Fake vs Real Guide

Fake vs Real Guide provides detailed visual comparison guidance for identifying counterfeit trading cards across major collecting categories. This guide describes the specific differences between authentic and fake cards to help collectors make informed purchasing decisions.

Also on this page
  • Overview
  • Comparison Methodology
  • Pokemon Card Authentication
  • Base Set / Vintage Pokemon (1999-2003)
  • Modern Pokemon (2020+)
  • Pokemon Authentication Quick Check
  • Magic: The Gathering Authentication
  • The Light Test (MTG Specific)
  • Black Core vs. Blue Core
  • Rosette Pattern (MTG)
  • Set Symbol Analysis
  • Reserved List Specific Tells
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This page is part of the Card Conservation Wiki member library — the working reference behind The Cardboard Alchemists. Technique pages with tested settings, the Card Sensitivity Database, logged incidents with the exact parameters that caused them, and community experiments you will not find written down anywhere else.
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