{ "schemaVersion": 2, "metadata": { "slug": "how-to-tell-if-pokemon-cards-are-fake", "title": "Pokemon Card Authenticity Test Library", "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10", "scope": "Non-destructive consumer screening for loose Pokemon cards and sealed products. The library identifies conflicts, limitations, and escalation needs; it never authenticates an item.", "rowCount": 26, "sourceCount": 12, "sourceTypes": { "independent": 7, "primary": 5 }, "limitations": [ "The library screens for conflicts and uncertainty; it never authenticates a card or sealed product.", "Every physical comparison must use the correct language, era, printing, rarity, finish, and construction.", "Japanese old-back, later-back, promotional, and specialty cards have no universal home-test rule in this library.", "Legitimate production errors, condition damage, altered-genuine assemblies, and resealed products can defeat simple checks.", "Bend, rip, peel, cut, scrape, chemical, and other destructive tests are forbidden." ], "integrity": { "algorithm": "sha256", "sourceDataPath": "research-inputs/how-to-tell-if-pokemon-cards-are-fake/authenticity-tests.source.json", "sourceDataSha256": "2ce776eb1064695176919527df369616e116f1c6f9f4e79aecca01affd4c583e", "sourceManifestPath": "research-inputs/how-to-tell-if-pokemon-cards-are-fake/source-manifest.json", "sourceManifestSha256": "87716f3c3641d65b06b92459a212cffef0a0ff19e63846297f1dd617501b3020", "rowsSha256": "9eab2cbf204384024c99342f2d0d3963b4fd7c352f76cf311791fa186489241d", "csvSha256": "2f0bc40c22e5b9c51a29f5ecead8144ca86bba5d02e167ba1d8132e78ebb3105", "rulesSha256": "37106406c5014a31d7717a430ea7493f8777f1638d6aa311a950388833cb8846", "checksumManifest": "artifacts/how-to-tell-if-pokemon-cards-are-fake/checksums.sha256" } }, "schema": { "rowContainer": "rows", "requiredRowFields": [ "id", "sequence", "phase", "name", "formatEra", "observation", "supportedInference", "signal", "contraindications", "unsafeForbiddenConclusions", "escalationTrigger", "primarySources", "independentSources", "verifiedDate" ], "verdictRulesPath": "artifacts/how-to-tell-if-pokemon-cards-are-fake/pokemon-card-authenticity-verdict-rules.json" }, "verdictPolicy": { "policyVersion": 2, "permittedVerdicts": [ "multiple_serious_conflicts", "expert_review_recommended", "unresolved_warning", "no_conflicts_found_in_selected_checks" ], "forbiddenVerdicts": [ "authentic", "genuine", "certified", "real", "fake_probability", "authenticity_confidence" ], "observationStatuses": [ "not_checked", "not_applicable", "no_conflict_observed", "conflict_observed", "inconclusive", "unsafe_performed" ], "precedence": [ "Two or more uncontraindicated serious conflicts from independent evidence groups produce multiple_serious_conflicts.", "One serious conflict, two independent supporting conflicts, an explicit escalation trigger, a suspected altered-genuine assembly, or an unsupported high-value or Japanese legacy item produces expert_review_recommended.", "Any remaining warning, inconclusive result, contraindication, unsafe action, context signal, or insufficient coverage produces unresolved_warning.", "Only adequate cross-group coverage with no conflicts or unresolved conditions produces no_conflicts_found_in_selected_checks; this is not an authenticity verdict." ], "minimumNoConflictCoverage": { "looseCardIndependentGroups": 3, "requiresIdentityGroup": true, "requiresPhysicalGroup": true, "sealedProductIndependentGroups": 2, "japaneseRequiresExactComparator": true, "japaneseRequiresLanguageEraControl": true }, "independenceRule": "Multiple rows in the same independenceGroup count once. A no-conflict observation never subtracts from or offsets a conflict.", "contraindicationRule": "A contraindicated observation is excluded from conflict counting and creates unresolved uncertainty. It cannot be used as a pass.", "destructiveRule": "Bend and rip actions are forbidden, produce no authenticity evidence, and create an unsafe-action warning if performed.", "japaneseBoundary": "Japanese cards must be checked against the exact Japanese printing or a same-language, same-era comparator. The official Japanese search opens with a Standard regulation filter; absence there is not a conflict. Older, promotional, uncatalogued, or uncertain Japanese cards require specialist review when an exact comparator is unavailable." }, "sources": [ { "id": "pokemon-counterfeit-support", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002068953-Did-I-purchase-fake-or-counterfeit-cards", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-26", "status": "inspected", "locators": [ { "id": "bright-light-and-expert", "location": "Article paragraphs 3-4", "passageSummary": "Official support says some counterfeits are easy to see through under bright light and recommends evaluation by a specialist card shop for suspected counterfeits.", "claimBoundary": "Supports transmitted light as a warning and expert escalation; it does not establish that opacity proves authenticity." }, { "id": "packaging-images", "location": "Article paragraph 5", "passageSummary": "Official product images can help buyers recognize knockoff packaging that differs from official decks.", "claimBoundary": "Supports product-identity comparison, not authentication of a sealed item from photographs." }, { "id": "sealed-price-provenance", "location": "Article paragraph 6", "passageSummary": "Official support says fake booster packs can be difficult to distinguish and identifies implausibly low price and flea-market provenance as warnings.", "claimBoundary": "Price and source are risk signals only; neither a normal price nor a reputable-looking listing certifies a product." } ] }, { "id": "pokemon-database-help", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001025274-How-do-I-use-the-Trading-Card-Game-database", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "How do I use the Trading Card Game database?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "status": "inspected", "locators": [ { "id": "advanced-search-fields", "location": "Article body and field definitions", "passageSummary": "The official database can search card name, attack text, rarity, expansion, HP, retreat cost, weakness, resistance, and illustrator.", "claimBoundary": "Supports checking whether a claimed English printing and its printed data appear in official records; a failed or incomplete search is not proof of a counterfeit." }, { "id": "database-search-limit", "location": "Article note below the introduction", "passageSummary": "The official help page states that non-gameplay text is not searchable.", "claimBoundary": "A search miss can result from query or field limitations and must be treated as unresolved until the exact printing is checked another way." } ] }, { "id": "pokemon-english-card-database", "url": "https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Pokemon TCG Card Database", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "status": "inspected", "locators": [ { "id": "english-printing-record", "location": "Card search and exact result record", "passageSummary": "Official English card records expose the named printing and its displayed attributes.", "claimBoundary": "Use only after matching the exact set, collector number, language, artwork, rarity, and finish. Database presence does not authenticate a physical card." } ] }, { "id": "pokemon-japanese-card-search", "url": "https://www.pokemon-card.com/card-search/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company", "title": "Pokemon Card Game Card Search", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "status": "inspected", "locators": [ { "id": "japanese-search-filters", "location": "Search form", "passageSummary": "The official Japanese search exposes name/text and regulation filters, including Standard, Expanded, Hall of Fame, and all regulations; the visible default is Standard.", "claimBoundary": "A card absent from the default Standard view is not a conflict. Search all applicable regulations and use an exact Japanese printing or a specialist record for older, promotional, or uncatalogued cards." } ] }, { "id": "pokemon-celebrations-upc", "url": "https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/celebrations-ultra-premium-collection/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Pokemon TCG: Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-Q4", "status": "inspected", "locators": [ { "id": "official-metal-and-gold-cards", "location": "Product introduction and contents list", "passageSummary": "The official product includes two commemorative solid-metal cards and separate special gold versions of Pikachu V and Poke Ball.", "claimBoundary": "Gold color and metal construction can both be official. Specialty construction must be matched to the exact official product; appearance alone cannot classify it." } ] }, { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "status": "inspected", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locators": [ { "id": "no-single-test", "location": "How to Tell if Pokemon Cards Are Fake, introductory warning", "passageSummary": "The authentication-center guide says no single trick or test is conclusive and warns that both counterfeits and legitimate cards can produce misleading results.", "claimBoundary": "Supports a multi-observation uncertainty model; it does not validate numeric weights or a consumer authenticity verdict." }, { "id": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." }, { "id": "same-version-comparator", "location": "Tests 2 and 4", "passageSummary": "The guide compares the back, stock, edge, weight, texture, and finish with a known card as close as possible in set, rarity, and foiling.", "claimBoundary": "Supports comparative observation, not a universal stock, back-color, or thickness constant across languages and products." }, { "id": "light-test-limit", "location": "Tests We Do Not Recommend: The Light Test", "passageSummary": "The guide reports false positives caused by publisher, era, foil, environmental, and lighting variation and does not recommend light as a standalone method.", "claimBoundary": "A material difference under controlled comparison is supporting evidence only and cannot clear or condemn a card by itself." }, { "id": "bend-and-rip-limit", "location": "Tests We Do Not Recommend: Bend Test and Rip Test", "passageSummary": "The guide rejects bend tests because they damage cards and says it has not validated the destructive rip test.", "claimBoundary": "These actions produce no accepted evidence in the checker and are always forbidden." }, { "id": "sealed-product-limit", "location": "How to Spot Fake Sealed Pokemon Products", "passageSummary": "The guide says resealing and substitution can be difficult to detect before opening and recommends checking seller, price, text, images, and logos.", "claimBoundary": "Supports risk screening only; a normal-looking package cannot be declared authentic from photos." } ] }, { "id": "cgc-counterfeit-promo", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8648/counterfeit-pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Catches