Pokémon authenticity guide · July 2026
How to Spot Vintage Pokémon Card Fakes
Our latest GradeReady video compares five vintage Pokémon cards side by side. This guide expands the same checks across every supplied image without cropping the cards or hiding the print details collectors need to inspect.
Quick Read
Typography is the fastest first check.
Compare letter shapes, spacing, punctuation, and weight with a verified authentic copy from the same set and language.
Holo must behave correctly.
Generic galaxy foil, excessive shine, grain, or a pattern that does not react naturally under changing light deserves a closer look.
One mismatch is not a verdict.
Use several corroborating clues and get qualified help before a high-value purchase, trade, or authentication decision.
Full Reference Gallery
Every supplied card is shown in full. The dark padding is intentional so the complete borders, corners, numbering, and copyright lines remain visible.
Watch the Side-by-Side Inspection
Cards Featured in the Video
Opening comparison
Charizard · 4/102
The video calls out the letter “i” in “Like” because the typeface and letter construction do not match the reference. Continue down the card: compare the illustration frame, energy symbols, attack text, set number, and copyright line.
Base Set-era comparison
Blastoise · 2/102
Inspect the holo background and black level before zooming into Rain Dance, Hydro Pump, the Water Energy symbols, and the bottom legal line. The full-card view matters because a crop can hide the most useful evidence.
Gold Star example
Rayquaza ☆ · 107/107
Gold Star counterfeits may appear washed out or overexposed, with burned colors and an incorrect galaxy-style foil. Compare the star symbol, energy icons, holo behavior, set numbering, and fine print together.
Vintage holo example
Lugia · 9/111
Compare the holo field, the weight and spacing of “Elemental Blast,” the energy symbols, resistance text, card number, and copyright details. A realistic sparkle by itself is not enough.
Neo Destiny Shining example
Shining Charizard · 107/105
Close-up inspection can reveal an overly grainy texture, lettering that is too thin, and a holo treatment that does not match a verified authentic copy. Check the complete border and bottom line as well as the artwork.
Six Checks to Make Before You Buy
| Check | What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Typography | Letter shapes, punctuation, spacing, weight, and alignment. | Counterfeit fonts are often close, but not exact. |
| Frame and borders | Border width, illustration frame, line thickness, corners, and centering. | Bad source scans and reconstructed templates can alter the geometry. |
| Holo and texture | Pattern placement, shine direction, black level, grain, and reaction to light. | Generic or overexposed foil is a recurring counterfeit clue. |
| Symbols and icons | Energy symbols, rarity marks, weakness, resistance, and edition stamps. | Small redrawn symbols often expose the wrong template. |
| Set and legal line | Card number, set mark, illustrator, year, and trademark wording. | Details that never appeared together are a strong reason to stop. |
| Physical inspection | Card stock, surface finish, edges, light behavior, and magnified print pattern. | Photos can hide thickness, texture, and print structure. |
More Supplied Examples
Shining Tyranitar · 113/105
Use the same texture, font, holo, and border checks shown on Shining Charizard.
Delta Species-style Charizard examples
Do not let familiar artwork carry the decision. Confirm HP, attacks, typing, set number, symbols, and legal text as one coherent card.
Comparison graphic
The supplied side-by-side image highlights the core lesson: wrong fonts, different frames, and malformed energy symbols become obvious when aligned directly.
Collector FAQ
Does one visual mismatch prove a Pokémon card is fake?
No. Treat it as a reason to investigate. Use multiple corroborating details and compare against a verified authentic card from the same set, language, and print variation.
Can a photo confirm card authenticity?
Usually not by itself. Lighting, compression, camera processing, and angle can distort color, texture, and holo. High-value cards deserve physical inspection or a reputable professional opinion.
What should I do if a card looks questionable?
Pause the transaction, save the listing and seller claims, request clear front/back and angled-light photos, compare several reference points, and do not list or trade the card as authentic while uncertainty remains.
Editorial disclaimer: This article is educational collector content, not a grading or authentication determination. GradeReady does not certify the pictured cards from photographs alone.