If you are asking yourself, ‘how can I tell if my trading card is real USA’, and are looking for trading card authenticity tips, we can help! Knowing how to spot fake trading cards USA is crucial when you are collecting, and carrying out authentic trading card checks on your own is a useful skill to have, but never forget that card grading is an option for those cards you just aren’t sure about.
So, which cards should you get graded, and which ones should you skip and add back to your collection for simple viewing pleasure? You are going to have to consider the design, the age, the condition of the card, and more, to come to an informed decision.
First: Know the Difference Between a Counterfeit and a Reprint!
Before you jump into the deep end on the topic, it’s worth knowing the difference between a fake or a counterfeit card vs a reprint. The first is created with the intention to fool a buyer into thinking that the card is an authentic one—and lots of people will go to great lengths to do this. From printing copies of authentic cards at home and soaking them in something like tea to make them look older, to removing ‘reprint’ markets, they will do it all.
Reprints, however, are cards that were printed after the original release. These cards will always have the word -REPRINT’ (or something similar) on it somewhere to indicate this. Reprint cards are typically released as part of tribute sets to commemorate the original, and can be used as fills for expensive originals if a collector can’t afford the pricey authentic version. You will often find reprints, but it’s important to know their purpose, and to know that someone openly selling you a reprint is probably not trying to trick you.
Why Are Fake Trading Cards a Problem in the USA?
Like any market, there are people who will try to take advantage of you to make a quick buck. In the world of collector cards, below-the-belt dealers and shady ‘manufacturers’ will create counterfeit cards (often by printing them off at home), to sell to you for a pretty penny. They walk away with a wad of cash, you walk away with a fake card that is worth absolutely nothing.
This is a common problem among all kinds of card collectors, not just Pokémon (watch out for 1st Edition Charizard fakes!) or Yu-Gi-Oh! (Exodia is a popular counterfeit victim) You will experience fake MTG cards USA, counterfeit sports cards USA (watch out for Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, and Wayne Gretzky fakes), and so much more. The thing you need to know is how to spot the real from the fake—and that is not always easily done.
Some fakes are much more convincing than others. Plenty of shady sellers will go through the effort of picking out the perfect cardstock to get the thickness right, perfecting the color, and more, but there are some things that no one can replicate. Whether you want to opt for Get Graded authentication, or you want to do the hard work yourself, you need to know what to look out for.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s answer the question, ‘how can I tell if my trading card is real USA?’
What Are the Key Differences Between Real and Fake Cards?
There are some key differences you might notice (some fakes are incredibly convincing!) include differences in the print (fonts, colors, patterns, etc.), the feel of the card (weight, texture, overall feeling), and even the smell. However, there are some tests that you can do to help determine if a card is counterfeit or the real deal if you are asking, ‘how can I tell if my trading card is real USA?’
Some key things to consider when trying to determine if a card is real or a fake include:
- Buy from reputable sources (high ratings online, sellers who know their stuff)
- Know what to expect (and be cautious when faced with the unexpected)
- Compare the card to other cards in the set (take a close look at them both!)
- Get a second opinion from someone you trust (collector friends are important!)
- Know the cardstock (fakes tend to be thinner than the real deal)
- Use a loupe to check the printing (look for print dots that can’t be replicated)
- BONUS: If it’s older or vintage, consider the smell!
Visual Checks: Print Quality, Colors, and Fonts
Carefully check the card for anything that might suggest that it is counterfeit. How can I tell if my trading card is real USA – visual checks:
- Vintage cards typically have a honeycomb-type pattern when you look very closely (use a jeweler’s loupe to check this)
- Vintage cards will likely show signs of wear, so be cautious if that card looks a little too pristine for its age!
- The white borders of older cards will not be bright white—keep an eye out if the border looks printer paper white
- Lots of older cards will not be properly centered due to poor quality control
- Older cards are known for the vivid and crisp, consistent colors
- Look for a ‘spidering’ effect that is caused by artificially aging a card
- Use a black light on vintage cards! These should shine purple, not blue
- Look for security features like logos, UV prints, holograms, or watermarks on authentic cards
Texture, Weight, and Material Feel
Consider the weight, texture, and material feel of the card before you buy it. Look out for these things:
- Most vintage cards will are made with thick cardboard stock, not thin paper — it shouldn’t look flimsy
- Rough, uneven, or irregular borders are a common sign of counterfeit cards
- Compare the texture of the card with a known authentic card (consider glossiness or roughness)
- Compare the weight of the card with a known authentic card (fakes are often lighter or heavier)
- Fakes often smell of chemicals (or tea!), look for either that ‘vintage’ smell, or that ‘new card’ smell
Light and Bend Tests for Card Authenticity
You can try to carry out your own tests to see if the card is authentic before purchasing it:
- Light Test: authentic cards usually won’t let light shine through. Hold the card up to a light and test this. If light comes through, it’s probably a counterfeit
- Loupe Test: use a loupe (small magnifying glass) to closely examine the card and see if you can see the classic honeycomb pattern, holographic elements, or micro-printing elements
- Bend Test: we do not encourage you to do the best test, as it is unreliable and can easily damage the card if it is authentic!
Packaging and Purchase Source Red Flags
There are plenty of packing and purchase tactics that scammers use that you should be aware of. Red flags to watch out for include:
- Price is too good to be true
- Researching the card’s history makes no sense or yields no results
- Packing is damaged or has been resealed
- Original shrink wrap is missing
- Pack doesn’t feel the right weight
- Any suspicious sales tactics (e.g. rushing the sale, promise of guaranteed returns, etc.)
- Value descriptions missing
- Low seller ratings
- Counterfeit cards are often sold at online marketplaces and trading events!
Want to Confirm Authenticity? Get Your Cards Graded from a Trustworthy Grading Company
The best way to authenticate a sports card USA (or any kind of trading card) is to send it in to a trustworthy grading company like us, where we will authenticate and grade the card so that there is no question about authenticity. With professional skill and eye, you can get your cards back to you within 2–5 business days for express orders, and 15–20 business days for standard card grading.
How Get Graded USA Confirms Your Card Is Real
To check if a Pokémon card (or any other trading card) is fake, you will need to examine the card details (colors, font, style, border, any holographic patterns), compare it to known authentic cards, check the card thickness, check the print quality and texture, and see how it bends. However, if well-made counterfeit cards, you may need to send the card to a grading company like us for authentication with all the right tools.
So, how can I tell if my trading card is real USA? Follow the instructions we’ve given, and you should be well on your way to determining if that card is the real deal. For final answers, make sure to get the card authenticated at Get Graded.
Think your card might be valuable? Get peace of mind with Get Graded USA’s expert authentication and grading services. Or, find out about our shop or service pricing, population report, or CERT checker, and create an account or find your nearest store now.