Counterfeit Pokemon Center and Lucky Stadium Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2020-10-29", "status": "inspected", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for documented forensic observations and explicit case boundaries.", "locators": [ { "id": "magnified-print-and-layers", "location": "Article paragraphs beginning 'From arm's length' through the edge comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC documents fuzzy consumer-printer reproduction under magnification, genuine-looking backs glued beneath fake fronts, extra layers, and approximately doubled thickness.", "claimBoundary": "Supports conflict detection in this documented construction and comparison workflow; it does not make CMYK dots, a dark core, or a genuine-looking back a universal pass test." } ] }, { "id": "cgc-altered-charizard", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8890/fake-pokemon-charizard/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Encounters a Uniquely Deceptive Fake 1st Edition Base Set Charizard", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-02-12", "status": "inspected", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented altered-genuine case and escalation boundary.", "locators": [ { "id": "genuine-holo-altered-assembly", "location": "Article paragraphs describing the genuine Galaxy Star layer and transparent printed overlay", "passageSummary": "CGC documents a fake assembled from a genuine holographic card plus a printed transparent layer, with poor print, abnormal gloss, added height, and extreme thickness.", "claimBoundary": "A convincing genuine component cannot clear the whole card. Sophisticated altered-genuine cases require professional tools and review." } ] }, { "id": "cgc-error-guide", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/9851/error-card-types/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Cards Error Guide", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-08-18", "status": "inspected", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used to prevent legitimate production errors from being misclassified as counterfeits.", "locators": [ { "id": "legitimate-error-taxonomy", "location": "How Trading Cards Are Printed and Types of Error Cards", "passageSummary": "The guide documents legitimate added or missing ink, shifted and missing layers, doubled holo, missing or misaligned texture, off-center cards, miscuts, square corners, pinched layers, and other production anomalies.", "claimBoundary": "An appearance anomaly may be a manufacturing error, damage, alteration, or counterfeit. Home inspection cannot settle rare error provenance." } ] }, { "id": "cgc-added-stamp", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/13946/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Altered Card Alert: 1st Edition Italian Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-04-08", "status": "inspected", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented stamp-alteration case.", "locators": [ { "id": "stamp-ink-sheen-height-overspray", "location": "Article paragraphs following the Clefairy and Magneton comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC identifies added 1st Edition symbols through mismatched ink color and sheen, a raised stamp above gloss, laser overspray, and related surface creasing.", "claimBoundary": "These are conflict signs when compared with the exact language and era. Stamp placement and production vary, so a different-era comparator is contraindicated." } ] }, { "id": "cgc-not-factory-cut", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/14538/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Not Factory Cut Trick or Trade Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-10-09", "status": "inspected", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented not-factory-cut comparison.", "locators": [ { "id": "cut-orientation-and-corners", "location": "Article body comparing NFC Chandelure with a genuine factory miscut", "passageSummary": "CGC identifies an impossible 90-degree sheet orientation and ragged, incompletely rounded corners on a card cut from an uncut sheet.", "claimBoundary": "Supports this factory-process conflict and careful cut comparison. Size or an unusual cut alone is not enough because legitimate errors and externally cut sheets exist." } ] }, { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "status": "inspected", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locators": [ { "id": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." } ] } ], "rows": [ { "id": "official-printing-record", "sequence": 1, "phase": "Identity", "name": "Confirm that the exact printing is documented", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Search the correct regional database and broaden filters before treating an absence as meaningful." }, "observation": "Record the card name, language, expansion, collector number, rarity, artwork, and finish, then locate that exact combination in the applicable official database or a specialist record for an older or promotional printing.", "supportedInference": "A confirmed impossible combination is a serious identity conflict. A search miss, incomplete query, or database omission is only unresolved.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "decisive", "independenceGroup": "identity-record" }, "contraindications": [ "Only the default or current regulation was searched.", "The card is an older, regional, promotional, prototype, or otherwise incompletely catalogued printing.", "The language or collector number was transcribed incorrectly." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Database presence does not authenticate the physical card.", "A search miss alone does not prove the card is fake." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate when no exact record can be found after broadening the correct regional search, or when the claimed identity remains internally impossible.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-database-help", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001025274-How-do-I-use-the-Trading-Card-Game-database", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "How do I use the Trading Card Game database?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "advanced-search-fields", "location": "Article body and field definitions", "passageSummary": "The official database can search card name, attack text, rarity, expansion, HP, retreat cost, weakness, resistance, and illustrator.", "claimBoundary": "Supports checking whether a claimed English printing and its printed data appear in official records; a failed or incomplete search is not proof of a counterfeit." }, { "id": "pokemon-database-help", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001025274-How-do-I-use-the-Trading-Card-Game-database", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "How do I use the Trading Card Game database?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "database-search-limit", "location": "Article note below the introduction", "passageSummary": "The official help page states that non-gameplay text is not searchable.", "claimBoundary": "A search miss can result from query or field limitations and must be treated as unresolved until the exact printing is checked another way." }, { "id": "pokemon-english-card-database", "url": "https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Pokemon TCG Card Database", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "english-printing-record", "location": "Card search and exact result record", "passageSummary": "Official English card records expose the named printing and its displayed attributes.", "claimBoundary": "Use only after matching the exact set, collector number, language, artwork, rarity, and finish. Database presence does not authenticate a physical card." }, { "id": "pokemon-japanese-card-search", "url": "https://www.pokemon-card.com/card-search/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company", "title": "Pokemon Card Game Card Search", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "japanese-search-filters", "location": "Search form", "passageSummary": "The official Japanese search exposes name/text and regulation filters, including Standard, Expanded, Hall of Fame, and all regulations; the visible default is Standard.", "claimBoundary": "A card absent from the default Standard view is not a conflict. Search all applicable regulations and use an exact Japanese printing or a specialist record for older, promotional, or uncatalogued cards." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "collector-number-set", "sequence": 2, "phase": "Identity", "name": "Match collector number, expansion, and rarity", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Use the exact language and printing rather than a reprint with similar art." }, "observation": "Compare the printed collector number, set symbol or set code, rarity, and stated printing with the exact official or specialist record.", "supportedInference": "A collector number assigned to another card or an impossible set-rarity combination is a serious identity conflict after transcription and version errors are excluded.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "decisive", "independenceGroup": "identity-record" }, "contraindications": [ "The comparator is a reprint, alternate artwork, parallel, promo, or different language.", "A legitimate documented printing error affects the inspected mark.", "The database record is incomplete." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A matching number and set do not certify the card.", "Do not count this separately from official-printing-record when applying independence rules." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate any unresolved impossible number-set-rarity combination, especially on a valuable or older printing.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-database-help", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001025274-How-do-I-use-the-Trading-Card-Game-database", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "How do I use the Trading Card Game database?