Trading Card Glossary › Card Types & Rarity
Rookie Card
Also known as: RC, Rookie
A Rookie Card (RC) is a player's first officially licensed trading card produced by a manufacturer holding a league license. Rookie cards are the most coveted cards in the hobby — they represent a player at the start of their career and are the benchmark card most collectors chase. The RC designation is important: not every card featuring a young player qualifies as an official Rookie Card. Cards must meet specific criteria set by each card manufacturer and be produced in the player's first eligible year.
Rookie Patch Autographs (RPAs) of star players regularly sell for thousands or even millions of dollars.
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