1. Material and Texture: Genuine energy cards are usually made of high-quality paper with a smooth and glossy texture. Reprints or fakes often have a rougher or matte finish.
2. Card Thickness: Authentic cards have a consistent thickness throughout. Reprints might have inconsistencies or feel thinner/thicker than legitimate cards.
3. Color and Printing Quality: Genuine energy cards have vibrant and consistent colors. Fakes may have faded, dull colors or pixelated printing due to low-quality printing processes.
4. Font and Text: Compare the font and text on the card to known authentic cards. Bootlegs might have slight differences in font style or size.
5. Card Back Design: Authentic energy cards with a pocket monster back feature the corresponding Pokémon's name, HP, and a graphic of the Pokémon. Fakes might have incorrect or missing details.
6. Holographic Effect: Genuine energy cards have a holographic foil section that changes colors when viewed from different angles. Replicas may have a weak or nonexistent holographic effect.
7. Pokémon Card Back Symbol: Authentic energy cards have the Pokémon trading card game logo on the back. Counterfeits might have a different logo or none at all.
8. Set Symbol: Genuine energy cards have a set symbol in the bottom left corner of the card, indicating which set it belongs to. Fakes may have an incorrect or missing set symbol.
9. Energy Count and Type Symbol: Check if the energy symbol and the energy count match. Authentic cards have consistent symbols and numbers.
10. Compare to Official Sources: If possible, compare the card to an authentic energy card from an official source or consult reliable online guides and images to identify potential fakes.
Remember, if you have any doubts about the authenticity of a card, it's always best to consult a professional or purchase cards from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit items.