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "advanced-search-fields", "location": "Article body and field definitions", "passageSummary": "The official database can search card name, attack text, rarity, expansion, HP, retreat cost, weakness, resistance, and illustrator.", "claimBoundary": "Supports checking whether a claimed English printing and its printed data appear in official records; a failed or incomplete search is not proof of a counterfeit." }, { "id": "pokemon-english-card-database", "url": "https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Pokemon TCG Card Database", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "english-printing-record", "location": "Card search and exact result record", "passageSummary": "Official English card records expose the named printing and its displayed attributes.", "claimBoundary": "Use only after matching the exact set, collector number, language, artwork, rarity, and finish. Database presence does not authenticate a physical card." }, { "id": "pokemon-japanese-card-search", "url": "https://www.pokemon-card.com/card-search/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company", "title": "Pokemon Card Game Card Search", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "japanese-search-filters", "location": "Search form", "passageSummary": "The official Japanese search exposes name/text and regulation filters, including Standard, Expanded, Hall of Fame, and all regulations; the visible default is Standard.", "claimBoundary": "A card absent from the default Standard view is not a conflict. Search all applicable regulations and use an exact Japanese printing or a specialist record for older, promotional, or uncatalogued cards." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "printed-card-data", "sequence": 3, "phase": "Identity", "name": "Match HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, and retreat", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Applicable only to a card with readable game text and an exact-version record." }, "observation": "Compare every gameplay field with the exact printing: HP, attack names and damage, Energy costs, ability text, weakness, resistance, and retreat cost.", "supportedInference": "Repeated or material printed-data differences from the exact printing are strong conflicts. One unreadable or damaged character is inconclusive.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "printed-content" }, "contraindications": [ "The comparator is a different printing, language, or rules-era revision.", "Text is obscured by damage, glare, a sleeve, or a low-resolution image.", "A documented error or erratum applies." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Matching game text does not authenticate the stock, print process, or assembly.", "Do not infer a counterfeit from a comparison against a different printing." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate when two or more gameplay fields conflict with a confirmed exact record or the card appears to combine data from different printings.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-database-help", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001025274-How-do-I-use-the-Trading-Card-Game-database", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "How do I use the Trading Card Game database?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "advanced-search-fields", "location": "Article body and field definitions", "passageSummary": "The official database can search card name, attack text, rarity, expansion, HP, retreat cost, weakness, resistance, and illustrator.", "claimBoundary": "Supports checking whether a claimed English printing and its printed data appear in official records; a failed or incomplete search is not proof of a counterfeit." }, { "id": "pokemon-english-card-database", "url": "https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Pokemon TCG Card Database", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "english-printing-record", "location": "Card search and exact result record", "passageSummary": "Official English card records expose the named printing and its displayed attributes.", "claimBoundary": "Use only after matching the exact set, collector number, language, artwork, rarity, and finish. Database presence does not authenticate a physical card." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "artwork-layout-crop", "sequence": 4, "phase": "Identity", "name": "Match artwork crop and layout", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Centering drift is not the same as a different crop, scale, or element placement." }, "observation": "Align a high-quality image of the exact printing and compare artwork crop, scale, art-box position, symbols, labels, and fixed design elements.", "supportedInference": "A different crop, missing element, or materially displaced fixed artwork is a strong conflict after alternate artwork and centering variation are excluded.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "artwork-layout" }, "contraindications": [ "The card has an alternate artwork, image variation, regional layout, or promo treatment.", "Perspective distortion or a cropped marketplace photo prevents alignment.", "The observed difference is only ordinary centering." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A matching scan does not certify the physical item.", "Do not call ordinary centering drift counterfeit evidence." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate a high-value card when fixed elements cannot be reconciled with any documented printing.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-english-card-database", "url": "https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Pokemon TCG Card Database", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "english-printing-record", "location": "Card search and exact result record", "passageSummary": "Official English card records expose the named printing and its displayed attributes.", "claimBoundary": "Use only after matching the exact set, collector number, language, artwork, rarity, and finish. Database presence does not authenticate a physical card." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." }, { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locatorId": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "language-era-comparator", "sequence": 5, "phase": "Applicability", "name": "Use the correct language, era, printing, and finish comparator", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Japanese and English cards cannot be judged from each other's backs, stock, typography, or finish." }, "observation": "Before any physical comparison, document the suspect card's language, era, printing, rarity, finish, and product origin and select a known reference that matches those traits as closely as possible.", "supportedInference": "A wrong comparator invalidates dependent observations. Establishing a suitable comparator improves interpretability but supplies no authenticity evidence itself.", "signal": { "role": "false_positive_control", "severity": "context", "independenceGroup": "applicability" }, "contraindications": [ "No exact or close same-language, same-era comparator is available.", "The item is a prototype, test print, specialty product, or uncatalogued promo.", "The Japanese search was left on its default Standard regulation when checking an older card." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Similarity to a card from another language or era cannot authenticate the suspect.", "A comparison made with the wrong format must not contribute to any verdict." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate valuable, Japanese legacy, prototype, or uncatalogued cards when a suitable comparator cannot be established.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-database-help", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001025274-How-do-I-use-the-Trading-Card-Game-database", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "How do I use the Trading Card Game database?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "database-search-limit", "location": "Article note below the introduction", "passageSummary": "The official help page states that non-gameplay text is not searchable.", "claimBoundary": "A search miss can result from query or field limitations and must be treated as unresolved until the exact printing is checked another way." }, { "id": "pokemon-japanese-card-search", "url": "https://www.pokemon-card.com/card-search/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company", "title": "Pokemon Card Game Card Search", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "japanese-search-filters", "location": "Search form", "passageSummary": "The official Japanese search exposes name/text and regulation filters, including Standard, Expanded, Hall of Fame, and all regulations; the visible default is Standard.", "claimBoundary": "A card absent from the default Standard view is not a conflict. Search all applicable regulations and use an exact Japanese printing or a specialist record for older, promotional, or uncatalogued cards." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "same-version-comparator", "location": "Tests 2 and 4", "passageSummary": "The guide compares the back, stock, edge, weight, texture, and finish with a known card as close as possible in set, rarity, and foiling.", "claimBoundary": "Supports comparative observation, not a universal stock, back-color, or thickness constant across languages and products." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "typography-spelling-symbols", "sequence": 6, "phase": "Print", "name": "Inspect typography, spelling, spacing, and Energy symbols", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Language fluency or a verified scan is required; old documented errors remain a false-positive control." }, "observation": "Compare font family, size, letter spacing, accents, spelling, punctuation, Energy symbols, set symbols, and illustrator line with the exact printing.", "supportedInference": "A repeated pattern of wrong fonts, symbols, spacing, or text is a strong print conflict. One soft character or documented typo is weaker and may be inconclusive.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "printed-content" }, "contraindications": [ "The observer cannot read the card's language.", "The reference image is compressed or low resolution.", "A documented printing error or localized wording difference applies." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Correct spelling and fonts do not certify the card.", "Do not classify a card from one isolated soft or damaged character." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate when multiple typography and symbol conflicts survive exact-version comparison or the card is in an unfamiliar language.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-database-help", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001025274-How-do-I-use-the-Trading-Card-Game-database", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "How do I use the Trading Card Game database?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "advanced-search-fields", "location": "Article body and field definitions", "passageSummary": "The official database can search card name, attack text, rarity, expansion, HP, retreat cost, weakness, resistance, and illustrator.", "claimBoundary": "Supports checking whether a claimed English printing and its printed data appear in official records; a failed or incomplete search is not proof of a counterfeit." