General Forum

I was thrilled when I pulled a 1/1 thinking it was pretty cool to own the only known example of a particular card. Something Ive noticed more frequently is sellers describing SN10, SN25 cards as 1/1s, even saw someone claiming they had an SN25 Ebay 1/1. Do other people view a diff patch color as a 1/1 even though they are SN10/SN25? or is it just an advertising ploy to get more $$$?

If it is a 10/25 it is the only, (so we think,) 10/25 of that card hence a 1/1? I don't know. But yes, probably a way to get some more dough.

Although Im aware that some people put on a premium if its a matching jersey # or even low SN.....but 1/1??? lol on the philisophacal side if a manafacturer claims they made actual 1/1s, but noone has ever seen it...does it exist???

Ebay 1/1 usually has to do with the serial number. Examples being:

- first number in sequence, ie 1/10

- last number in sequence, ie 10/10

- number matches players jersey number, ie 87/100 serial on a Sidney Crosby card

Interesting points, especially the last one.

I agree with TwinKiller, it's a ploy to trap people into spending more money. A 5/25 to me is 1 of 25 cards. But, when some of these people list an item, they put that the 5/25 is the ONLY 5/25 so hence the 1/1. I think that is crap.

It's definitely spamming their auction title with a "key word" to try to get more eyes on their item. Some collectors specifically search for "1/1" and even though it is not stamped as such, their search results will now include these dubious listings. It has sort of turned into a joke at this point, although a decidedly unfunny one. Other examples people use to try to snag on-lookers are "non auto" or "PSA ready". This listing tactic is entirely obnoxious. 

I wasn't aware of the problem, but I agree with your assessment.

I can see the view that an xx/25 is in and of itself also technically a 1/1, but I don't subscribe to it. I rarely get excited about the number I get, although I do tend to have a slight interest in "Christmas Cards" (SN 12/25) or ones that are number 42 or a 19/75 (my birth year) just for the novelty. I don't actively seek out 1/1s either and don't consider them part of my official collection hunt. Generally won't pay more than about $10 for one either.

I want to see those dealers who 1/1 a #/25 card explain their reasoning to someone else. Then I want to watch how long it takes for the other person's eyes to roll. I bet the eye rolling starts once the face contorts into an incredulously annoyed expression.