Welcome to Rare Candy's "Collector's Guide" series, where we help collectors of all experience levels learn and grow.
Worried about weeding out fake cards? Browse Rare Candy's authenticated shops and auctions to collect with confidence!
Pokémon card collecting is a joyful and thrilling experience, but like any kind of collecting, it unfortunately comes with some risks. Nothing can ruin the excitement of a great find like a counterfeit card — and many have dealt with that disappointment. Today, we’ll be going over some key tips to help you spot fake Pokémon cards, ensuring your collection remains authentic and you can collect with confidence. We'll explore critical indicators of authenticity from the subtleties in texture and color to the unmistakable characteristics of official packaging. Let’s get started!
Source Verification in Pokémon Card Collecting
The first step in ensuring you are buying authentic cards is to make your purchases from a trusted source. If you are looking online, shopping on non-validated platforms or from disreputable sellers is a disaster waiting to happen–even if they might appear to be offering a great deal. These platforms often lack the rigorous checks established stores have in place, making them a playground for counterfeiters.
Flea markets are also some of the biggest hotbeds of fake cards. Buying from an established local card shop offers a level of security and reliability that you simply can’t find in unpredictable public markets. The latter often tend to lure you in with bargain prices or extremely rare out-of-print sets, but remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Going straight to the source—authorized dealers and trusted local stores—acts as a shield against being fooled by counterfeits. These channels guarantee the authenticity of their products, ensuring that any additions you make to your collection are the real deal.
Importance of Seller Reviews
In the realm of online marketplaces, a seller’s reviews are extremely important. They guide you to trustworthy sellers and warn you of those whose products or services might not be genuine. Even if an online store or seller seems legitimate, a quick review check can reveal the true nature of their merchandise. When possible, try to limit your purchases to sellers with a high quantity of extremely positive reviews.
Benefits of In-Person Transactions
There's something reassuring about holding a card in your hand before making a purchase. In-person transactions at card stores allow for a closer examination of what you are buying, an opportunity that is not available when shopping online. However, although in-person transactions do add a layer of reliability, it is still important to be vigilant. Like with online marketplaces, research the reviews and reputation of your local stores to ensure you are buying from a trusted source. Additionally, carefully inspect the card(s) you are purchasing–even well-intentioned stores could potentially buy counterfeit cards from someone by accident.
In summary, where you buy matters just as much as what you buy. By prioritizing source verification, you can take a big step towards protecting your collection from counterfeiters. (Rare Candy’s auctions are also a great opportunity to find Pokemon singles and products on a secure platform so you can focus on finding the next addition to your collection, instead of evading counterfeits!)
Identifying Genuine Pokémon Cards and Packaging
When examining Pokémon booster packs or boxes, the packaging can often reveal whether it is counterfeit. Here’s how you can distinguish the real from the fakes, ensuring your collection remains pristine and authentic:
Inspecting Packaging for Tampering: Counterfeiters often reseal or tamper with packaging to pass off fake cards as genuine. Look for any signs of resealing, such as uneven plastic wrap, excess glue, or packaging that just doesn't seem to fit right. These are telltale signs that what's inside may not be genuine.
Characteristics of Authentic Packaging: Real Pokémon card packaging shines with quality. It features official holograms, precise printing, and high-quality material. In contrast, counterfeit packaging often looks sloppy, with misaligned text or logos and low-quality material that feels suspicious to the touch.
Coloration and Artwork: Pay close attention to the coloration and artwork on the packaging. Authentic products have vibrant, accurate colors and sharp images. Counterfeits, however, often suffer from off shades or blurry images, making them easier to spot.
Examining Cards for Discrepancies: It's crucial to inspect individual cards for any discrepancies in texture, color, and font. Genuine Pokémon cards have a specific texture and color scheme that is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. Also, the fonts used on fake cards often differ slightly from those on genuine ones. If you aren’t sure what the card should look like, search it online to compare.
Weight and Thickness Comparison: Genuine Pokémon cards have a consistent weight and thickness. Counterfeits may either be too light or too thick compared to real cards. Feeling a card’s weight and comparing its thickness to that of a known genuine card can be a quick way to spot a fake.
Navigating Uncertainty
These techniques provide a solid foundation for evading the tricks of counterfeiters, but fake cards can often be tricky to spot, so don't hesitate to speak with local game stores and card dealers or reach out to seasoned collectors and professionals within the Pokémon TCG community if you have any concerns or uncertainties! Their eyes, honed by years of handling cards, can often spot discrepancies you might miss, and a second opinion could save you from a costly mistake.
For a more concrete confirmation, you can also consider professional verification services. There are many companies which specialize in authenticating collectible cards. Although there might be a fee, the peace of mind can often be worth it, especially when dealing with extremely valuable cards.
Lastly, make sure you avoid ‘authenticity tests’ which could potentially damage your card(s): Some guides might suggest tests that involve bending, peeling, or applying chemicals to the cards; steer clear of these methods. Not only could they damage a potentially genuine and valuable card, but they also often provide inconclusive results.
By following these steps, you can navigate the world of Pokémon card collecting with confidence. Remember, the goal is not just to avoid fakes but to build a collection you can be proud of! And when in doubt, remember that platforms like Rare Candy offer a secure way to expand your collection with cards from trusted sellers, ensuring that your next find is authentic.
Worried about weeding out fake cards? Browse Rare Candy's authenticated shops and auctions to collect with confidence!