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." }, { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locatorId": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "english-back", "sequence": 7, "phase": "Print", "name": "Compare an English card back", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "en" ], "eras": [ "all-English" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Not applicable to Japanese or other-language backs." }, "observation": "Under the same light, compare the complete back with a known English card, including border separation, color relationships, line detail, registration, and edge transition.", "supportedInference": "A cluster of material back-print differences is a strong conflict. A convincing back cannot clear the front or construction because genuine backs have been used in counterfeits.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "back-print" }, "contraindications": [ "The suspect is not an English card.", "Lighting, white balance, sleeve, fading, or damage changes color.", "The comparator is not known genuine." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A matching English back does not authenticate the whole card.", "Never apply English-back rules to Japanese cards." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate when multiple back details conflict under controlled comparison or when the front and back appear to be separate components.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "same-version-comparator", "location": "Tests 2 and 4", "passageSummary": "The guide compares the back, stock, edge, weight, texture, and finish with a known card as close as possible in set, rarity, and foiling.", "claimBoundary": "Supports comparative observation, not a universal stock, back-color, or thickness constant across languages and products." }, { "id": "cgc-counterfeit-promo", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8648/counterfeit-pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Catches Counterfeit Pokemon Center and Lucky Stadium Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2020-10-29", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for documented forensic observations and explicit case boundaries.", "locatorId": "magnified-print-and-layers", "location": "Article paragraphs beginning 'From arm's length' through the edge comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC documents fuzzy consumer-printer reproduction under magnification, genuine-looking backs glued beneath fake fronts, extra layers, and approximately doubled thickness.", "claimBoundary": "Supports conflict detection in this documented construction and comparison workflow; it does not make CMYK dots, a dark core, or a genuine-looking back a universal pass test." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "japanese-back", "sequence": 8, "phase": "Print", "name": "Compare a Japanese card back within the correct era", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "ja" ], "eras": [ "exact-Japanese-era-required" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Japanese old-back, later-back, promotional, and specialty products require the appropriate Japanese reference; this library defines no universal Japanese back rule." }, "observation": "Identify the exact Japanese printing and compare its back only with a verified Japanese card from the same back design, era, and construction under the same light.", "supportedInference": "Material differences from a verified same-era Japanese comparator are a strong conflict. Without that comparator, the result is inconclusive.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "back-print" }, "contraindications": [ "The comparator is English, another language, or another Japanese back era.", "The card is older, promotional, specialty, or absent from the applicable official search.", "The observer lacks a verified physical comparator and is relying on camera color." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "No universal Japanese back-color, copyright-line, opacity, or stock shortcut is permitted.", "A matching Japanese back does not authenticate the whole card." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate any valuable, old-back, uncatalogued, promotional, or otherwise uncertain Japanese card when an exact comparator is unavailable.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-japanese-card-search", "url": "https://www.pokemon-card.com/card-search/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company", "title": "Pokemon Card Game Card Search", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": null, "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "japanese-search-filters", "location": "Search form", "passageSummary": "The official Japanese search exposes name/text and regulation filters, including Standard, Expanded, Hall of Fame, and all regulations; the visible default is Standard.", "claimBoundary": "A card absent from the default Standard view is not a conflict. Search all applicable regulations and use an exact Japanese printing or a specialist record for older, promotional, or uncatalogued cards." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locatorId": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." }, { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "no-single-test", "location": "How to Tell if Pokemon Cards Are Fake, introductory warning", "passageSummary": "The authentication-center guide says no single trick or test is conclusive and warns that both counterfeits and legitimate cards can produce misleading results.", "claimBoundary": "Supports a multi-observation uncertainty model; it does not validate numeric weights or a consumer authenticity verdict." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "foil-pattern", "sequence": 9, "phase": "Finish", "name": "Match the exact foil treatment", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "The comparator must match language, printing, rarity, and finish." }, "observation": "Tilt the suspect and exact comparator through the same angles and compare foil presence, pattern, direction, masking, borders, and relationship to printed elements.", "supportedInference": "A foil treatment impossible for the exact printing or materially different from its verified pattern is a strong finish conflict.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "finish" }, "contraindications": [ "The card has an alternate parallel, regional finish, or documented foil error.", "The comparison uses still photographs that cannot show motion-dependent foil.", "Damage, clouding, or an overlay obscures the finish." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Correct foil alone does not authenticate a card because genuine foil components can be altered or reused.", "Do not compare foil across different printings or languages." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate when the finish conflicts with the exact record or appears to be a genuine layer combined with an altered print.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." }, { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locatorId": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." }, { "id": "cgc-altered-charizard", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8890/fake-pokemon-charizard/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Encounters a Uniquely Deceptive Fake 1st Edition Base Set Charizard", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-02-12", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented altered-genuine case and escalation boundary.", "locatorId": "genuine-holo-altered-assembly", "location": "Article paragraphs describing the genuine Galaxy Star layer and transparent printed overlay", "passageSummary": "CGC documents a fake assembled from a genuine holographic card plus a printed transparent layer, with poor print, abnormal gloss, added height, and extreme thickness.", "claimBoundary": "A convincing genuine component cannot clear the whole card. Sophisticated altered-genuine cases require professional tools and review." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "texture-pattern", "sequence": 10, "phase": "Finish", "name": "Match expected texture and its registration", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "textured-printings-only" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Not every rare or foil card is textured." }, "observation": "Use raking light and a close exact-version comparison to inspect whether texture exists, follows the expected design, and aligns with printed elements.", "supportedInference": "Missing, flat, or clearly wrong texture is a strong finish conflict only when the exact printing is known to carry that texture.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "finish" }, "contraindications": [ "The exact printing is not documented as textured.", "A legitimate missing, shifted, or texture-only manufacturing error is plausible.", "Wear, coating loss, or a sleeve prevents inspection." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Correct texture does not certify the card.", "Missing or shifted texture on a high-value card requires error-versus-alteration review, not an automatic fake label." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate valuable examples with missing, shifted, or otherwise anomalous texture because legitimate production errors exist.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "same-version-comparator", "location": "Tests 2 and 4", "passageSummary": "The guide compares the back, stock, edge, weight, texture, and finish with a known card as close as possible in set, rarity, and foiling.", "claimBoundary": "Supports comparative observation, not a universal stock, back-color, or thickness constant across languages and products." }, { "id": "cgc-error-guide", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/9851/error-card-types/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Cards Error Guide", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-08-18", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used to prevent legitimate production errors from being misclassified as counterfeits.", "locatorId": "legitimate-error-taxonomy", "location": "How Trading Cards Are Printed and Types of Error Cards", "passageSummary": "The guide documents legitimate added or missing ink, shifted and missing layers, doubled holo, missing or misaligned texture, off-center cards, miscuts, square corners, pinched layers, and other production anomalies.", "claimBoundary": "An appearance anomaly may be a manufacturing error, damage, alteration, or counterfeit. Home inspection cannot settle rare error provenance." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "specialty-gold-metal-identity", "sequence": 11, "phase": "Identity", "name": "Verify gold-colored and metal cards by exact product", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card", "specialty-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Gold-colored paper cards and solid-metal cards are separate official constructions." }, "observation": "Identify the exact product that supposedly issued the specialty card and compare material, artwork, dimensions, finish, and included-card list with the official product record.", "supportedInference": "A gold or metal item that cannot be reconciled with any claimed official product has a serious identity conflict; gold color or metal construction alone has no adverse inference.