What is CP in card rarity?
Hey friend! As a fellow gaming and collectibles enthusiast, I know how confusing some of the terminology around trading cards can be. In particular, you may have seen those two little letters "CP" on rare cards and wondered what they meant. Well, you‘ve come to the right place!
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into CP rarity – from what it stands for, to why CP cards are so valuable, and how to spot authentic versions. Get ready to level up your collecting knowledge!
CP Means "Campaign Promo"
CP stands for "Campaign Promo." CP cards are special promotional cards that are produced in limited quantities for particular product launches, events, or campaigns.
Game publishers like Bandai and The Pokemon Company International use CP cards as incentives or prizes to drive interest around new sets, movies, etc. Because of this targeted role, CP cards are almost always rarer than even the hardest "pulls" from packs.
Dragon Ball Super CP Cards
Let‘s use Dragon Ball Super as a prime example. CP cards in DBS are only obtainable as participation prizes or bonuses for purchasing special products at select events.
For instance, CP1 Hit was offered for entering tournaments during the Universe 6 Saga celebration. And CP2 Son Goku was given out for buying advance tickets to the Broly movie in Japan.
Bandai prints CP cards in much smaller batches than common cards. Exact production runs are secret, but some estimate only 500-1,000 of each DBS CP card exist!
Unique Foil Treatments and Art
What really makes DBS CP cards stand out is the special foil finish. CP cards have an ultra smooth, mirror-like sheen with etched texture. The exclusivity extends to the art as well. CP cards feature completely original illustrations and designs, often not found on any other card.
This alternate artwork and opulent foiling combined with miniscule supply creates huge demand. Let‘s compare some numbers for a reguluar SP Rare versus CP rarity:
| Card | Rarity | Print Run | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPR The Power of a Super Saiyan | SP Rare | 5,000+ | $15 |
| CP1 The Power of a Super Saiyan | CP | 500-1,000 | $120 |
As you can see, the CP printing is far smaller and commands nearly 10X the price!
Pokemon CP Cards
The Pokemon Trading Card Game also issues highly coveted CP promos. Pokemon CP cards got their start in the early 2000s as bonuses for seeing Pokemon movies in theaters.
Today, The Pokemon Company distributes CP cards in all sorts of ways to hype up new video games, events, and products. Some recent examples:
- CP6 Suicune – Tie-in for Pokemon Crystal on Nintendo Virtual Console
- CP7 Ho-Oh- Handed out at Pokemon Centers in Japan for Pokemon Gold & Silver launch
- CP1B Pikachu – Pre-order bonus for Let‘s Go Pikachu/Eevee games
Just like DBS CPs, Pokemon CP cards have exclusive illustrations drawn specifically for the promo. And the print runs are extremely small – anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 based on estimates. Values can reach up to $100 or more for highly desired cards like CP6 Suicune.
Other Games With CP Rarity
While DBS and Pokemon are probably the most famous, CP cards pop up in other trading card games too:
- Cardfight!! Vanguard – Special illustrated cards for anime/manga milestones
- Yu-Gi-Oh – Given out as Shonen Jump magazine subscriptions gifts
- Magic: The Gathering – Core set launch promos, usually oversized
- Kaijudo – Part of convention sets at limited events
No matter the game, CP cards always share characteristics of alternate art, miniscule supply, and distribution tied to special campaigns.
Why CP Cards Are So Valuable
We‘ve established CP cards are super rare. But why exactly does such little supply translate to such huge prices? A few factors drive the value:
1. Powerful Gameplay Ability
CP cards are often powerful when played in-game, so competitive players seek them out. For example, the Pokemon 2011 CP3 Reshiram was a tournament-winning tech card.
2. Artwork Appreciation
The exclusive illustrations are like collectible art pieces. Certain artists who have contributed CP card art, like Kazuki Takahashi, are highly renowned.
3. Completing a Set
Collectors always want to finish master sets of all cards from a game/series. CP cards are required to officially complete sets.
4. Rarity Bragging Rights
Pulling an ultra rare CP card allows bragging rights. Collectors enjoy showing off their most prized possessions.
Thanks to these motivational factors, CP cards command great reverence and value within collector communities.
How to Identify Authentic CP Cards
As we‘ve discussed, CP cards are extremely rare and valuable. This makes them prime targets for counterfeiting. Here are some tips for spotting fake CP cards:
Card Code Checking
Use online resources to verify the card code matches a real CP card. On Pokemon cards, the code will start with "CP" followed by a number.
Text Checking
Double check the card text for misspellings. Fakes often have typos in the fine print.
Printing Quality
Examine the sharpness and alignment of the ink printing closely. Fakes tend to have blurred or off-centered text and images.
Texture and Feel
Run your fingers over the card surface. Authentic cards have a smooth, consistent coating while fakes feel scratchy.
When in doubt, reputable third party grading companies like PSA and Beckett can authenticate CP cards. Overall, verify as many identifiable factors as you can.
The Takeaway on CP Card Rarity
We‘ve covered a lot of ground explaining the CP, from the definition to authentication. Let‘s recap the key points:
- CP stands for Campaign Promo, given out scarcely for events/promotions
- Extremely limited print runs make CP cards insanely rare
- Alternate art and powerful abilities drive demand from players/collectors
- Prices for CP cards can easily be $50, $100, or higher
- Check codes, text, printing quality, and texture to spot fakes
I hope this info empowers you to master CP card collecting and appreciation! Never hesitate to reach out with any other questions. Happy collecting, my friend!