This is such an odd thread as there are real problems that stem from the existence of fake cards. I’ve had numerous PSA certs deactivated because people made fake graded cards using my cert numbers. One of them being my illustrator. For those who don’t have to experience this process, it’s infuriating. Months of back and fourth with psa, usually shipping high value cards, just so psa can re-verify or re-case your card, all because some lowlife made a forgery.
As we speak there are fake graded illustrators being sold on social media. Not to mention the 30 million dollar prototype fraud that is currently underway. There are individuals who spent 6-7 figures on those cards, entirely because of perceived authenticity. Not to get too philosophical, without authenticity, you can’t have something to copy. Inherently fakes are dependent on authenticity being reinforced. Otherwise a bunch of dittos in the room remain pink blobs.
There are caveats; obviously custom cards, enhanced real cards, or writing that the card is fake on the card. However, there are real damages due to fake cards existence that are foolish to ignore or downplay.
100% agreed. There’s another scary thought too. Every time PSA makes the real owner send their authentic card in for verification there’s a small chance PSA erroneously flags it as a fake.
Right now it’s not likely, but as proxies continue to get more advanced the odds of a “false positive” increase. At a minimum it could make the real owner go through months of appeals, provenance checks, etc.
I can definitely understand how infuriating it must be when people are maliciously trying to trick people into buying fake cards! I saw a reddit thread about a cert being deactivated and needing to pay $25 to have to put it back (which was weird to me but that’s another story). And that is super shitty and I hate that for you and every one who has to deal with that.
Whenever I get gifts for my birthday or Christmas now I only ask for cards that are authenticated/graded through eBay because I know most of my family and friends can’t distinguish a real card. (And I know that eBay can get it wrong sometimes too, but more likely to be better than my family)
I am always amazed by the people on r/ismypokemoncardfake because it seems like a good chunk of the population believes that they actually found a 1st edition base set Charizard in a garage sale or on Facebook marketplace for $75. I understand that they probably would fall for the cards that I find hilarious. The gold&black metal cards are always showing up. And stuff like vegeta x mewtwo tag team
I would be quite happy if all of the backs of the proxies I buy were blank or had a pink pokeball exploding hearts on them. I don’t see a reason for them to try to be so similar. Id be quite happy with the attacks being changed to something like Fake Card or Proxy or something, or even just being gone, because I genuinely just enjoy the art and sparkles.
Just wanted to add in this because even though I do like my own fakes I do understand why they can be problematic. I would be very happy if proxy makers DID find a way to distinguish them from originals in a better way. Especially since I do see them being sold as real a lot (looking at you, moonbreon)
Personally when I get the cravings to look at an illustrator, I just look at the PSA 9 screenshot that I took of one, that’s the closest I’ll ever get to owning a major trophy card (how many of use have seen an illustrator irl), I think it would be cool but also I’d see it and be like cool, now where’s the rarer cards, proxies as long as they are marked fake in some way I think they are fine, if someone buys one because I die and the proxies get listed, they have to learn somehow someone can’t baby them through everything
I totally understand the idea of wanting to display some of those trophy cards, especially when they’re out of reach for most collectors. However, I personally lean towards keeping things strictly authentic, even in displays to avoid any confusion or misrepresentation. Replicas especially when placed in fake graded cases, can easily be mistaken for the real deal. That could lead to misunderstandings down the line even if the intention isn’t deceptive. Especially since you’ll be posting on various social media, you don’t know who is looking at your posts.
I think there are still ways to honour those rare cards and their history without relying on replicas though. I would appreciate much more reading your collection thread or an Instagram post that showcases your knowledge and passion for the hobby along side a stock image of a trophy card or using someone’s real card scan or photo (with their permission) rather than using a fake card in a fake case. This would be much more honest and doesn’t risk mixing the lines between authentic and fake.
For vintage, which is typically the most forged category, this book has all of the cards printed until 1999-00, including the illustrator and other trophy cards. Even some that were never released: Pokemon Card Official Book 2000 Media Factory | eBay
Funny enough if someone made proxies of those GB prototype promos I showed above, would you guys miss out on them? I’m 99% id scoop a set right up…something’s I just can’t help on not having…
Custom made by someone. I am ok with these ones since they only appeared in the silver bible. There is no chance they are real and the backs say oricle on them
I think the problem here is that you have a proxy card in a proxy case and that seems sketchy. If you want a proxy because you can’t afford the card…okay. I personally wouldn’t want a body shop to make a Chrysler into a fake Ferrari. I rather just save for the Ferrari of buy something else since a car is still a car and cardboard is still cardboard.
Anyway I think proxies have a purpose if you are building a retro deck. Old bootlegs and factory test prints have collectors value and custom cards are fun.
You mean you’d rather have a Ferrari made in the factory instead of one made in someone’s garage. But what if the one made in the garage was a 1:1 for a fourth of the price? BUT the person who made it registered it as a replica on the title so it was impossible to scam someone! I would buy the replica.
I totally get how some uneducated people are out here getting scammed…but whose fault is it really that they’re uneducated
You’re certainly not about to blame me for them being……less intelligent
I love proxies but I love authentic cards even more. If I had the extra cash I would definitely buy the real thing because it’s more satisfying, but for now I’ll use my proxy as a placeholder. Given the universe has blessed me with zero to no malicious intent, so I guess that’s why I see no problem; I mean I do but I don’t, you know?
I think either is fine. I personally leave blank spaces for the cards I’m missing in my collection. For some to hopefully fill up the space eventually (e.g. German/Spanish Flying/Surfing Pikachu promos) and for some to likely stay empty forever (e.g. SNAP Pikachu - not that it would go into my binder anyway if I do ever get my hands on one ). I’m not too interested in proxy cards of existing artworks, since I can just view them online.
Having said that, I can understand the appeal. As long as it’s very clear they’re fake. Just not my cup of tea.
never seen those before
). I’m not too interested in proxy cards of existing artworks, since I can just view them online.