on some pages, but it all works the same way.

Beckett Database Search Bar

The Beckett Database Search Bar – it’s everywhere on Beckett.com.

However, before you even search for a card, log in to your Beckett account. Don’t have one? No problem. It’s free. Click the red “Sign Up” button above the search bar, enter your name, email and password and that’s it. You’re good to go.

From here on out, the instructions will assume that you are logged in to your Beckett account. Doing so lets you use the database’s handy, powerful and easy-to-use filters.

Identifying Your Sports Card with Two Words and a Number

In the vast majority of cases, you should be able to narrow your search down with a couple of words and a number — the player’s name and the card number.

Give it a try. Grab a card from the stacks on your desk and simply type those things into the search bar. Before you hit enter, make sure the drop-down menu is set to either the proper sport or, even easier, “All Categories.”

When checking for the card number, it’s usually on the back set apart from the other info. Occasionally it can be hard to tell if a jersey number is prominent as well. So if you don’t get any results, look for a second number in case of this.

Let’s try it out with a random Ryan Dempster card on sitting in a stack on my desk.

2009 OPC Ryan Dempster

2009 OPC Ryan Dempster Back

My basic search here is “Ryan Dempster 391”, which I expect will bring a manageable number of results to work with. I like the drop-down set to “All Categories” as it keeps things simple and could cover any multi-sport sets.

Search Ryan Dempster 391

Simple Search: Name and Card Number

The results are pretty much what I expected — easy.

Search Ryan Dempster 391 Results

Search Results

Four cards to choose from — two of which are pictured. That’s not always the case but it’s certainly helpful when the images are there.

Even if I ignore the pictures, I just need to go down the list to eliminate the parallels. The card I have isn’t a mini. It has text on the back so it can’t be a blank back. There’s nothing on the card to hint that it’s a Black parallel either. All that’s left is one card — a 2009 O-Pee-Chee Ryan Dempster base card.

This particular set happens to have the set name labeled on the back, which also helps. But if you’re not familiar with the product or sports cards in general, this is a good confirmation.

You’ll also notice in the picture that values are showing. That’s only available if you’re a paid subscriber to the online price guide. If you’re not, the prices won’t show up but it won’t interfere with your search.

When Things Get Complicated

Sometimes you’ll come across a card where the basic “Player Name/Number” search still brings back a lot of results. For example, “Ken Griffey Jr 1” has more than 600 hits.

Since inserts went mainstream in the 1990s, it has meant a lot more cards, particularly those players in the top tier. Basic inserts usually have a small number of cards compared to base sets. So those perennial all-stars and fan favorites that are squeezed in whenever possible have plenty of cards that are low on a checklist. When it comes to numbering, that means lots of potential search results.

But that doesn’t mean that the Beckett Database can’t help.

Let’s figure out exactly what this Mike Piazza card is and if it’s special.

1997 Fleer Golden Memories Mike Piazza

1997 Fleer Golden Memories Mike Piazza Back

My basic search of “Mike Piazza 8” brings up almost 150 hits. That’s not a big help.

Mike Piazza 8 Initial Results

Don’t fret if you get lots of results initially.

So let’s narrow it down by looking for hints.

The first is on the front with the company name — Fleer.

Simply adding that to my search brings a much more manageable list of results. Now we’re down to 20.

Mike Piazza 8 Fleer Results

Narrow the results by adding more info like a brand.

In this instance, the narrowed results and images show me what I’ve got right away. But we can still bring the results down further without much effort.

It’s often easy to figure out the year of the card. For this one, it’s right there on the front of the card next to the logo. Usually you have to look on the back in the copyright info. If the card back has stats, you can usually add a year to when they were cutoff to know what year the card came out.

Copyrights aren’t always right. Some sets, particularly baseball, would be released in the off-season in time for Christmas. For example, 1994 Donruss Baseball has a 1993 copyright. This isn’t the norm, but it’s something to think about in case your search isn’t giving you what you want.

