Short print

In more detail

A short print is made in smaller quantities than the rest of its set, which makes it harder to find than the cards around it. The scarcest are called super short prints, and the usual abbreviations are SP and SSP.

Short prints are not always serial numbered. A serial-numbered card is one whose run is stamped on it, while many short prints carry no number, so the card does not say how many were made and the scarcity shows only in how rarely it turns up.

Check the set's checklist or a trusted price guide before you assume a card is short printed. Name the set, the year and the card number in a listing, since a scarce card and a common card of one athlete can look alike.