What are the marks on cards referred to?
These are tiny traces left behind by operators who use card-smashing to alter the game. These are not dangerous for innocent players, and can easily be identified by experienced dealers.
There are many ways to mark, but the most popular is the block-out method. This involves coloring small white areas on the back pattern of the card.
Blank Back
The Blank Back marking on cards can be a little odd. Sometimes, they are made in error, but most are simply standard card faces with the back of a blank.
This card is not as sought-after or valuable as a normal error card. These cards are usually of the Star player or Rookie Card type and are considered more of a novelty item than a collectable. Some have a slight premium attached. For instance a Jackie Robinson blank back rookie card could have a premium. It’s rare, however. Don’t toss any of these cards if you happen to find one.
Blue Back
Blue Back is a mark on cards that has been used for years in some jurisdictions to mark legal documents, like pleadings and contracts. These marks are stapled on the back of the paper and contain the standard language used to refer to the practice of law in a particular jurisdiction, as well as details regarding a specific case and the document to which it is attached.
In the 19th century, this practice was commonplace in courts such as New York. Audiences became familiar with these markings when they saw blue-colored documents in courtrooms, or as props in television and movies dramas. To differentiate them from other attorneys certain lawyers choose different colors on their legal covers today.
Borderless
The Borderless mark is used to identify a card that isn’t legal for tournament play. It is used to indicate cards that are not legally permitted in tournament play, such as Promos or un-sets.
These cards are often silver-bordered to show that they aren’t legal for use in tournaments with competitive rules. 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 contain a few rare and mythical rare cards that sport this design. These cards lose the frame and border on the left and right side of the art, but keep it for the remainder of the card.
Die-Cut
You can make your printed cards or other printed items a unique and personal look with the die-cut mark. You can create anything from simple shapes such as flowers and leaves to intricate 3D designs.
You can use die cuts to create stickers as layouts for scrapbooks or journal pages. They are a fun, cheap method of personalizing your work.
Labels are also an excellent example of a product that has been die cut. These labels can be used as party favors, school bags, note pads, and other purposes.
Game played
The Game Used mark is one of the most common marks found on cards in the present. It is a sign of equipment or clothing that was worn in an event during the professional career of a player.
There’s no doubt these items are cool and interesting but some collectors might be skeptical about the authenticity of these items. That’s because there are some people trying to deceive the public by selling fake games worn items such as helmets believed to be 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 are extremely valuable because they represent something exclusive and unique that nobody else will ever own.
Graded
The marked grade on cards signifies that they have been authenticated and graded by a third-party service. These grading firms employ different tools to look over the card and assign it a numeric grade.
The numerical grade is determined by four categories: centering, edges, corners and edges, as well as the surface. It can vary from one grading agency to another. A more pristine card will have a higher numerical grade.
It could also have issues like printing defects and scratches. It is recommended to look over all sides of a card carefully before sending it in for grading.