Since ’97 is on the front, we’ll use that to bring the results down one last time.

Mike Piazza 8 Fleer 1997 Results

Adding the year made this search even better.

Without much effort, we went from 147 results down to just one.

Other Things to Look For

Starting with the name and card number is the easiest way to try to identify a card.

As you narrow it down, the Beckett Database can bring down results in other ways. Your search string might include a serial number, team name, insert name and more.

If your results are small but still aren’t 100 percent clear, look for other hints like the color of a parallel. Most of the time, it shouldn’t come to this, but you might need to analyze the results and the card itself.

You can also play with the filters in the sidebar. These can narrow broad results without typing anything extra.

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Ryan Cracknell

A collector for much of his life, Ryan focuses primarily on building sets, Montreal Expos and other interesting cards. He's also got one of the most comprehensive collections of John Jaha cards in existence (not that there are a lot of them).

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61 comments

  1. One note, DO NOT trust the pictures. The pictures have been uploaded by users and for the vast majority of cards they are correct, but there are quite a few cards where the pictures are flat out incorrect.

  2. I have a complete set of Baltimore Orioles baseball cards with Bill ripken error card F*** face was wondering what it’s worth

    • @Jeremy – the price guide can be accessed here (subscription required): https://www.beckett.com/price-guides/baseball

  3. I was wondering if you guys might be able to help me? I have a 1994 Fleer Ultra Chipper Jones RC, but the back is printed with Troy O’Leary’s stats. I can’t find a single word of information on this card. Any help would be appreciated. I can send you pics, if you need them. Thanks for any help you can provide.

    Martin Williams

    • @Martin – Sounds like a printing error. This article should help with a brief explanation: https://www.beckett.com/news/sports-card-printing-errors/

  4. i have 3 complete sets of topps from 87,88,89 but can’t find any information on the value, when i put them in the search bar it comes up no results found. is that because i need to subscribe to the site?

    • @Steven – They’re definitely in there. You need to subscribe to get values, but you can still find the other details.

      Assuming it’s baseball, here are the links: 1987 Topps Baseball – https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1987/topps/ 1988 Topps – https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps/ 1989 – https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1989/topps/

  5. Hi! I have a Roberto Clemente card that looks like either the 1970 Topps Super square-cornered proof, or the 2012 Topps MLB Sticker Album #245. However, the reverse of my card has complete career stats in a vertical format. There is no sign who made it or when. Can you please help me?

    • @Chris – What is the card number?

  6. I have 6 cards from the jets 101 never touched n packs as well as Michael Jordan/ Hank arron

  7. Hi I am new to collecting – had many cards passed down to me as a kid and collected a bunch when I was younger. I kept them stored pretty well and want to now organize them better and try to find values/complete sets if possible. Being new to this…I’m curious as how to go about completing a set? What exactly to look for, how to determine which cards complete a set etc. … is it as simple as matching the cards brands, overall look, and year? Appreciate any help!

  8. How do you know how many cards were made of the specific card you have?

    • @Kayson – When you do a search in the database, there’s a column marked “Print Run” that has known production numbers. There’s also a serial number column for those that are numbered on the card. If there’s nothing in the print run column, it hasn’t been release and numbers aren’t known.

  9. What does it mean when a card isn’t numbered but has letters that identify it? (Example RFS-CG). I don’t see anything like that listed in the Beckett books even though they do have print runs on them.

    • @Brian – Unfortunately a lot of Panini sets come with checklists that are numbers but the cards themselves are done with letters. If you’re trying to figure the set out, I’d try and go year/brand/name for a search. Panini lists the year and set name in the find print on the back for most products, I believe.

