When is it OK to call a card RARE?

There's probably no word that's overused in the card world as much as the word "RARE". You really see it being used everywhere, and for the most part it's purely for hype. After seeing someone call their low grade N28 Mulvey on ebay "rare", it got me thinking - when can someone justifiably call their card "rare"? Does the use of the term "condition rarity" make sense?

What do you think? Vote and discuss.

BTW, this particular poll accepts multiple votes, so vote for as many options you think qualify.

I think if there is only 20 of something in the Universe it qualifies on being rare.
I also voted that if it's the only one graded by Psa/sgc. I just figured that they have been around long enough now if it was a common card they would have graded more than one.

Reason # 7 (Other): When respected advanced collectors tell you it is.

Case in point, I recently picked up a 1932-38 Vancouver Peanuts Senior Amateur League type card off of Ebay. After searching on the Net54 forum for some tidbits, I came across two interesting comments on the sets rarity. Mark MaCrae says that the issue is "extremely rare" and Frank Ward stated that he had seen "maybe 6 or 7 in the last 27 years". Opinions from either of these guys is good enough for me!

I'd agree with that about trusted hobby veterans. I've known Mark for over 25 years and it's a term that I know he doesn't just toss around for hype.

Jay

it's all relative, but I personally considered something with 10 or less known examples to be considered rare.

I voted for 20 or less, but is this relative to the number of people collecting the card/issue?

IF there are only 20 of a T206 card is it rarer than 20 say T202s that are less collected?

Lee

IF there are only 20 of a eggplant pizza are they rarer than 20 say artichoke pizzas that are in less demand?

IF there are only 20 strawberry blondes, are they rarer than 20 brunettes who are in less demand (this week)?

What is rarity, beauty, wealth, wit, and most other characteristics, but arbitrary measurements which change with time and circumstance.

But right now, I'd call 20 of something, quite rare - but if they were pokes in the eye, Id say that 20 was far too many, and so is one.

TheRiddler wrote:

But right now, I'd call 20 of something, quite rare - but if they were pokes in the eye, Id say that 20 was far too many, and so is one.

Thanks for the laugh!!!

Blair

I don't think "rare" is the word to describe 1/1...that word is unique. I'm a bit surprised that quite a few people think it takes 1/1 to use the word rare.

Cheers,
Blair

While 1/1 is literally unique, calling it rare be a proper description of the card too.

Jay

I would say if there are 20 known or less examples of a card it is rare

To me, rarity is more about how often an item is seen. Something that only hits eBay every couple of years or less is rare.

My 1982 Fleer Jeff Zahn card must be pretty rare then

Jay

Betcha none of us have one.

I'm pretty sure Lee has one tucked away in the freezer in his basement.

Jay