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "decisive", "independenceGroup": "identity-record" }, "contraindications": [ "The product identity is unknown or the item is an authorized non-card collectible.", "Gold color is being treated as equivalent to metal construction.", "The comparison uses a custom card without a seller claim of official status." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Gold color does not prove a counterfeit.", "Metal construction does not prove a counterfeit.", "A match to an official product list does not authenticate the physical item." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate valuable specialty cards when product origin, material, or included-card identity remains uncertain.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-celebrations-upc", "url": "https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/celebrations-ultra-premium-collection/", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Pokemon TCG: Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-Q4", "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "official-metal-and-gold-cards", "location": "Product introduction and contents list", "passageSummary": "The official product includes two commemorative solid-metal cards and separate special gold versions of Pikachu V and Poke Ball.", "claimBoundary": "Gold color and metal construction can both be official. Specialty construction must be matched to the exact official product; appearance alone cannot classify it." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "read-card-and-scan", "location": "Tests 1 and 3", "passageSummary": "The guide checks spelling, fonts, Energy symbols, HP, attacks, weakness, resistance, retreat, set symbol, collector number, and expected foil against an exact database scan.", "claimBoundary": "A conflict is meaningful only after the exact version is identified; database coverage and legitimate old errors can create false alarms." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "magnified-print-process", "sequence": 12, "phase": "Print", "name": "Inspect print detail under magnification", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Use magnification for side-by-side comparison, not a universal dot-pattern shortcut." }, "observation": "At modest magnification, compare edge sharpness, line detail, registration, screening, and fine symbols with the exact or closest verified printing.", "supportedInference": "Broad fuzzy reproduction, consumer-printer artifacts, or multiple repeated detail differences are strong print-process conflicts.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "print-process" }, "contraindications": [ "The finish, foil, coating, or language differs from the comparator.", "The card or reference image is damaged, scanned, or compressed.", "The observer is applying a single universal rosette or dot rule." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Visible CMYK dots do not authenticate a card.", "A single print artifact without an exact comparator does not prove a counterfeit." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate high-value cards when print-process conflicts persist or professional wavelength imaging would be needed.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-counterfeit-promo", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8648/counterfeit-pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Catches Counterfeit Pokemon Center and Lucky Stadium Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2020-10-29", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for documented forensic observations and explicit case boundaries.", "locatorId": "magnified-print-and-layers", "location": "Article paragraphs beginning 'From arm's length' through the edge comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC documents fuzzy consumer-printer reproduction under magnification, genuine-looking backs glued beneath fake fronts, extra layers, and approximately doubled thickness.", "claimBoundary": "Supports conflict detection in this documented construction and comparison workflow; it does not make CMYK dots, a dark core, or a genuine-looking back a universal pass test." }, { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locatorId": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "color-gloss", "sequence": 13, "phase": "Print", "name": "Compare color and gloss under controlled light", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "This is supporting evidence because lighting, wear, and production variation change appearance." }, "observation": "Remove color-shifting sleeves, use one neutral light, and compare protected areas, color relationships, and surface gloss with an exact or close verified printing.", "supportedInference": "A repeated material color or gloss difference is a supporting warning. It cannot independently establish counterfeit status.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "supporting", "independenceGroup": "appearance" }, "contraindications": [ "Different lighting, camera processing, scanner settings, or sleeves are involved.", "Sun exposure, abrasion, moisture, residue, or coating loss affects the card.", "The comparator is from another printing or language." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A remembered shade of blue or surface gloss cannot authenticate or condemn a card.", "No-conflict color comparison is not a pass." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate only when the difference survives controlled comparison and aligns with independent identity, print, finish, or construction conflicts.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "same-version-comparator", "location": "Tests 2 and 4", "passageSummary": "The guide compares the back, stock, edge, weight, texture, and finish with a known card as close as possible in set, rarity, and foiling.", "claimBoundary": "Supports comparative observation, not a universal stock, back-color, or thickness constant across languages and products." }, { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locatorId": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "thickness-stock", "sequence": 14, "phase": "Construction", "name": "Compare thickness, weight, and stock feel", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Foil, specialty construction, language, humidity, and condition can change measurements and feel." }, "observation": "Without bending, compare thickness, weight, stiffness, edge feel, and surface response with a verified card of the same language, era, finish, and construction.", "supportedInference": "An extreme and repeatable construction difference is a strong conflict. Minor tactile variation is inconclusive.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "construction" }, "contraindications": [ "The comparator differs in foil, specialty material, language, era, or condition.", "Humidity, warping, adhesive, damage, or residue affects the card.", "The measurement method is imprecise." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Normal thickness or feel does not authenticate the card.", "Do not bend, flex, peel, or otherwise stress the card to test stock." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate extreme thickness or layered-construction differences, particularly when an altered-genuine assembly is possible.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "same-version-comparator", "location": "Tests 2 and 4", "passageSummary": "The guide compares the back, stock, edge, weight, texture, and finish with a known card as close as possible in set, rarity, and foiling.", "claimBoundary": "Supports comparative observation, not a universal stock, back-color, or thickness constant across languages and products." }, { "id": "cgc-counterfeit-promo", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8648/counterfeit-pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Catches Counterfeit Pokemon Center and Lucky Stadium Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2020-10-29", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for documented forensic observations and explicit case boundaries.", "locatorId": "magnified-print-and-layers", "location": "Article paragraphs beginning 'From arm's length' through the edge comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC documents fuzzy consumer-printer reproduction under magnification, genuine-looking backs glued beneath fake fronts, extra layers, and approximately doubled thickness.", "claimBoundary": "Supports conflict detection in this documented construction and comparison workflow; it does not make CMYK dots, a dark core, or a genuine-looking back a universal pass test." }, { "id": "cgc-altered-charizard", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8890/fake-pokemon-charizard/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Encounters a Uniquely Deceptive Fake 1st Edition Base Set Charizard", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-02-12", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented altered-genuine case and escalation boundary.", "locatorId": "genuine-holo-altered-assembly", "location": "Article paragraphs describing the genuine Galaxy Star layer and transparent printed overlay", "passageSummary": "CGC documents a fake assembled from a genuine holographic card plus a printed transparent layer, with poor print, abnormal gloss, added height, and extreme thickness.", "claimBoundary": "A convincing genuine component cannot clear the whole card. Sophisticated altered-genuine cases require professional tools and review." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "glued-laminated-components", "sequence": 15, "phase": "Construction", "name": "Look for added, glued, or laminated components", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Inspect without peeling or separating layers." }, "observation": "Under raking light and edge magnification, look for raised overlays, adhesive seams, duplicated layers, an added front, or a printed layer sitting above the expected surface.", "supportedInference": "A clearly added or duplicated component inconsistent with the exact printing is a decisive construction conflict.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "decisive", "independenceGroup": "construction" }, "contraindications": [ "The card is an official layered, lenticular, sticker, metal, or other specialty product.", "Damage, delamination, repair, or residue could explain the appearance.", "The observer would need to peel or separate the card to continue." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A genuine-looking back or holo layer does not authenticate the full assembly.", "Do not peel, delaminate, cut, or chemically test the card." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate every suspected altered-genuine assembly or valuable card with unexplained added layers.