When PSA says only trading card how do you know the autographed card is genuine

[Clydewally]

I have been buying some autographed rookie cards authenticated by PSA. In some cases, it indicates the year and number of the card, but in many it just says "trading card". Sometimes I will see these trading card designations treated as reprints by the sellers. More often not. In many cases, there is nothing about the card itself that indicates it is a reprint (at least to me), though some are labelled as such by the manufacturer.

My guess is that unless PSA is paid extra to say something about the card, they do not and "trading card" does not automatically mean reprint.

But if I am right, how do you tell which is the rookie card and which is a reprint?

Any tips appreciated and happy New Year to all.

Ken