This was just from my phone, and the attempt at decoding it. I’d appreciate anyone else that could check me. Looks to be from June of 2024.
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This is a great idea!
Maybe you could start a table and review this thread entering in known cards? Or start a separate thread requesting people to share this info and someone else could compile the data? Let @pfm ‘s gumption inspire you. 
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From CGC helpdesk (“Team Lead - Customer Service”) :
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are aware of recent statements being made online regarding CGC-graded Prototype and Playtest Pokémon cards. CGC takes these claims very seriously, and we are conducting a full investigation. More information is forthcoming.
If you have reason to believe your card is not genuine, you may send it in for a review using our Mechanical Error process. If you do not already have a CGCCards.com account, you will need to sign up for a free membership to access the submission form. Once you have logged in, follow the attached instructions to create a Mechanical Error packing slip.
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If you own any of these I would avoid shipping them to CGC until they release more information.
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Awesome to see all this work being put together so quickly. Will be interesting to see where all the dust settles. Shame that neither professional grading card company caught this, though at least to PSA’s credit they didn’t authenticate them. This dot code stuff was something I knew nothing about, but you would think that would be known by professionals in the space.
I think the best question I have seen asked (which I am not sure has been answered unless I missed it) is if you can simply “tell” a printer it is whatever date you’d like and so get it to print out this metadata backdated at will. It would be a big risk if so in more things than Pokemon, but I just have a hard time believing a printer can “know” what time it is absolutely and not be fooled. Continuing to follow this all as thankfully an unaffected bystander. Never opted to pick one up though I was close at times. Hope CGC makes everyone whole, but what a mess.
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After calculating the total sales of the cards offered on Rare Candy on 1/15/24, $152,450.00 was transacted, not including taxes and platform fees.
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If I’m not mistaken to change printer dates you would have to dive into the printer firmware and not simply just change the date on your computer to produce your desired date.
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To those affected:
Before sending your cards back, proceed with caution. Let’s not forget that CGC graded these in the first place, so if they made such an error initially, it’s wise to clarify the process with your representative beforehand.
From what I’ve seen, their Mechanical Error process doesn’t explicitly mention refunds—it seems more focused on correcting the grade. There’s a risk they could re-evaluate your card, deem it fake, and return it ungraded without a refund.
I’ve reached out to my representative and requested written confirmation that CGC’s review will determine if the card is fake and ensure a refund if I provide proof of purchase (I have all my ALT receipts). If they confirm this, I’ll proceed with their recommended Mechanical Error submission.
We all want CGC to take full responsibility and make things right, but be cautious before taking any next steps.
Cheers!
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Its been tough to follow the whole story on prototypes but I think I am finally connecting the dots.
PUNNNNN
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James also did about $109k last week as well
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Please keep us updated on any information you receive. I will not be sending my cards in until CGC clarifies what is going on. I have reached out to Rare Candy as well and will share their response.
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Update:
As @SolemnStar suggested I reached out to Lewtwo to see if he could give some insight and he wrote me back with this:
I asked him if he knew of the legitimacy of the Battkeshi toys being produced in 96 and am awaiting a response
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ALT had sales on playtest cards I believe as early as September. I purchased mine October 24th from them.
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To see sales past 90 days it says I have to request access. Either way this is not a small amount and this is just one platform.
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okay I need to be sure you absolutely understand crystal clear what you are asking him because he will be very VERY specific. When he says “pokemon blue” that is for a reason. I just need to be sure you know, because I don’t know the timeline of the prototypes. Nor do I know of the art used in them being from which games.
When Lewtwo/Lewis says “pokemon blue” he is being very precise. This is the base of the international release of blue/red version. So make sure that is really what you mean. If we are talking this art being the earliest versions, we are talking the japanese red/green version games. Pokemon blue version was released in japan as a special edition after red/green version, but before yellow version. It might just be easier to tell him about this shitshow, link the thread, and explain why you are asking, if you haven’t already.
It is indeed awesome that you got a reply though. Well done. I don’t use any “social media”. You have done well.
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Hey guys,
I’ve been buying some of these cards on Goldin and Alt, and reading through this, definitely am concerned as are a lot of people in this thread. PFM, thanks so much for your work bringing this to light and starting the discussion.
1401030938001 is the prototype Clefairy I have, which seems like it checks out so far (1401030938002 is the Pikachu which sold for $200,000 at Sotheby’s)
What do we think of the prototype set (6009890007 and 6009890010)- these were part of the last Goldin lot?
Also, after following the initial thread, for the betas I focused on the signature series because I felt like it in theory had better provenance (6012622055 and 6012622075). These were on Alt last week.
Most of these are unfortunately sitting in my Alt Vault so can’t provide the high res scans (and as I understand it, the prototypes wouldn’t have the dots either way since they are black and white).
Look forward to following the discussion- I have reached out to CGC with a full list of my cost basis/cert numbers/platform purchases so will let you guys know what they say
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Sounds good! I’m not planning to send the card unless CGC provides a written email guaranteeing a refund if it’s deemed fake. I’ve also followed up on my initial email, pointing out that the Mechanical Error submission process won’t work since my card was graded by CGC beyond their 14-business-day requirement. I’m awaiting their response regarding refund and submission procedures, as their initial recommendation is not applicable.
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I have the pristine 10 Zapdos got it from pokemon wizard here’s the pictures try and find the dots or whatnot but if yk what’s going on w all this hit me up and keep me in the loop I just wanted something special wasn’t tryna deal w all this
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Based off the images, it looks like it’s a 2024
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