What Is an SP Card?
What Is an SP Card?
Bandai's Special Cards: themed alternate artworks inserted into select One Piece sets.
An SP card is what collectors call a One Piece Card Game Special Card: a themed alternate-art version of a card, inserted into selected sets. Bandai lists Special Cards in a set's product contents rather than as a rarity code on its card list. They're among the scarcest pack inserts in the game.
Set at a Glance
How SP Cards Are Listed
Most One Piece rarities, from C to SEC, appear in the rarity field of Bandai's official card list. Special Cards work differently: Bandai lists them in the set's product contents. For example, the OP-05 booster's product contents include six Special Cards.
Special Cards don't appear in every set, so check a set's official product page before assuming SPs are in it.
| Type | Printed rarity code? | What makes it special |
|---|---|---|
| Secret Rare | SEC | Highest printed rarity; numbered last in the set |
| Parallel | Same as standard + ★ | Alternate artwork and finish |
| Manga Rare | Same as standard + ★ | Parallel with artwork built from manga panels |
| SP (Special Card) | Listed in product contents | Themed alternate artwork, in select sets only |
Why SPs command attention SP cards often feature popular characters in a themed artwork, and they're inserted rarely. That combination is why some SP versions of characters like Luffy and Shanks sit among the most expensive cards in the game. As with every chase card, value follows demand for the specific card.
How SP Cards Differ From Parallels
A parallel is an alternate version of a card from the same set, with the same number and a star above the rarity code. A Special Card is a separately listed insert with its own themed treatment. Both are alternate artwork; they're tracked differently.
For other alternate-art tiers, including Japanese Pokémon rarities, see our complete guide to Japanese TCG rarity systems.
Where to Find SP Cards
Special Cards are random pack inserts in the sets that include them, so the only guaranteed route is buying the single. Our Japanese booster boxes in stock and on pre-order:
More One Piece card termsSecret Rare (SEC) · Parallel cards · Manga Rare · OP, EB, PRB and ST codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SP mean on a One Piece card?
SP is the collectors' name for Bandai's Special Cards: themed alternate-art versions inserted into selected sets.
Is SP an official rarity?
Bandai lists Special Cards in a set's product contents rather than as a rarity code on its card list. OP-05, for example, lists six Special Cards in its contents.
Does every One Piece set have SP cards?
No. Special Cards appear in selected sets only. Check the set's official product page.
Are SP cards rarer than Secret Rares?
SP cards are inserted far less often than Secret Rares, although SEC is the highest printed rarity code.
What's the difference between an SP card and a Manga Rare?
A Manga Rare is a parallel with artwork built from manga panels. An SP card is a Special Card with a themed alternate illustration, listed separately in the set's contents.
Sourced from official channels in Japan · held in UK stock · no import charges on UK orders
Questions about a card, a set or an order? Email support@japanesetcgsupply.co.uk.
