3 min read

If you have been collecting Pokémon cards for a while – or you are only just starting – this is something you cannot get around: fake cards. They sometimes look surprisingly real, but they can do serious damage to your collection. We have been collecting cards for over 15 years, and believe us, we have had plenty of fakes in our hands. In this article we show you exactly what to look for so you can spot a counterfeit, and keep building your collection with confidence.

Colour and print quality: your first check

As you know, official Pokémon cards have a recognisable style: bright colours, sharp lines, tidy details. Counterfeits usually miss that. Look closely at:

  • Colours that are too washed out, or unnaturally bright
  • Blurry or grainy artwork
  • A shine or holo that looks different from what you are used to

What we always do: put the card next to an official one. Do you see a difference in colour, sharpness or finish? Then there is a good chance you are holding a fake.

The back usually gives it away

The back is probably the easiest thing to check. Real cards have a fixed shade of blue, a fixed logo and a fixed layout. Fake cards are often just slightly off. Things like:

  • A blue that is not quite the right shade
  • A slightly distorted or fuzzy Pokémon logo
  • Uneven borders or margins

The difference can be subtle, though. That is why we always check the back as a matter of course – it is one of the quickest checks there is.

Material and feel: real cards feel right

An official Pokémon card feels firm but supple. Fake cards are often too thick, too thin, or have an odd texture. You notice that soon enough.

There are two tests we use now and then:

  • The bend test: a real card can be bent slightly without breaking. Fakes crease much faster.
  • The light test: hold the card up to a bright lamp. Do you see a lot of light coming through? Then it probably lacks the black ink core that real cards have.

Careful, though: do not start folding cards if you are unsure. Ask someone with experience first, or buy your cards from a reliable shop such as RareCards.nl.

Mistakes in text and symbols

Also: look closely at the details. Counterfeits regularly contain mistakes. Things like:

  • Spelling errors in the card name or the attacks
  • Odd fonts
  • Energy symbols that are too large or too small
  • A wrong card number or rarity symbol

We have turned down cards more than once that looked fine at first glance – until we read the attack text. One mistake tells you everything.

Watch the price and the seller

A rare card at a bargain price? That is usually too good to be true. And it is. We always recommend:

  • Buying only from reliable shops or sellers
  • Looking for clear photos and descriptions
  • Always checking the card number and the set name

At RareCards.nl we check every one of our cards for authenticity, one by one. We have been doing that for years, and we know exactly what to look for.

Finally: combine knowledge and instinct

In the end it comes down to experience. The more cards you see and handle, the better you get at telling the difference. Trust your gut, but always check the facts.