Autographs & memorabilia

Relic

Also called: memorabilia card, jersey card

A relic, or memorabilia card, contains a swatch of material such as a jersey, bat, or glove embedded in the card. A multi-color piece is called a patch.

A relic card has a window holding a piece of memorabilia, most commonly a small square of jersey fabric. Fancier versions include bat pieces, ball leather, or multi-color patch swatches.

Read the fine print: material can be game-used (actually used in a game) or player-worn or event-worn (worn at a photoshoot), and the two are valued very differently.

Why it matters: plain single-color swatches are common and often inexpensive, while premium patches and game-used pieces, especially paired with an autograph, carry much higher value.

This glossary is a plain-language reference for collectors, not financial or purchasing advice. Card values move, so always check recent sales before you buy or sell.

Related terms

Patch cardA patch card is a memorabilia card with a multi-color piece of a jersey, such as a logo, stripe, or nameplate letter, rather than a plain single-color swatch. Patches are rarer and more valuable.Rookie Patch Auto (RPA)A Rookie Patch Auto, or RPA, is a rookie card that combines a memorabilia patch and an on-card autograph. RPAs are among the most chased and valuable modern cards.Game-usedGame-used means the memorabilia in a card was actually used in a game, while player-worn or event-worn material was worn at a photoshoot or event. Game-used is more desirable.AutographAn autograph card carries a player's signature, either signed directly on the card (on-card) or on a clear sticker applied to it (sticker auto). On-card autos are generally preferred.