  10. I have 100s of old baseball cards that my father left to me when he passed away n I’m trying to find out if there worth anything

  11. Just trying what some cards are worth.

    • @Kenneth – The price guide can be accessed here (subscription required): https://www.beckett.com/opg

  12. I have a Troy Aikman card 1991 fleer. He is pictured on the front, but the back has a picture and stats of Wade Wilson Is this rare? Terri Burnette

  13. What is the value of a 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle #101 and Gil Hodges #80 and 1953 Bowman Yogi Berra #121?

    • @Jackies – The price guide can be accessed here (subscription required): https://www.beckett.com/opg

  14. I have two huge album s with over hundred baseball cards and I don’t know how many hockey cards there are who do I trust to help find out what 5pthey are . I am In Spokane Washington thank you

    • @Carolyn – You may want to check with a local card shop: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sxsrf=ALeKk03bAbbG6EGCgcAnpTZTbA3ZUl67_w%3A1590596993332&ei=gZXOXpXhE9rC0PEP-PyusA8&q=spokane+sports+cards&oq=spokane+sports+cards&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzICCAAyBwgAEBQQhwIyBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeOgQIIxAnUOsuWNk6YNE7aABwAHgAgAFPiAHHBpIBAjEzmAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdpeg&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwjVpZLGu9TpAhVaITQIHXi-C_YQ4dUDCAs&uact=5

  15. I have this Michael Jordan rookie card when he was with the white Sox . It’s in mint condition and in a case. It’s an Upper Deck card. We have heard it is valuable but we don’t know. If we decide to sell it how do we go about doing it. Also do you have any idea what you think it’s worth

    • @Donald – The price guide is available here (subscription required): https://www.beckett.com/price-guides/baseball

      eBay is probably the easiest way to sell, especially if it’s only a couple of cards.

  16. I have a Bob Clemente #10 , Bob Clemente #326, Babe Ruth Special Twilight Years and Babe Ruth Special The Famous Slugger. Whats their value?

    • @Robert – The price guide is available here (subscription required): https://www.beckett.com/price-guides/baseball

  17. What is the number of Black 2018 Score Football Very few out there can’t fine any

    • @Dennis – Print runs for unnumbered cards have not been announced.

  18. How can I find the value of my baseball cards? Do you have the contact information for some card shops or a website?

    • @Payne – The Beckett price guide can be accessed here (subscription required): https://www.beckett.com/online-price-guide

      To find shops in your area, the easiest way might be to type in your city and “sports card shop” into Google.

  19. It looks like the online price guide will not populate a conditional value for raw cards with a “+” evaluation (i.e. 4.5, 5.5, 5.5, etc), why is that? Also, it won’t give a price for a pristine (10) grade either. How do I evaluate those cards?

  20. @Dan – The conditional pricing is really for raw cards only and should be used as a general guide. Because raw cards are almost never “graded” with “+”, the conditional pricing really can’t be used for professionally graded cards.

    If you click on the Graded Pricing tab in the Card Detail screen, you’ll see graded pricing for professionally graded cards.

    If there is no graded pricing in that tab, then we have not yet priced that card in professionally graded condition. In those cases, it’s best to look online to see what comparable cards in comparable conditions have sold for to get an idea as to what you card is worth.

  21. I HAVE A LOT OF CARDS DIFFERENT SPORTS. I would like to have the value of them so I know which cards I should have Certified, and which cards I should NOT Certify. Thank-You!! Terry Have A Blessed Day !! Always !!!

    • @Terry – The price guide can be accessed at: https://www.beckett.com/opg

  22. Could you please tell me what the letters G.B.H.L.I. mean on the back of baseball cards? There are no other identifiers, such as Topps or Fleers.

  23. I have a 2007 Topps co-signers auto of Bradshaw Montana Brady #to 5 I can not find any information on the card I can find information on the one #to 20 but not the #to 5

    • Bryan that is not a card that we would place a value on because of the rarity. Though it is in our database.

  24. I have 2 football cards with no date on them. They are card numbers 27 and 28 from a set of 33. They are of Len Dawson and Bob Griese. On the back they have a copyright mark of T.C.G. I have no other information on them wondering if you can help?

