I was surprised to see this card selling for a relatively low price when it looked like it was in good condition at first glance. Then I looked at the photos in the listing meticulously and immediately became skeptical:
I don’t own any English Pokemon cards from base set but the locations of the shadowing and shadowless areas in the front of the card looks incorrect. Specifically, the shadowless border seems to extent too far. The back of the card looks dull, doesn’t appear to have any glossy finish, and looks like it has an odd texture. Also, the whole in the “P” looks white instead of being black and blue (something that @rattlebear mentioned to look out for in fake cards in his video about a fake Gold Star Charizard).
Even the seller’s story sounds strange. Apparently, their brother found this pristine and rare card in a basement and just gave it to them to sell? The seller seems aware that they could grade the card and sell for a higher price but needs money immediately for moving?
I’m leaning towards fake but I could be completely wrong (maybe it’s a printing issue and the back looks strange due to lighting or it’s a rare variant I wasn’t aware of). Thoughts?
Ok, I thought this card looked off. Pretty brazen to put a sketchy, fake story in the description for your fake card listing. I guess they thought it would add legitimacy for the low price?
Yeah, I imagine that the seller is trying to deceive with the description. It’s just odd the way they word it. It’s as if they are trying to feign ignorance about the rarity and desirability of the card but at the same time they come across as someone who knows what’s up.
Same one or a similar one is also for sale on an app called Vinted, which some of my european fellows might know,with the seller trying to pass it off as real
Wow, putting the same fake listing on multiple platforms. I wonder how good fakes will get in the future. There are some Pokemon cards that are obviously fake due to misspellings, having the incorrect Pokemon name on the card, or being far too dull or lacking texture. However, there are some fakes that you have to meticulously examine in order to spot out the flaws. Of course with modern cameras, sellers can use lighting, angles, and editing to their advantage.
MtG fakes have been getting wilder and wilder. I think that the thing keep Pokemon ones from being almost spotless is the holo patterns (most likely for now)
Exactly my thinking! You happen to stumble upon a highly sought after card in “pristine” condition yet you sell it far below market value because you cant wait?
