How to Tell if a Baseball Card is Real
Contents
Looking to start collecting baseball cards, but not sure how to tell if they’re real? Here’s a quick guide on what to look for to avoid getting scammed.
Introduction
In the world of baseball cards, there are fake cards and there are real cards. There are also semi-real cards, which are cards that have been altered to look more like real cards. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a real card and a fake card, but there are several things you can look for to help you determine if a baseball card is real.
What to look for when you’re trying to determine if a baseball card is real
When you’re trying to determine if a baseball card is real, the most important thing to look for is the dealer’s reputation. If the dealer is reputable, they will usually have a certificate of authenticity for the card. If the card is a fake, the dealer may not be willing to give you a refund or exchange. There are also a few things you can look for on the card itself. If the colors are off, the printing is blurry, or the corners are rounded, it’s likely that the card is a fake.
The printing process
When counterfeiters want to create a fake baseball card, they will often try to copy the printing process that was used on the original card. To the untrained eye, this might look like an exact replica of the real thing. However, there are some subtle differences that you can look for.
One clue that you might be looking at a fake is if the colors on the card seem to be just a tad off. Original cards were printed with a four-color process, so the colors should be sharp and vibrant. If they seem to be dull or muddy, that could be an indication that you’re looking at a fake.
Another difference to look for is in the registration marks. These are small crosshairs that appear in each corner of the card. On an original card, these marks should be sharply defined and perfectly aligned. If they are even just a little bit off, that’s another sign that you might be looking at a counterfeit card.
Watermarks
Watermarks are one of the key things to look at when you are trying to determine if a baseball card is real. If the card is a fake, it is likely that the watermark will be off-center or missing entirely.
raised ink
One easy way to tell if a baseball card is real is to look for raised ink. All licensed baseball cards should have raised ink on at least some of the text on the front of the card. If the text is flat, it’s a fake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few key things to look for when trying to determine if a baseball card is real. First, check the condition of the card and look for wear and tear that would be consistent with an old card. Next, look at the printing quality and compare it to other cards from the same era. Finally, check for any water damage, creases, or other defects that would suggest the card is a fake. With these steps in mind, you should be able to tell if a baseball card is real or not.
