When it comes to the world of baseball cards, there are a variety of abbreviations and terms of art that collectors use to describe different attributes and characteristics of cards. One such abbreviation is “dp”, which stands for “damaged plastic”. This refers to any damage, flaws, or imperfections that are present in the protective plastic coating on the front of a card.
Most modern baseball cards produced since the 1980s have a thin layer of clear plastic film applied over the printed card surface to protect the graphics and prevent damage from handling. This clear plastic coating, often called the “wrapper” or “shell”, keeps the card crisp and preserves its condition over time when properly stored. The hard plastic material can sometimes sustain scratches, nicks, clouding or other blemishes that impact the overall appeal and grade of the card.
When cataloging and grading the condition of a card, any flaws detected in the protective plastic wrap are denoted as “dp” by experts and vendors. The severity of the damage is then typically described using additional notation. For example, a card may be listed as “dp slight” if it has a minuscule scratch, or “dp moderate” if there are multiple marks covering a wider area. In the most extreme cases of heavy wrapper damage, a card condition could be recorded simply as “dp heavy”.
Plastic wrap damage is a very common condition issue seen in vintage baseball cards produced prior to the 1990s. The hard shells used were more brittle and prone to acquiring superficial scuffs and abrasions just from ordinary handling and storage over several decades. Dp can also potentially affect any card depending on its treatment and circumstances over time.
Cards graded by professional authentication and grading services like PSA, BGS or SGC will receive a specific numerical grade deduction for problems with the wrapper. Anything from very light surface marks to extensive bubbling, discoloration or cracking will lower the overall condition grade. In some cases of severe dp, the authenticity of the card itself may come into question as well.
For collectors and investors, the presence and degree of dp is an important consideration that can significantly impact the value of a given card. Condition is a major determinant of rarity and price in the competitive baseball card market. Minor plastic issues may cost a few dollars less in value while heavy damage could see a card bottom out at little more than its paper/printing component worth alone.
Scratches or other flaws detracting from that desired “gem mint” first impression are always going to be less than ideal when looking to maximize resale potential down the line. Dp alone does not necessarily “ruin” a card and many collectors are willing to accept light wrapper issues, especially on older vintage pieces. The card contents and visual appeal underneath are still the priority for most.
In the detailed notes that accompany professional card grades, dp provides a succinct way for graders to flag any protective shell imperfections spotted under high magnification evaluation. The accompanying descriptors then clarify the extent and location. This helps buyers and sellers properly scope the precise condition when valuable trading cards worth hundreds or thousands of dollars change hands.
Whether browsing online marketplaces or through the listings of local card shows, being able to quickly interpret common condition shorthand like “dp” is important for informed collecting. With an understanding of its meaning and impact, buyers can make wiser purchase decisions aligned with their personal condition standards and budget. For serious investors and consignors, properly conveying flaws is also critical for transparency and building trust with customers.
The simple initialism “dp” packs a lot of contextual information value for baseball card collectors, graders, dealers and enthusiasts everywhere. By signifying damage to the all-important clear plastic wrapper protecting treasured cardboard, it plays a role in accurately documenting condition – the most essential factor for collectors assessing nostalgic pieces of sports history preserved in miniature form. Being able to confidently recognize this key abbreviation removes uncertainty and helps people engage more knowledgeably in the fascinating hobby.