  25. When a card is released that has a number or variations listed separately in the OPG (example a 2020 Topps Inception AU MEM SER /5 listed for Logo X, Logo Y, and Logo Z) are there 15 cards out there or just 5 and you could find one of 3 different Logos (X,Y, or Z)?

    • If they are considered separate cards with different cards numbers, they would have separate listings with separate print runs.

  26. I have a missprint card, and I was wondering if you could tell me if any others have been reported and what it might be worth? It is a 1999 upper deck century legends gold epic signatures, it has Ozzie Newsome and autograph HOF and numbered 52/100 on the front, and on the back is Art Monk, with AMG at the top. I sure hope you can help me with this,

    • Printing errors like wrong backs are not generally cataloged.

  27. What’s best way to get value of mlb and nhl trading card sets? Where should I be looking? Thanks

    • The price guide can be accessed through the link in the top menu of this page.

  28. I have a few T 206 cards I’d like to get rid of. Did they do reprints of those cards?

    • T206s reprints and fakes definitely exist.

  29. Don’t know what the football card brand is I have. How do I identify it? They say Footballs all time greats and r green

  30. Have a Bronko Nagurski reprint and a Knute Rockne reprint both 1935. Worth anything?

  31. Have cards that say all time greats, like Unitas and staubach. Green borders on cards. What r they?

  32. hello! I purchased a Tom Brady card in the early 2000’s and It was online from somewhere that stored the card for me. Now I can’t remember where I purchased it from or how to find it. Any email records are long gone. Any ideas where I can look? thank u!

  33. I purchased a card through auction. It’s an SGC Graded card. The card says 1968 Topps N.L. RBI Leaders #4 (McCovey, Santo, Williams) but the grade says 1969 Topps. Is this like what you mentioned in the article with it being printed near Christmas?

    • It’s a card from 1969 Topps Baseball.

  34. I logged in to see the value of a basketball card because this article says it is free and when I put it in your website asks me to pay for the price of the card. Is it free like this article says or do you charge? Seems a little inconsistent to me. Thanks.

    • Using the database, which this article focuses on, is free to sign up for. The price guide is by subscription. However, all other information is not.

  35. Rookie card Prestige 2014 card 276 Paul Richardson ” 06/10″ error. Instead of 06/100. Valuable?

  36. I have a football card that I can’t find the value or picture anywhere. It is Jerome Bettis Playoff Prestige 2000 the number is IN39. The front has his picture with a huge #30 and lower right had corner says Inside the numbrs. His shirt is black with his #36 and yellow pants. The back has the Steelers Logo but says the following: The Bus left his mark with the Rams in the final game of ’94, carrying the ball 39 times in the season finale while leading the team with 294 rushes for 1,429 yards and seven touchdowns on the season

  37. Hi, hoping someone can help me here. I have 3 cards that I can’t find any info on what year and set they are from 1961 Topps Original Autograph Carl Yastrzemski with a sticker on the back 2/25 0029259

    1967 Topps original Autograph Carl Yastrzemski numbered 2/100 on the front and a sticker on the back 4443893

    1952 Topps reprint of Chuck Conners card #540

    Thank you

  38. Back in 1953 t0 1955 when i was 10 to 12 years old , I bought and still have 600 t0 700 baseball and hockey cards What is the easiest way to evaluate the value of such a large number of cards There are many prominent players in the collection I have been keeping them in safety deposit boxes but i think now is the time to sell. They are not in mint condition but are in good shape since my prime reason back then when i was a sports nut was to acquire and compare to what my friend a acquired

  39. I have a 2023 Leaf exotic prismatic zebra #ba-js3 Jaxson Smith-Njigba 2/5 Autographed RC. I can’t seem to find this card anywhere? Is it a fake?

  40. Does anybody know that this is like a special card or what I ain’t never seen one like it and I’ve had it for a long time or who could I ask….

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