Just found this site doing some online searches for a good forum for Pokemon collectors. I’ve been collecting sports cards and memorabilia for over 30 years, but just started buying Pokemon a couple of years ago.
I have a good friend who owns a card shop locally and has the opportunity to buy a box of Base Set 1st Edition. Given the value of this box, he was hoping to have it authenticated by an industry authority. I have BBCE (Steve Hart) authenticate sports card boxes for me all the time, but he doesn’t do Pokemon.
Does anyone know who I might be able to contact that could authenticate this box before purchase? I have quite a few pictures of the box that I took today and can provide.
None of us have official authority to authenticate, but people on here have extensive experience with and knowledge about 1st Edition Base Set Boxes and their authenticity. Many people on here could help you do that, but 2 that immediately come to mind and who are definitely reputable, active, and worth reaching out to are @smpratte and @garyis2000 .
Thanks for your reply! I emailed you pictures. If you’d like to post them here, please feel free to do so. I used to use Photobucket, but once they started charging for storage I don’t have anywhere to link pictures anymore.
The actual box is right, all details/signs are good there. (meaningless if resealed)
The booster pack under the flap is accurate. You should not be able to see the red “TRADING CARD GAME” box under POKEMON. (meaningless if resealed)
The plastic wrap on 1st edition boxes is supposed to be clear without WOTC logos on it.
That said, IMO the plastic wrap looks thicker, looser, funkier than usual and the sealed edges don’t seem to be in the right place. Plastic wrap on First Edition boxes is very different than most people have experience with, so the that with a grain of salt.
Also, the box seems to have a bit of wear and tear (overall crispness) for something that hasn’t been opened and resealed.
Tough to verify it from photos, would need to see it in person. The charizard side seal looks messy and there is an excessive amount of material. When you start seeing clumps of wrap hanging off the sides it gets questionable. Also the material looks unusually reflective, but it could just be how the lights are set up. Just from photos I could see it going either way. In person review of the box would be best.
Figured I’d link TCA gaming’s booster box collection video as a reference. Shortly after 40 minutes he pulls out an authentic 1st ed box and you get a pretty good up close look at one from all angles.
Personally I would steer clear because I don’t have a lot of experience with booster boxes and there really is no way to authenticate it with a guarantee like through PSA (Although I think that would be a cool idea for them to grade/authenticate booster boxes). It’s just not coming from a reputable source and the wrap looks sketchy.
Thanks so much to everyone for taking the time to look and offer an opinion. I’m speaking with someone who has owned several of these boxes and will be taking a look at it in person to give their opinion. Again, really appreciate everyone’s help and time - seems like a great community of members!
