What are the marks on cards called?
Markings are the tiny traces left by card-smuggling gangs to alter the game. They pose no threat to innocent players, and are easily recognized by knowledgeable dealers.
There are many methods of marking, but the block-out is the most well-known. This involves coloring small white areas of the back of the card.
Blank Back
The Blank Back mark on cards is an anomaly. While they may be incorrect, they are generally the standard faces of cards on a blank backing.
The card isn’t as desirable or valuable as a normal error card. They are typically of the Star Player or Rookie Card type and are considered more a novelty item rather than a collectable. Some have a slight premium associated with them. A Jackie Robinson blank back rookie card, for example is likely to have an added value. It is rare, however. If you do encounter one, don’t throw it to the side!
Blue Back
Blue Back is a marking on cards that has been used for many years in some jurisdictions to mark legal documents such as pleadings and contracts. These marks are stapled on the back of the paper. They contain the standard language that refers to the exercise or a specific jurisdiction’s law , as well as information regarding the case and the document to which it is attached.
In the 19th century, this practice was commonplace in courts like New York. The public was familiar with these markings when they were exposed to blue-covered documents in courtrooms or used as props in movies and TV dramas. To differentiate them from other lawyers certain lawyers choose different colors for legal covers.
Borderless
The Borderless symbol signifies the card is not legal in tournament play. It is used to identify cards such as Un-sets and certain promotions that don’t fit into the normal rules set.
They are usually bordered with silver to show that they aren’t legal for use in tournaments that are competitive. These cards are often self-parody sets and feature mechanics that would not be possible to print in an expansion of standard size.
In Throne of Eldraine, collector boosters include some rare and mythical rare cards that bear this design. These cards lose the frame and border on the left and right side of the artwork but keep it for the remainder of the card.
Die-Cut
You can give your printed cards or other printed items a distinctive and personal appearance with the die-cut design. You can create anything from simple shapes like leaves and flowers to more intricate 3D designs.
In addition to creating stickers, you can use die cuts for many paper crafts, including scrapbook layouts and journal pages. They’re a great and affordable option to give a personal touch to your projects!
Labels are also a great example of a product that has been die cut. These labels can be used for party favors, school bags, note pads and many other uses.
Game used
The Game Used mark is one of the most common marks found on cards in the present. It is a symbol of clothing or equipment that was worn during an event during a professional player’s career.
There’s no doubt these items are fascinating and cool but some collectors might be skeptical about the authenticity of them. This is because there are people trying to scam the public, by selling fake items worn in games such as helmets believed to have been worn by Eli Manning, or baseballs that were actually used in the playoffs by Sidney Crosby.
The Game Used mark is an important aspect of sports memorabilia. These cards have a lot of value since they represent something exclusive and rare that no other collector will ever own.
Graded
Cards with an inscription that reads “graded” signifies that they’ve been authenticated and graded by an outside service. The grading companies employ various tools to examine the card and assign it a numerical grade.
The numerical grade varies from one grading company to the next and is determined by four categories: centering, corners, edges and the surface. A clean card will have a higher numeric grade.
It can also be a sign of problems like printing imperfections and scuffing. It is best to inspect all sides of a card carefully before sending it to be graded.