- Real cards: smooth, glossy finish.
- Fake cards: typically dull or matte, may have a rough or bumpy texture.
2. Examine the edges of the card.
- Real cards: clean, sharp edges.
- Fake cards: edges may be rough, jagged, or uneven.
3. Look at the colours and saturation.
- Real cards: vibrant, consistent colours.
- Fake cards: colours may be dull, washed out, or oversaturated.
4. Inspect the holographic foil.
- Real cards: shiny, reflective foil with a sharp, defined pattern.
- Fake cards: foil may be dull, or have a blurry or incomplete pattern.
5. Check for the "texture dot" on the back of the card.
- Real cards: a small, raised dot on the back of the card near the bottom left corner.
- Fake cards: may not have the texture dot, or it may be in the wrong location or appear misprinted.
6. Look for the copyright information.
- Real cards: copyright information is printed in a small font on the back of the card, usually near the bottom. The information includes:
- The Pokémon Company International logo
- The card number
- The year the card was released
- Fake cards: may not have the correct copyright information, or it may be printed in a different font or location.
7. Compare the card to known authentic cards.
- If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a card, compare it to known authentic cards. You can find these by visiting a local game store or checking online resources such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game official website.
8. Get a professional opinion.
- If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a card, you can get a professional opinion from a local game store or card dealer.