How Do You Know If a Card Is 1 of 1? Don’t Be Fooled
The thrill of the hunt: why 1-of-1 cards matter so much
It’s not just hype—it’s rarity at its purest
If you’ve been collecting trading cards (sports, Pokémon, whatever), you know the goldmine status of a 1-of-1 card. It’s that holy grail moment. The one card that, theoretically, no one else in the world has.
I still remember when my buddy Aaron pulled a 1-of-1 auto-patch from a Panini NBA box—we both just stared at it like it was glowing. And then, of course, the Googling began: “Wait… how do we know it’s REALLY a 1-of-1?”
Look for the serial number first
That tiny print tells a huge story
Most modern cards that are 1/1 will have the serial number printed right on them—usually on the front or back in foil stamp or ink. It should read something like:
“1/1”
“One of One”
“Only 1 Made” (less common wording, but happens)
You’ll find it on sports cards (Topps, Panini, etc.), and also in some Pokémon promos or special edition sets. If it says 1/1, that's a good sign. But...
Here’s the catch: not every 1-of-1 looks the same, and not every card that looks unique actually is 1-of-1.
Watch out for parallels and printing plates
Not all rare-looking cards are truly one of a kind
This tripped me up once. I bought what I thought was a 1-of-1 parallel. It had a different background color and cool foil, but no serial number. Turns out—it was just a short print, not a 1/1.
Also, be careful with printing plates. Yes, they’re technically 1-of-1 because each plate is used once to print that card design. But a lot of collectors don’t value them the same as a base design 1/1.
Honestly, I love printing plates, but try explaining their worth to someone on eBay. It’s hit or miss.
Use checklists and set databases
The internet is your best friend here (well, most of the time)
Manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck usually publish checklists online for each set. These include how many versions of each card exist: base, numbered parallels, autos, relics, and of course—1/1s.
Check websites like:
Cardboard Connection
Beckett
TCDB (Trading Card Database)
I once had a card that I thought was a 1-of-1 but when I checked the checklist, it turned out to be /5. Still rare, but not “once in a lifetime” rare. Lesson learned.
Can grading companies help?
Sometimes, yes. Sometimes... meh.
If you send your card to PSA, BGS, or SGC, they won’t necessarily confirm it’s a 1-of-1 unless it’s clearly marked as such. But if it’s a super obscure card, they might list it as a “pop 1”, meaning it’s the only one they’ve graded.
That’s cool for value, sure—but “pop 1” isn’t the same as 1/1. Don’t get those mixed up (I did once, and got roasted in a forum).
Final thoughts: verify before you flex
There’s nothing wrong with getting hyped about a rare-looking card. I’ve been there, more than once. But before you post “1/1” all over Instagram, take a breath and double-check:
Look for the serial number
Check the manufacturer’s checklist
Ask in forums—Reddit and Blowout are great
Be cautious with eBay listings that scream “ULTRA RARE” but offer zero proof
Owning a 1-of-1 is amazing. Knowing for sure it’s a 1-of-1? That’s even better.
And trust me—once you hold a legit one in your hand, you’ll feel the difference.
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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
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| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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