How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards
Collecting Pokémon cards can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, especially if you're a fan of the hit series. However, it can be disappointing to discover that one (or even more) of your prized cards is a counterfeit.
With the popularity of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and the rising popularity of online marketplaces, fake Pokémon cards have become more common and have scammed many people.
To help you distinguish between real vs. fake Pokémon cards and save your money, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to tell if a Pokemon card is fake. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just started collecting Pokémon cards, these tips will ensure you can catch 'em all with confidence!
Trusted Ways to Tell if a Pokémon Card is Fake
While it might seem daunting, identifying fake Pokémon cards can be straightforward if you know what to look for. By examining specific features and details, you can confidently determine the authenticity of your cards. Here's a detailed breakdown of the most trusted ways to identify counterfeit Pokémon cards.
Review the Font & Text Alignment
One of the first steps in learning how to tell if a Pokémon card is fake is by carefully reviewing the font and the text alignment. Genuine Pokémon cards have consistent, clear, and sharp text. Counterfeit cards typically have font styles that are slightly off or text that's poorly aligned.
You can compare your suspected card to a known genuine card, paying close attention to the font size, spacing, and alignment. Authentic cards from the Pokémon Company have a uniformity that fakes often lack.
Check for Spelling or Grammar Errors
Believe it or not, one of the obvious signs of a fake Pokémon card is poor spelling or grammar. In the world of the Pokémon game, authenticity is valued, so any spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing are immediately red flags.
Make sure to carefully read all the text on the card, including the card’s name, abilities, and any additional descriptions. If you spot any errors, you’re likely dealing with a counterfeit card.
Look at the Color & Print Quality
Color and print quality are also important indicators of a card's authenticity. Genuine Pokémon cards have vibrant, crisp colors, compared to fake cards that often appear washed out or too dark.
The print quality on fake cards can also be inconsistent, with blurry images or pixelated graphics. Hold the card up to a light source and compare it to a real card from the same set; the difference in quality should be noticeable.
Inspect the Back
The back of a card in the Pokémon card should have consistent colors and details. Genuine Pokémon cards have a specific shade of blue and a certain level of detail in the Poké Ball image. Counterfeit cards may have a slightly different color or a less detailed Poké Ball. Assess the card under good lighting and compare it to a known genuine card to spot any differences.
Look for Holographic Foil
Many rare Pokémon cards feature holographic foil patterns that can be difficult for counterfeiters to copy accurately. Pay attention to the holographic pattern on rare and special cards, as counterfeit Pokémon cards often fail to replicate these correctly.'
Genuine cards have a smooth and consistent holographic effect, while fake cards might have uneven or grainy holographic patterns. You can tilt the card under a light source to examine the quality of the holograph. Authentic cards will display a clear, consistent pattern.
Feel the Weight & Thickness
The weight and thickness of a Pokémon card can also help identify its authenticity. Fake cards might feel lighter, thinner, or even flimsier. Holding the card alongside a known genuine card from the same set can also help you detect any differences in weight or thickness.
Compare Energy Symbols
One of the most noticeable features on Pokémon cards is the energy symbol. Genuine Pokémon cards have clean, well-defined energy symbols, while fake cards may have blurry or misaligned symbols. Compare the energy symbols on the suspected card to those on a known genuine card, paying close attention to the shape and clarity of the symbols.
Reference the CRN
Each Pokémon TCG card should have a unique Collector's Rare Number (CRN) that can be cross-referenced for authenticity. Genuine cards will have a CRN that matches the card's set and rarity. Counterfeit cards might have incorrect or missing CRNs. If you're unsure about a card, check the CRN against a reputable Pokémon card database or compare it to a known genuine card.
Cards from the 1st edition are particularly valuable and are frequently targeted by counterfeiters, so be careful!
Look for Watermarks
Some Pokémon cards, especially those from the legendary collection and other special sets, have watermarks that can help verify their authenticity. These watermarks are often subtle and difficult to replicate. You can shine a light through the card or hold it up to a light source to check for any watermarks. If the card lacks the expected watermark, it might be a fake.
Unreliable Tests for Verifying Pokémon Cards
While there are many reliable methods for spotting fake Pokémon cards, there are also some tests that aren’t as dependable. Here are a few common tests that you should be cautious of:
The Bend Test
The bend test involves bending the card to see if it returns to its original shape. While genuine cards are more flexible and resilient, this test can damage both your real and fake cards. It's best to avoid this test to preserve the condition of your cards. The bend test is risky and not always reliable, as even a counterfeit Pokémon card can sometimes pass this test without damage.
The Light Test
The Light Test involves shining a light through the card to check for a certain translucency pattern. While this can sometimes indicate authenticity, counterfeiters have become experts at replicating this feature. Shining a light through an official card should show a specific translucency pattern, but counterfeiters can replicate this.
Rip Test
The Rip Test is exactly what it sounds like—tearing the card to check the inner layers. While genuine cards have a distinct black layer, this test is destructive and should be avoided! There are plenty of non-destructive ways to verify the authenticity without damaging your cards. Tearing a Pokemon card to check for authenticity is not recommended since it can destroy a potentially valuable card.
Tips for Properly Authenticating Pokémon Cards
When it comes to authenticating your Pokémon cards, it's best to use a combination of the methods outlined above. Additionally, you can consider the following tips:
Seek advice from trusted sources - Reputable Pokémon TCG communities, professional grading services, or experienced collectors can provide you with valuable insights. For more on this, check out our guide on how to get Pokémon cards graded.
Familiarize yourself with genuine Pokémon cards - The more you know about real cards, the easier it will be to spot fakes!
Verify hyper-rare cards carefully - They are among the most sought-after and frequently counterfeited, so make sure to examine all of them.
Check gold cards for distinctive features - Gold cards often have unique details that are hard for counterfeiters to replicate.
Buy sealed booster packs from reputable sources. This reduces the risk of purchasing counterfeit cards. However, online marketplaces don’t always sell sealed cards, so keep in mind that you limit your potential options to score a real gem.
By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to distinguish between real Pokémon cards and counterfeits.
Catch Them All at ShopGoodwill.com
If you're looking to add to your Pokémon card collection, ShopGoodwill.com offers a wide range of trading cards for sale. When you shop at our online thrift store, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you're supporting a community-focused, sustainable marketplace.
Whether you're searching for a rare card or expanding your collection, ShopGoodwill.com has something for every Pokémon enthusiast. Who knows? You might even discover some of the most expensive Pokémon cards on our platform. Find Pokémon cards on ShopGoodwill.com, a go-to marketplace for collectors. Happy collecting!
Sources:
PokePatch. What do the numbers on the bottom of the Poké cards mean? https://pokepatch.com/2021/10/08/what-the-numbers-mean-on-bottom-corner-of-pokemon-cards/