How to Spot a Fake Pokémon Card: A Collector’s Guide

Have you ever stumbled upon a Pokémon card deal that seemed too good to be true? Chances are, it might have been a counterfeit. Pokémon card collecting is thrilling, but it's also riddled with fakes. Fear not, as I'm here to share some key insights on how to tell if a Pokémon card is fake. Let’s dive into these easy steps to ensure your collection remains pristine and authentic.

Step 1: Check the Card’s Texture

Most genuine Pokémon cards have a 'finger print' like texture on the card which is seen throughout the entirety of the card. Although fakes are starting to mimic texture, it's not as precise and as detailed as the original cards. Cards like the Umbreon VMax Alternative Art from Evolving Skies - a hugely faked card - has a retail price of over £300 for English, and much more for Japanese. But the detail on this card is textured on the spire of the building and around the moon, it is an incredibly difficult card to counterfeit.

Step 2: Examine the Colours

Authentic Pokémon cards are renowned for their vibrant and clear colours. If you encounter a card that has unusually dull or overly bright colours, it might be counterfeit. Comparing the suspect card to one you know is genuine can be incredibly helpful. Look for any discrepancies in colour tones, especially in the artwork and border.

Step 3: Inspect the Text

The text on a Pokémon card is always printed with precision. If the text on your card is blurry, smudged, or has uneven fonts, it’s likely not legitimate. Pay special attention to the card name, description, and energy symbols. Any spelling mistakes? That’s a definite red flag, as official cards do not have typos.

Step 4: Analyze the Card Border

Pokémon cards have a distinct yellow border with a consistent width. A fake card might have an irregular or unusually thick or thin border. Sometimes, the border might not be perfectly centred either. These are all indicators of a counterfeit.

Step 5: Look at the Card Back

The back of a Pokémon card is as important as the front. The blue and white pattern should be crisp with no colour bleeding. Counterfeits often struggle to replicate the specific shades of blue used on the original cards, so look out for any cards that have a back which seems off in colour or quality.

Step 6: Use a Magnifying Glass

For a more detailed inspection, use a magnifying glass to look at the printing dots. Genuine cards have a consistent pattern of coloured dots, while fake cards might display irregular or smeared dots. This step can be particularly revealing and is worth the extra scrutiny.

Step 7: Light Test

Finally, try the light test. Hold the card up to a light source; if the card is genuine, you should not be able to see through it. Counterfeit cards are often printed on cheaper material that can be slightly translucent.

Discovering a counterfeit card can be disappointing, but knowing how to identify them will protect both your collection and your investments. It’s always best to purchase Pokémon cards from reputable sellers or stores when possible. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Happy collecting!