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-counterfeit-promo", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8648/counterfeit-pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Catches Counterfeit Pokemon Center and Lucky Stadium Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2020-10-29", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for documented forensic observations and explicit case boundaries.", "locatorId": "magnified-print-and-layers", "location": "Article paragraphs beginning 'From arm's length' through the edge comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC documents fuzzy consumer-printer reproduction under magnification, genuine-looking backs glued beneath fake fronts, extra layers, and approximately doubled thickness.", "claimBoundary": "Supports conflict detection in this documented construction and comparison workflow; it does not make CMYK dots, a dark core, or a genuine-looking back a universal pass test." }, { "id": "cgc-altered-charizard", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8890/fake-pokemon-charizard/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Encounters a Uniquely Deceptive Fake 1st Edition Base Set Charizard", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-02-12", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented altered-genuine case and escalation boundary.", "locatorId": "genuine-holo-altered-assembly", "location": "Article paragraphs describing the genuine Galaxy Star layer and transparent printed overlay", "passageSummary": "CGC documents a fake assembled from a genuine holographic card plus a printed transparent layer, with poor print, abnormal gloss, added height, and extreme thickness.", "claimBoundary": "A convincing genuine component cannot clear the whole card. Sophisticated altered-genuine cases require professional tools and review." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "edition-promo-stamp", "sequence": 16, "phase": "Alteration", "name": "Inspect edition and promotional stamps", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "stamped-printings-only" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Stamp design and placement vary by language, set, and era." }, "observation": "Compare stamp placement, dimensions, ink color, sheen, edge quality, overspray, height, and relationship to the gloss with the exact stamped printing.", "supportedInference": "A stamp printed above the gloss with mismatched ink, raised height, or laser overspray is a decisive alteration conflict when exact-era comparison supports it.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "decisive", "independenceGroup": "alteration-stamp" }, "contraindications": [ "The comparator is another language, set, or era.", "A documented double-stamp or other manufacturing error is plausible.", "Damage or residue obscures the stamp edge." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A plausible stamp does not authenticate the underlying card.", "Do not use one universal stamp-placement rule across releases." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate every valuable card with a suspected added stamp or an error claim that cannot be resolved non-destructively.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-added-stamp", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/13946/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Altered Card Alert: 1st Edition Italian Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-04-08", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented stamp-alteration case.", "locatorId": "stamp-ink-sheen-height-overspray", "location": "Article paragraphs following the Clefairy and Magneton comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC identifies added 1st Edition symbols through mismatched ink color and sheen, a raised stamp above gloss, laser overspray, and related surface creasing.", "claimBoundary": "These are conflict signs when compared with the exact language and era. Stamp placement and production vary, so a different-era comparator is contraindicated." }, { "id": "cgc-error-guide", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/9851/error-card-types/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Cards Error Guide", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-08-18", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used to prevent legitimate production errors from being misclassified as counterfeits.", "locatorId": "legitimate-error-taxonomy", "location": "How Trading Cards Are Printed and Types of Error Cards", "passageSummary": "The guide documents legitimate added or missing ink, shifted and missing layers, doubled holo, missing or misaligned texture, off-center cards, miscuts, square corners, pinched layers, and other production anomalies.", "claimBoundary": "An appearance anomaly may be a manufacturing error, damage, alteration, or counterfeit. Home inspection cannot settle rare error provenance." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "dimensions-cut-corners", "sequence": 17, "phase": "Construction", "name": "Check dimensions, cut orientation, edges, and corners", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Factory tolerances, miscuts, square corners, and externally cut sheet cards require provenance-aware review." }, "observation": "Measure without stressing the card and compare size, cut orientation, corner radius, edge finish, alignment marks, and sheet geometry with the applicable production format.", "supportedInference": "An impossible sheet orientation or clearly non-factory cut is a strong construction conflict. Size, off-centering, or unusual corners alone are not enough.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "construction-cut" }, "contraindications": [ "A legitimate factory miscut, square-corner error, or documented sheet provenance is plausible.", "The card may have been trimmed or cut from an uncut sheet after production.", "The measurement tool or reference dimensions are not precise." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Off-centering or an unusual corner does not automatically mean counterfeit.", "Do not trim, sand, or reshape the card to investigate." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate valuable error claims, suspected trimming, or any cut whose factory feasibility cannot be established.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-not-factory-cut", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/14538/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Not Factory Cut Trick or Trade Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-10-09", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented not-factory-cut comparison.", "locatorId": "cut-orientation-and-corners", "location": "Article body comparing NFC Chandelure with a genuine factory miscut", "passageSummary": "CGC identifies an impossible 90-degree sheet orientation and ragged, incompletely rounded corners on a card cut from an uncut sheet.", "claimBoundary": "Supports this factory-process conflict and careful cut comparison. Size or an unusual cut alone is not enough because legitimate errors and externally cut sheets exist." }, { "id": "cgc-error-guide", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/9851/error-card-types/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Cards Error Guide", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-08-18", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used to prevent legitimate production errors from being misclassified as counterfeits.", "locatorId": "legitimate-error-taxonomy", "location": "How Trading Cards Are Printed and Types of Error Cards", "passageSummary": "The guide documents legitimate added or missing ink, shifted and missing layers, doubled holo, missing or misaligned texture, off-center cards, miscuts, square corners, pinched layers, and other production anomalies.", "claimBoundary": "An appearance anomaly may be a manufacturing error, damage, alteration, or counterfeit. Home inspection cannot settle rare error provenance." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "transmitted-light", "sequence": 18, "phase": "Supporting", "name": "Use transmitted light only as a controlled comparison", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "non-opaque-constructions" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Not applicable to metal, opaque specialty, or otherwise incomparable constructions." }, "observation": "Under the same light, distance, angle, and room conditions, compare transmission with a verified card of the same language, era, rarity, foil status, and construction.", "supportedInference": "A material difference is a supporting warning only. Similar opacity and different opacity are both non-conclusive.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "supporting", "independenceGroup": "opacity" }, "contraindications": [ "No same-construction comparator is available.", "Lighting conditions differ.", "Foil, publisher, era, damage, or specialty construction differs." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Passing a light test never authenticates a card.", "Failing a light test alone never proves a counterfeit." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate only when the light difference aligns with an independent identity, print, finish, or construction conflict.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-counterfeit-support", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002068953-Did-I-purchase-fake-or-counterfeit-cards", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-26", "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "bright-light-and-expert", "location": "Article paragraphs 3-4", "passageSummary": "Official support says some counterfeits are easy to see through under bright light and recommends evaluation by a specialist card shop for suspected counterfeits.", "claimBoundary": "Supports transmitted light as a warning and expert escalation; it does not establish that opacity proves authenticity." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "light-test-limit", "location": "Tests We Do Not Recommend: The Light Test", "passageSummary": "The guide reports false positives caused by publisher, era, foil, environmental, and lighting variation and does not recommend light as a standalone method.", "claimBoundary": "A material difference under controlled comparison is supporting evidence only and cannot clear or condemn a card by itself." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "visible-edge-layers", "sequence": 19, "phase": "Supporting", "name": "Observe visible edge layers without damage", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "Only inspect a naturally visible clean edge; do not expose the core." }, "observation": "At modest magnification, compare naturally visible edge layers and transitions with a verified card of the same construction.", "supportedInference": "An unexplained extra or duplicated layer is supporting evidence and may become a strong construction conflict when paired with visible adhesive or abnormal thickness.