Trading Card Glossary › Card Types & Rarity
Parallel
Also known as: color parallel, variant
A parallel is a variation of a base card that uses the same player photo and design but is differentiated by color, finish, or serial numbering. Parallels are printed in much smaller quantities than base cards, making them more scarce and valuable. A typical modern set might have a base card alongside Blue ( /99), Gold ( /50), Red ( /25), and Superfractor (1/1) parallels. Collectors who own every parallel of a specific card are said to have completed the card's "rainbow."
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