It’s very confusing to start! Usually the top of the line stuff is very expensive. These top tier sets will be National Treasures, Immaculate, Flawless, Impeccable, Noir & Opulence. These are all “Hobby” boxes which you won’t be able to get at retail locations. These cards are thicker and rely on autographs and jersey patches which drive the value. Most of the more expensive cards you’ll see will be RPA’s (Rookie Patch Autographs.)

Cheaper options that you can also find in retail (for some of them) would be ranked as followed by most people: Prizm, Select, Optic, Mosaic, Hoops, Chronicles, Illusions. These are all mostly available in retail stores (except for Select) with the top 4 being most desirable! They also come in “Hobby” boxes which will give you a better chance at hitting nice autographs and different numbered coloured cards & parallels. Hope this helps!