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "supporting", "independenceGroup": "edge-layer" }, "contraindications": [ "The edge is dirty, worn, delaminated, repaired, or damaged.", "The comparator differs in foil or specialty construction.", "The only observation is a remembered dark-line shortcut." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A dark edge line is not a universal authenticity rule.", "Do not cut, peel, scrape, or tear the card to expose layers." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate when extra layers align with abnormal thickness, adhesive, or an altered-genuine assembly.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-counterfeit-promo", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8648/counterfeit-pokemon-cards/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Catches Counterfeit Pokemon Center and Lucky Stadium Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2020-10-29", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for documented forensic observations and explicit case boundaries.", "locatorId": "magnified-print-and-layers", "location": "Article paragraphs beginning 'From arm's length' through the edge comparison", "passageSummary": "CGC documents fuzzy consumer-printer reproduction under magnification, genuine-looking backs glued beneath fake fronts, extra layers, and approximately doubled thickness.", "claimBoundary": "Supports conflict detection in this documented construction and comparison workflow; it does not make CMYK dots, a dark core, or a genuine-looking back a universal pass test." }, { "id": "cgc-altered-charizard", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8890/fake-pokemon-charizard/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Encounters a Uniquely Deceptive Fake 1st Edition Base Set Charizard", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-02-12", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented altered-genuine case and escalation boundary.", "locatorId": "genuine-holo-altered-assembly", "location": "Article paragraphs describing the genuine Galaxy Star layer and transparent printed overlay", "passageSummary": "CGC documents a fake assembled from a genuine holographic card plus a printed transparent layer, with poor print, abnormal gloss, added height, and extreme thickness.", "claimBoundary": "A convincing genuine component cannot clear the whole card. Sophisticated altered-genuine cases require professional tools and review." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "bend-test", "sequence": 20, "phase": "Do not use", "name": "Do not bend the card", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card", "specialty-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Forbidden for every card." }, "observation": "Do not perform this action. Record it as not checked, or unsafe performed only if damage already occurred.", "supportedInference": "None. Bending contributes no accepted authenticity evidence.", "signal": { "role": "forbidden_action", "severity": "none", "independenceGroup": "none" }, "contraindications": [ "Every card is contraindicated because the action can cause irreversible damage." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "No bend response can authenticate or condemn a card.", "Never bend a card for this library." ], "escalationTrigger": "If the card was damaged or altered during a bend attempt, preserve it and seek condition or authenticity review without further testing.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "bend-and-rip-limit", "location": "Tests We Do Not Recommend: Bend Test and Rip Test", "passageSummary": "The guide rejects bend tests because they damage cards and says it has not validated the destructive rip test.", "claimBoundary": "These actions produce no accepted evidence in the checker and are always forbidden." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "rip-test", "sequence": 21, "phase": "Do not use", "name": "Do not rip, cut, peel, or delaminate the card", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card", "specialty-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Forbidden for every card." }, "observation": "Do not perform any destructive core or layer test. Preserve the item and all existing evidence.", "supportedInference": "None. The cited authentication-center guide has not validated the rip test, and destruction prevents further review.", "signal": { "role": "forbidden_action", "severity": "none", "independenceGroup": "none" }, "contraindications": [ "Every card is contraindicated because the action destroys evidence and value." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "No revealed core color or layer can authenticate the original intact card within this library.", "Never rip, cut, peel, scrape, or delaminate a suspect." ], "escalationTrigger": "If destructive testing already occurred, retain every piece and seek professional review; do not infer authenticity from the damage.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "bend-and-rip-limit", "location": "Tests We Do Not Recommend: Bend Test and Rip Test", "passageSummary": "The guide rejects bend tests because they damage cards and says it has not validated the destructive rip test.", "claimBoundary": "These actions produce no accepted evidence in the checker and are always forbidden." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "documented-manufacturing-error", "sequence": 22, "phase": "False-positive control", "name": "Check whether a documented manufacturing error explains the anomaly", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Error classification often requires provenance and professional process knowledge." }, "observation": "Compare the anomaly with documented error mechanisms such as extra or missing ink, shifted layers, missing or misaligned texture, miscuts, square corners, pinched layers, and package crimps.", "supportedInference": "A plausible documented error contraindicates an appearance-only counterfeit conclusion. It does not establish that the card is authentic or that the anomaly occurred at the factory.", "signal": { "role": "false_positive_control", "severity": "context", "independenceGroup": "manufacturing-error-control" }, "contraindications": [ "No provenance connects the item to a sealed product or known sheet.", "The anomaly could have been created after production.", "The claimed error conflicts with factory sequence or sheet geometry." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "An error-like appearance does not authenticate a card.", "An unusual card is not automatically fake or automatically valuable." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate valuable or rare error claims and every case where factory error, alteration, and counterfeit remain competing explanations.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-error-guide", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/9851/error-card-types/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Cards Error Guide", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-08-18", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used to prevent legitimate production errors from being misclassified as counterfeits.", "locatorId": "legitimate-error-taxonomy", "location": "How Trading Cards Are Printed and Types of Error Cards", "passageSummary": "The guide documents legitimate added or missing ink, shifted and missing layers, doubled holo, missing or misaligned texture, off-center cards, miscuts, square corners, pinched layers, and other production anomalies.", "claimBoundary": "An appearance anomaly may be a manufacturing error, damage, alteration, or counterfeit. Home inspection cannot settle rare error provenance." }, { "id": "cgc-not-factory-cut", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/14538/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Not Factory Cut Trick or Trade Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-10-09", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented not-factory-cut comparison.", "locatorId": "cut-orientation-and-corners", "location": "Article body comparing NFC Chandelure with a genuine factory miscut", "passageSummary": "CGC identifies an impossible 90-degree sheet orientation and ragged, incompletely rounded corners on a card cut from an uncut sheet.", "claimBoundary": "Supports this factory-process conflict and careful cut comparison. Size or an unusual cut alone is not enough because legitimate errors and externally cut sheets exist." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "condition-environment", "sequence": 23, "phase": "False-positive control", "name": "Separate wear and environment from print differences", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Condition can weaken color, gloss, texture, edge, and light observations but cannot explain impossible printed identity." }, "observation": "Document fading, abrasion, scratches, dents, moisture, residue, coating loss, warping, sleeve tint, and camera or scanner effects before interpreting appearance.", "supportedInference": "A condition or environmental explanation contraindicates affected appearance observations. It cannot resolve an impossible identity or added component.", "signal": { "role": "false_positive_control", "severity": "context", "independenceGroup": "condition-control" }, "contraindications": [ "The card cannot be removed safely from a sleeve or holder.", "Damage prevents inspection of protected areas.", "Only online images are available." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "Wear or fading does not authenticate a card.", "A damaged legitimate-looking area cannot clear an independent identity conflict." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate when condition prevents a non-destructive comparison or when restoration, recoloring, or coating alteration is possible.", "primarySources": [], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "no-single-test", "location": "How to Tell if Pokemon Cards Are Fake, introductory warning", "passageSummary": "The authentication-center guide says no single trick or test is conclusive and warns that both counterfeits and legitimate cards can produce misleading results.", "claimBoundary": "Supports a multi-observation uncertainty model; it does not validate numeric weights or a consumer authenticity verdict." }, { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "light-test-limit", "location": "Tests We Do Not Recommend: The Light Test", "passageSummary": "The guide reports false positives caused by publisher, era, foil, environmental, and lighting variation and does not recommend light as a standalone method.", "claimBoundary": "A material difference under controlled comparison is supporting evidence only and cannot clear or condemn a card by itself." }, { "id": "cgc-error-guide", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/9851/error-card-types/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Cards Error Guide", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2025-08-18", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used to prevent legitimate production errors from being misclassified as counterfeits.", "locatorId": "legitimate-error-taxonomy", "location": "How Trading Cards Are Printed and Types of Error Cards", "passageSummary": "The guide documents legitimate added or missing ink, shifted and missing layers, doubled holo, missing or misaligned texture, off-center cards, miscuts, square corners, pinched layers, and other production anomalies.", "claimBoundary": "An appearance anomaly may be a manufacturing error, damage, alteration, or counterfeit. Home inspection cannot settle rare error provenance." