How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

Stew @ PokéPortal
Aug 12, 2024
2 min read

With the increasing popularity of Pokémon cards, the market is flooded with counterfeits. For collectors and players alike, distinguishing genuine cards from fakes is crucial to ensure the value and integrity of their collections. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps to spot fake Pokémon cards. Learn about the subtle differences in card material, printing, holograms, and more to ensure you're only adding genuine cards to your collection.

The Pokémon card market is booming, but with this surge in popularity comes an increase in counterfeit cards. Knowing how to identify fake Pokemon cards is essential for every collector and player. This guide will provide you with the knowledge to differentiate between genuine and fake cards, protecting your investment and enhancing your collecting experience.

1. Check the Card Material

Genuine Pokemon cards are made from high-quality materials that give them a distinct feel. Counterfeit cards often use cheaper materials.

Weight and Thickness: Real Pokemon cards have a specific weight and thickness. Fake cards may feel lighter or flimsier.
Bend Test: Gently bending a real card will show a blue/black layer in the middle, known as the "core layer." Fake cards often lack this layer.

Fake Pokémon Cards — Notice the Black print line through the centre of the Pikachu card. Fakes will have no colour in the centre as shown on the right.

2. Inspect the Printing Quality

The printing quality of genuine Pokemon cards is high, with crisp and clear details.

Text Clarity: Look for clear, sharp text. Fake cards often have blurry or smudged text.
Color Quality: Genuine cards have vibrant colors. Fakes may have faded or incorrect colors.
Alignment: Check the alignment of the text and images. Misaligned text or images are a common sign of fake cards.

3. Examine the Hologram

Holographic cards are a staple in the Pokemon TCG. The hologram can be a dead giveaway for fakes.

Shine and Pattern: Real holographic cards have a specific shine and pattern. Fake holograms may look dull or have incorrect patterns.
Texture: Feel the holographic area. Genuine cards have a smooth, high-quality texture.

4. Check the Card Back

The back of a Pokemon card can reveal a lot about its authenticity.

Color and Design: The color on the back of a real card is a specific shade of blue. Fake cards often get this color wrong. Additionally, the design and alignment should be perfect on a genuine card.

5. Compare with a Known Genuine Card

When in doubt, compare the questionable card with a card you know is genuine.

Side-by-Side Comparison: This can help you spot any discrepancies in color, text, or design.

Conclusion

Spotting fake Pokemon cards requires a keen eye and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can confidently verify the authenticity of your cards and protect your collection from counterfeits. Remember, when purchasing Pokemon cards, always buy from reputable sources to minimize the risk of acquiring fakes.

Happy collecting!