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "price-seller-provenance", "sequence": 24, "phase": "Context", "name": "Record price, seller, provenance, and return protection", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card", "sealed-product", "specialty-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Risk context changes the buying decision, not the physical identity of the item." }, "observation": "Save the listing, seller identity, receipt, source history, return terms, matching front-and-back photos, and price relative to credible current alternatives.", "supportedInference": "Implausibly low price, weak provenance, mismatched photos, or absent buyer protection increase transaction risk but do not prove a counterfeit.", "signal": { "role": "context_warning", "severity": "context", "independenceGroup": "provenance" }, "contraindications": [ "The market comparison is stale or for another printing or product.", "The listing omits necessary photos or custody history.", "A high price is being treated as reassurance." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A high price, polished listing, receipt, or reputable-looking seller does not authenticate the item.", "A low price alone does not prove a counterfeit." ], "escalationTrigger": "Pause purchase or escalate when provenance is missing, photos conflict, the price is implausible, or return protection is absent.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-counterfeit-support", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002068953-Did-I-purchase-fake-or-counterfeit-cards", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-26", "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "sealed-price-provenance", "location": "Article paragraph 6", "passageSummary": "Official support says fake booster packs can be difficult to distinguish and identifies implausibly low price and flea-market provenance as warnings.", "claimBoundary": "Price and source are risk signals only; neither a normal price nor a reputable-looking listing certifies a product." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "sealed-product-limit", "location": "How to Spot Fake Sealed Pokemon Products", "passageSummary": "The guide says resealing and substitution can be difficult to detect before opening and recommends checking seller, price, text, images, and logos.", "claimBoundary": "Supports risk screening only; a normal-looking package cannot be declared authentic from photos." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "sealed-product-identity", "sequence": 25, "phase": "Sealed product", "name": "Compare sealed product identity with official images", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "sealed-product" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": true, "notes": "This is a package-risk screen, not photo authentication or a universal seal/crimp rule." }, "observation": "Identify the exact product and region, then compare logos, product name, text, artwork, stated contents, dimensions, and visible packaging with official images while recording seller provenance and price.", "supportedInference": "A package identity that conflicts with the official release is a strong warning. A visually matching package remains unresolved because resealing and substitution can be difficult to detect.", "signal": { "role": "conflict_signal", "severity": "strong", "independenceGroup": "sealed-identity" }, "contraindications": [ "The exact regional package or production run is not documented.", "Only low-resolution or partial listing photos are available.", "The conclusion depends on an unsupported universal crimp, adhesive, or wrapper rule." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "A package cannot be authenticated from photographs in this library.", "Do not promise that a normal-looking seal, crimp, or wrapper proves authenticity." ], "escalationTrigger": "Do not buy or open a high-value sealed product when package identity, provenance, price, or custody cannot be reconciled.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-counterfeit-support", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002068953-Did-I-purchase-fake-or-counterfeit-cards", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-26", "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "packaging-images", "location": "Article paragraph 5", "passageSummary": "Official product images can help buyers recognize knockoff packaging that differs from official decks.", "claimBoundary": "Supports product-identity comparison, not authentication of a sealed item from photographs." }, { "id": "pokemon-counterfeit-support", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002068953-Did-I-purchase-fake-or-counterfeit-cards", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-26", "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "sealed-price-provenance", "location": "Article paragraph 6", "passageSummary": "Official support says fake booster packs can be difficult to distinguish and identifies implausibly low price and flea-market provenance as warnings.", "claimBoundary": "Price and source are risk signals only; neither a normal price nor a reputable-looking listing certifies a product." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "tcgplayer-fake-guide", "url": "https://www.tcgplayer.com/content/article/How-to-Spot-Fake-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards/0b3c551c-39e2-4949-ac46-3cb27e215b04/", "publisher": "TCGplayer", "title": "How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-13", "sourceDisclosure": "Marketplace and authentication-center operator with commercial interests; used for operational test boundaries, not manufacturer facts.", "locatorId": "sealed-product-limit", "location": "How to Spot Fake Sealed Pokemon Products", "passageSummary": "The guide says resealing and substitution can be difficult to detect before opening and recommends checking seller, price, text, images, and logos.", "claimBoundary": "Supports risk screening only; a normal-looking package cannot be declared authentic from photos." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" }, { "id": "professional-review", "sequence": 26, "phase": "Escalation", "name": "Escalate valuable, rare, altered, or internally inconsistent items", "formatEra": { "itemTypes": [ "loose-card", "sealed-product", "specialty-card" ], "languages": [ "all" ], "eras": [ "all" ], "requiresExactComparator": false, "notes": "Professional services can use process knowledge and imaging not available to a home checker." }, "observation": "Preserve the item, listing, receipt, provenance, and photographs, stop destructive testing, and seek an experienced specialist or professional authentication service when the case exceeds consumer screening.", "supportedInference": "Expert review is the next action when evidence conflicts, the item is valuable or unusual, an altered-genuine assembly is possible, or a suitable comparator is unavailable.", "signal": { "role": "escalation_control", "severity": "context", "independenceGroup": "expert-escalation" }, "contraindications": [ "The chosen reviewer lacks expertise in the card's language, era, or product.", "The item or provenance has been altered by destructive home testing." ], "unsafeForbiddenConclusions": [ "The consumer library never substitutes for professional authentication.", "No home-check result may be marketed as certified, genuine, real, or authentic." ], "escalationTrigger": "Escalate on any serious conflict, two independent supporting conflicts, suspected altered-genuine construction, valuable or rare item, Japanese legacy or uncatalogued card without an exact comparator, or unresolved sealed-product custody.", "primarySources": [ { "id": "pokemon-counterfeit-support", "url": "https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002068953-Did-I-purchase-fake-or-counterfeit-cards", "publisher": "The Pokemon Company International", "title": "Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?", "sourceType": "primary", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2026-05-26", "sourceDisclosure": null, "locatorId": "bright-light-and-expert", "location": "Article paragraphs 3-4", "passageSummary": "Official support says some counterfeits are easy to see through under bright light and recommends evaluation by a specialist card shop for suspected counterfeits.", "claimBoundary": "Supports transmitted light as a warning and expert escalation; it does not establish that opacity proves authenticity." } ], "independentSources": [ { "id": "cgc-altered-charizard", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/8890/fake-pokemon-charizard/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "CGC Trading Cards Encounters a Uniquely Deceptive Fake 1st Edition Base Set Charizard", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2021-02-12", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented altered-genuine case and escalation boundary.", "locatorId": "genuine-holo-altered-assembly", "location": "Article paragraphs describing the genuine Galaxy Star layer and transparent printed overlay", "passageSummary": "CGC documents a fake assembled from a genuine holographic card plus a printed transparent layer, with poor print, abnormal gloss, added height, and extreme thickness.", "claimBoundary": "A convincing genuine component cannot clear the whole card. Sophisticated altered-genuine cases require professional tools and review." }, { "id": "cgc-illustrator", "url": "https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11934/", "publisher": "CGC Cards", "title": "Counterfeit Card Alert: Pokemon Illustrator", "sourceType": "independent", "observedAt": "2026-08-10", "publishedOrUpdatedAt": "2023-08-10", "sourceDisclosure": "Professional grading service with commercial interests; used for a documented exact-card comparison and professional-tool boundary.", "locatorId": "font-symbol-crop-foil-detail", "location": "Article body comparing the counterfeit and genuine Illustrator", "passageSummary": "CGC documents different font size, set-symbol size, letter spacing, duller color, different holo pattern, lower artwork placement, and reduced print detail.", "claimBoundary": "Supports exact-printing comparison. Infrared and ultraviolet conclusions belong to professional examination and are not converted into home tests." } ], "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10" } ] }